Wat Hin Lat

Ko Samui


Near the waterfalls of the same name, this temple houses two beautiful white Buddha statues surrounded by naga (snake god) heads – one overlooking the river. Deep in the forest, daily vipassana meditation courses are taught here but the temple is often surrounded by aggressive dogs that bite. If you plan to visit, approach via the Nam Tok Hin Lat waterfall car park and seek advice from local staff who can arrange for temple staff to meet you.

Walking up to the temple alone is not advisable.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ko Samui attractions

1. Nam Tok Hin Lat

0.33 MILES

Near the wát þàh (forest temple) of the same name, this waterfall is reached after a mildly strenuous 30-minute hike over streams and boulders. The reward…

2. Coconut Museum

0.94 MILES

This tiny museum is a nod to Ko Samui's history as one of Thailand's premiere coconut supplying islands. As well as the chance to become educated on Samui…

3. Wat Chaeng

1.65 MILES

Saffron-robed monks shuffle around quietly in this peaceful wát, where a huge seated golden Buddha in front of the wheel of dharma is amongst the standout…

4. Hat Na Thon

1.75 MILES

When the tide is out, it's fun picking your way along the sand flats around Na Thon, especially south of the scrawnier beach near the pier. These really…

5. Hainan Temple

1.76 MILES

Fronted by a pair of golden Chinese lions and adorned with bright coiling dragons, this is probably the most colourful Chinese temple (and guildhall) on…

6. St Anna Catholic Church

2.06 MILES

This small green-tiled church north of Na Thon is an interesting Catholic outpost on the island. Visitors can simply push down the latch and let…

7. View Top

2.16 MILES

For the best views over the island, take your scooter up to the View Top near the Mae Nam Viewpoint. There are some pretty steep switchbacks, but you'll…

8. Tan Rua Waterfall

2.5 MILES

A short walk up dilapidated wooden steps and past the Mae Nam Viewpoint is this lovely waterfall, spilling down through tendrils of green foliage…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "thailand/na-thon-the-west/attractions/wat-hin-lat/a/poi-sig/1082284/1342058",
      "destination": "Ko-Samui",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Thailand",
      "region": "Ko-Samui",
      "position": "superzone"
    }