Sila Ngu Temple on Koh Samui island is located on the seashore, between the settlements of Lamai and Hua Thanon. It is a very young temple - so young that it is not even completely finished yet.
All the more interesting is the chance to see how the history of religious construction in Thailand is being made right now. Surprisingly, the architectural traditions have hardly changed over the centuries.
The first thing that catches your eye is the terracotta color of the temple. It was even given the temporary nickname "Red Temple" because the temple simply has not yet been gilded or painted in the bright cheerful colors that cheerful Thais love so much.
Both outside and inside, the temple is richly decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs, and there is almost no empty space. The bas-reliefs depict various scenes from mythology. In the main hall, as expected, there is a statue of Buddha.
On the temple grounds there is a golden stupa that houses a particle of Buddha's relics. There is also a spirit tree here, wrapped in ribbons and covered with various figurines. Not far from the temple there is a viewpoint offering a wonderful view of the Hua Thanon coast.
The staircase leading down from the temple to the coast is decorated (or guarded) by Naga snakes resembling cobras, or conversely, cobras reminiscent of the mythical Naga. On either side of the steps you can see a small Buddhist cemetery.
