Wat Laem Pho

Wat Laem Pho or Wat Phrahon Laem Pho is a hundred years old temple situated on the island of Ko Yo. Coming up on the bridge to Ko Yo, you will see a large reclining Buddha standing out in all its glory at the destination.

Beautiful and peaceful, it is indeed a nice place to visit. With its serene atmosphere, Wat Laem Pho is a great place to relax your mind and enjoy the view.

Wat Laem Pho location

Wat Laem Pho is just a short ride from Hat Yai City, located on a small island in Mueang Songkhla, Songkhla Province. The island, called Ko Yo is famous for its cotton-weaving industry and has a wonderful rural vibe. In its villages, life feels much slower and laid back compared to the urban pace. 

Sitting in the middle of Songkhla Lake, the island is connected to the mainland by two long bridges. The colossal gold painted representation of Sakyamuni, also known as Buddha before he entered Nirvana, is highly photogenic. The temple does not have an entrance fee.

The golden Buddha statue is around 25 meters in height (Source: Trip Advisor)

How to get to Wat Laem Pho

To get to Wat Phrahon Laem Pho, tourists can get there on a plane to get to Hat Yai Airport. Afterwards, get on the bus or book a cab, taxi or tuk tuk to arrive at Koh Yo island. 

The temple takes about 30 minutes of driving from Hat Yai City to reach it. After the ride from Hat Yai, you'll see the golden Buddha the moment you arrive on Ko Yo.

A brief overview of Wat Laem Pho

Wat Laem Pho is a temple situated on Ko Yo Island and an ancient place of worship. Dating back over 200 years to the Rattanakosin era, it has a royal art style from the reign of King Rama III. It has been officially recognized as a historical site by the Fine Arts Department.

Most renowned for the reclining Buddha statue called "Sukhothai Buddha", it signifies divine grace and internal beauty. This reclining Golden Buddha is approximately 25 meters in height and was built next to a riverside. The impressive statue can be seen lying on the right hand, facing outward. 

The reclining Buddha is called Sukhothai Buddha (Source: Chiangmai City Life)

In addition to this awe-inspiring statue, visitors can explore the Phra Phrom Pavilion, Guan Yin shrine, and other captivating Buddha images within the temple grounds. 

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Wat Laem Pho Architectural Highlights 

Among the historical sites in the temple is the Ubosot, also known as the ordination hall. There is a balcony with wings covered with terracotta tiles adorned with Chor Fa, raka leaves, and swan tails that connecting the one-story roof. 

Thailand Ubosot are always decorated intricately (Source: Flickr)

Under the feet of the golden Buddha statue, there are patterns depicting 108 auspicious things. In the temple, tourists can also check out the Phra Phrom Pavilion, Guan Yin, etc.

The Ubosot, a masterpiece of royal architecture from the reign of King Rama III, is undoubtedly the highlight of the temple. This unique structure features a surrounding balcony and a single-story roof adorned with intricate terracotta tiles embellished with floral details. 

Patterns depicting 108 auspicious things under the Buddha’s feet (Source: Photo Dharma)

The temple's grandeur is further enhanced by its stunning artwork, including an Indra riding an Erawan elephant on the front gable and Lord Narayana on Garuda at the back. Exquisite statues of Thep Phanom amidst floral patterns grace the windows and openings. Thai people deem this one of Songkhla Province's most significant tourism destinations. 

Thai people decorate their temples with great details (Source: Private Tour)

The best time to visit Wat Laem Pho

You can visit Wat Laem Pho around the year, in whatever season you prefer. Though, the dry season lasting from November to April would be the most ideal, because of the favorable climate and nice weather. 

Wat Laem Pho is open every day from 6 am - 6 pm, and it is closed on holidays. Visitors returning from their trip to Wat Laem Pho said that it was hot and sunny in the attraction, hence, it’d be wise to use sunblock or bring an umbrella.

