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- Wat Khunaram In Koh Samui - Ancient Spiritual Beauty
Wat Khunaram in Koh Samui - Ancient Spiritual Beauty
Koh Samui is a competitor of sorts to Phuket. The second-largest island in Thailand features all the wonderful vistas, thrilling activities, and memorable attractions one would expect from an island paradise. Koh Samui is more serene and tranquil than Phuket, which is nearly always crowded and bursting with nightlife. With its elite vibe, it provides the greatest beachgoing experiences, but it also never lacks outstanding attractions. Bophut Beach, Ang Thong National Marine Park, Blue Lagoon, Pha Chan Charat Nature Path, Chaweng Beach, and Namtok Hin Lat are the must-see locations for tourists. Also, it has several notable cultural events and diving locations.
In addition to swimming and water sports, Koh Samui attracts visitors for cookery lessons and Muay Thai competitions. Koh Samui can be reached by taking a train at midnight from Bangkok to Surat Thani Town, and then taking a boat from Donsak to any of the island's docks. Nonetheless, the island also possesses Samui International Airport, which serves as a gateway for visitors from important places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Phnom Penh. We highly recommend you add Koh Samui to your itinerary as it has many many attractions one would not want to miss. Do visit this place on your Koh Samui tour package or Thailand tour package. Here, we took a look at one of the best attractions in Koh Samui - “ Wat Khunaram ”.
Know More About Wat Khunaram
Wat Khunaram is a Buddhist temple located in the heart of Koh Samui, Thailand. It is regarded as one of the best places to visit in Koh Samui. It is best known for its mummified monk, Luang Pho Daeng, who is seated in a meditative position inside a glass case. Luang Pho Daeng passed away in 1973, and his body has remained miraculously preserved ever since. Wat Khunaram is not only a popular tourist destination, but it is also a working Buddhist temple. Visitors are welcome to explore the temple grounds and pay their respects to Luang Pho Daeng. However, it is important to be respectful of the temple and its visitors. Let’s talk a little more about Luang Pho Daeng now - Luang Pho Daeng was born in 1899 on the island of Koh Samui. He went on to be a Buddhist monk at the age of 20 and spent the rest of his life studying and practising Buddhism. He was a highly respected monk and was highly regarded for his wisdom and compassion. In the early 1970s, Luang Pho Daeng began to prepare for his death. His disciples were instructed to build a glass case and to seat him in a meditative position inside the case when he passed away. Luang Pho Daeng then entered a state of deep meditation and passed away peacefully on May 15, 1973. After Luang Pho Daeng passed away, his disciples placed his body in the glass case as he had instructed. They then began to pray and chant for nine days. On the ninth day, they opened the glass case to find that Luang Pho Daeng's body had been miraculously preserved. Luang Pho Daeng's body has remained is the same state ever since. His skin is still soft and his hair is still growing! Scientists have been unable to explain how Luang Pho Daeng's body has remained so well preserved. Some believe that it is due to his deep meditation practice, while others believe that it is a miracle. Whatever the case might be - Luang Pho Daeng's mummification is a significant event in Buddhist history. It is a reminder that the body is impermanent and that the mind is eternal. Luang Pho Daeng's mummification is also a testament to the power of meditation.
Suggested Read: Best Temples in Thailand
Best Time to Visit Wat Khunaram
The best time to visit Wat Khanuram is during the cool season, which runs from November to February. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The skies are also clear and sunny, making it ideal for sightseeing and photography.
If you are planning to visit Wat Khanuram during the hot season, which runs from March to May, be sure to dress lightly and drink plenty of water. The weather can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. It is also important to avoid visiting during the rainy season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rains and thunderstorms.
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How to Reach Wat Khunaram
Wat Khunaram is located in the Na Muang district of Koh Samui. It is about a 15-minute drive from Chaweng Beach and a 20-minute drive from Lamai Beach. The temple is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
Places to Visit Near Wat Khunaram
1. Fisherman’s village
2. Mu Ko Ang National Park
3. Big Buddha Temple
4. Samui Elephant Sanctuary
5. Wat Plai Laem
Must Read: Best Travel Tips to Thailand
In addition to seeing the mummified monk, visitors can explore the temple grounds and see the Buddha statues, the chedi (stupa), and the bell tower. Visitors can also meditate at Wat Khunaram or join one of the daily meditation sessions. With so much on offer, tourists should not miss out on including this attraction in their Koh Samui package.
It is important to dress respectfully when visiting Wat Khunaram. This means covering your shoulders and knees. It is also important to be quiet and respectful of the temple and its visitors. Visitors should also take off their shoes when entering the temple grounds.
Wat Khunaram is a good place to visit with children, but it is important to teach them to be respectful of the temple and its visitors. Children should also be supervised when they are near the mummified monk. This makes this holy place one of the best things to do in Koh Samui.
Yes, it is allowed to take photos of the mummified monk but be careful not to disturb the monks or other visitors. You should also avoid using flash photography, as this can damage the mummified monk's body.
Yes, there are a number of other temples in Koh Samui that are worth visiting. Here are a few suggestions:
- Wat Plai Laem: This temple is known for its large golden Buddha statue and its beautiful views of the Gulf of Thailand.
- Wat Sila Ngu: This temple is located on a small island just off the coast of Koh Samui. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and its stunning views of the surrounding islands.
- Wat Chedi: This temple is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the island. It is also known for its large white chedi (stupa).
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