Temple of the Big Buddha & Monkey Demonstration

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Your half-day excursion begins at Nathorn Pier where you'll board your motorcoach and take a scenic drive to Temple of the Big Buddha. En route, you'll see a lush landscape of rubber tree orchards and a number of coconut plantations, dotted with small villages.

Temple of the Big Buddha is located on the small, rocky Fan Island. This wat or temple has become a major meditation center for both local residents and foreign visitors. Erected in 1972, the temple's centerpiece is a massive seated Buddha that stands 39-feet high. You'll have time to browse the local gift stalls before continuing on to Wat Plai Laem. Once part of the Temple of the Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem is home to a superb statue of Kwan Yin or "Guanjin," the 18-armed Buddhist avatar of Mercy.

Next, drive to a local venue where you'll see a demonstration of how monkeys are utilized in the agricultural production on the island. For centuries, monkeys have been trained to harvest the ripe fruit in Samui's coconut plantations. Here, you'll be shown how the agile monkeys are able to quickly climb the tall, slender trunks of the coconut palms to pluck the coconuts for their handlers. Bring your video camera for some great shots. Afterward the show, you'll re-board the motorcoach for your return route back to the port and your cruise ship.

Special Notes:

Passengers at Big Buddha Temple and the Plai Laem Temple are required to climb a number of stairs.

Wear conservative attire when visiting sacred sites. Clothing must cover the shoulders, arms and knees. Footwear must be removed before entering temple halls.