What to do at Wat Laem Pho

Wat Laem Pho is an ideal destination for those who love Buddhism and are eager to find inner peace inside their souls. Coming to Wat Laem Pho, one could seek to admire the Reclining Buddha, enjoy the serene atmosphere or immerse in the natural scenery of Ko Yo island, Songkhla.

The natural scenery of Ko Yo island in Songkhla Province (Source: Thailand Construction) 

Sightsee and Admire the Buddha statue

Coming to Koh Yo island and visiting the temple, tourists definitely can not miss the magnificent golden Buddha, the destination’s centerpiece, recumbent in eternal peace. Its immense scale and serene posture invite visitors to find inner calm inside themselves. 

Witnessing firsthand the reclining Buddha statue and experiencing its majesty, tourists returning home all praised the beautiful scenery and the peaceful air that engulfed them during their visits. The colossal size and prime location exude a sense of tranquility and peace to visitors.

The details of the statue are complex (Source: Photo Dharma)

Explore the temple

A different attraction from the golden Buddha statue, the numerous halls and the unique architecture of the temple is also a unique feat of the destination. 

Officially recognized by the historical Fine Arts Department, this 200-year-old place of worship, dating back to the Rattanakosin era, has a royal art style in the reign of King Rama III.

For Buddhists, you can pray with a joss stick available for a small fee. Tourists can go sightseeing and appreciate the intricate details in the design of Wat Phranon Laem Pho, from the ordination hall Ubosot to the stucco artworks. Paying respect to the Phra Phrom Pavilion and Guan Yin are also things tourists can experience, coming to this place. 

The green scenery in the temple is very relaxing (Source: Love Heaven)

Relax in the calming peace 

Unlike the bustling temples of Bangkok, Wat Laem Pho offers a serene environment, perfect for seeking solitude and reflection. Visitors can find a peaceful spot to meditate or maybe read a book. Or simply just take a deep breath, feel the clean air fill up your lungs and enjoy the freshness.

Situated on the coast, the temple is embraced by nature's beauty, especially in the moments of sunrise and sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant colorful hues, visitors can live in the serenity of the moment, let their mind drift and relax in the beautiful lighting of the sky.

The atmosphere of the temple is very serene and calming (Source: Love Heaven)

Explore Koh Yo Island 

Apart from the impressive temple, tourists have the option to discover beautiful beaches, savor delicious seafood, and learn about the local culture of Songkhla. As Koh Yo is surrounded by water, the seafood is incredibly fresh and of high quality.

On Koh Yo island, a world away from the bustling city, Wat Laem Pho offers not only a sanctuary of tranquility, where one can escape the noise and find solace, but also a variety of attractions for tourists eager to explore. 

Visitors can take some pictures for memories. Individuals with a knack for fruits can enjoy exotic fruits such as durians. They can be bought and eaten directly after purchase.  

Tourists can enjoy fresh durian in Ko Yo island (Source: Guide Michelin)

Accommodation 

Regarding accommodations, there are several hotels near Wat Laem Pho, Thailand. A wide variety of accommodations, from resorts to homestays, are provided. After a quick look around the area, tourists can contact Koh Chang Resort, Payi Resort, APK Resort, or Hay Homestay for a place to stay on their vacations. 

Near the attraction, there are also cafes and lounges around the corner. For instance, the small, delightful cafe called 14Cafe near the temple. Nicely decorated with delicious little cakes for foreign visitors. The owner of the place is very helpful and friendly.

Ao Thai resort in Songkhla, Thailand (Source: Sky Scanner)

Conclusion

Wat Laem Pho is the ideal destination for those who love Buddhist culture and are seeking a relaxing destination to connect with their inner peace. With its unique architecture and peaceful atmosphere, this temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in Thai culture and religion. 

If you have the opportunity to visit Southern Thailand, don't miss the chance to visit this beautiful temple and take a look at the majestic Reclining Buddha! 

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