Wat Phra Yai, Buddhist temple in Bo Phut, Thailand
Wat Phra Yai is a Buddhist temple on the small island of Ko Phan, featuring a 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue positioned at the top of a wide staircase flanked by dragon sculptures. The complex includes various buildings with traditional Thai architecture spread across the grounds.
Construction was completed in 1972, establishing a new religious landmark on this small island near Ko Samui. It has since become an important place of worship and pilgrimage for local communities and visitors.
Monks gather here each morning for prayers while visitors and locals leave offerings of fruit, flowers, and incense to show respect. This daily ritual shapes how the place is experienced by those who pass through.
Visitors should remove shoes before entering the temple grounds and wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees out of respect. It helps to visit in early morning when the weather is cooler and the atmosphere feels calmer.
The temple houses bronze bells that visitors can ring using wooden mallets, with each ring sending sound across the gulf. Many people make wishes or express gratitude when they ring these bells during their visit.
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