The Wat Plai Laem is a mixture of Thai and Chinese art and the beliefs of the people from these countries. The temple is still relatively young, but old motifs and traditional techniques were used to build it. The three main attractions are the laughing Buddha, a ceremonial house and the 18-armed statue of the goddess Guan Yin.
Wat Plai Laem is located in the northeast of Koh Samui. You could also call it the neighbor of the Big Buddha because it is practically right around the corner. The temple complex is large and also houses a school. Much of the temple complex lies on a lake that is home to many fish. You can feed the fish. For ten baht you can get fish food at the temple, which the animals are happy about. When the food is distributed, something is really going on in the lake.
There are three bridges in total, each leading to a platform on the lake. The paths to the platforms alone are impressive and decorated with statues and paintings.
On the far left, the bridge leads to the laughing Buddha. The large Buddha figure is mostly kept in white. In addition to the oversized Buddha, other creatures from Chinese mythology can also be found on the first platform.
The ceremonial house is on the second and middle platforms floating on the lake. There are colorful paintings from the Buddhist faith everywhere. Not only on the walls, but also under the ceiling. Almost like Michelangelo.
The centerpiece of Wat Plai Laem is the statue of the goddess Guan Yin. With her 18 arms she sits on the third platform. Guan Yin is the goddess of mercy and compassion. Many believers pray to her and hope for healthy offspring. The 18 arms should show that she protects all living beings and that her help is all-encompassing and reaches worldwide.