Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), Koh Samui

The Big Buddha, properly Wat Phra Yai, sits on the small island of Koh Faan off Samui's north-east corner, joined to the main island by a short causeway. The statue is roughly twelve metres tall and shows the Buddha seated in the Mara posture - the moment of enlightenment, right hand touching the earth. Finished in the early 1970s, it is visible from the air as flights come in to Samui Airport, and from the water on the approach to Bangrak.

A naga staircase climbs from the car park to the terrace at the statue's feet, and the terrace is the reason many visitors stay longer than they planned: it looks north across the channel toward Koh Phangan. The lower level holds a small parade of shops and shrines. It is an active temple rather than a monument, so shoulders and knees should be covered and shoes come off before entering the buildings.

Bangrak Pier, immediately below the temple, is one of Samui's working ferry piers - several Koh Phangan and Koh Tao services use it - so the Big Buddha is often the first thing arriving passengers see.