One of the oldest temples on Samui is Samret Temple, which is located not far from Lamai Beach in the southern part of the island. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this pearl of Thailand: the temple is rarely included in tourist routes, so you will have to improvise a little.
There are few tourists in the temple complex and, accordingly, almost no souvenir shops or other infrastructure related to the entertainment industry.
At the entrance to the grounds, you will see an elegant arch decorated with stucco featuring images of Buddha, in a blue-and-gold palette. On the sides stand sculptures of a lion and a lioness.
The fact that the temple is old is slightly noticeable, and it is unknown when restoration work was carried out here or whether it was done at all. But even now, this place delights the eye with its bright colors, paintings, sculptures, and bas-reliefs.
The main attraction of the temple is a Buddha statue carved from a single piece of marble, and possibly the oldest in Thailand. Its age is estimated at about 1000 years. Considering that marble is a rather unconventional material for the Thais, it is striking how skillfully the sculpture was made.
There is also a "secret Buddha room" here, which is difficult, but possible, to enter if you ask the caretaker nicely and politely. The room contains several dozen unique Buddha statues.
