Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is a temple located on the island of Samui. Known to locals as Wat Plai Laem, it is situated on a picturesque man-made lake. The majority of the architecture reflects a blend of traditional Thai style with the rich Chinese heritage of Samoa. The main statue, a giant 18-armed white Guanyin, is the goddess of mercy and compassion. Guanyin also originates from ancient China, and is another sign of how the influence of Chinese Buddhism has spread across many areas of Southeast Asia. At first glance at the statue, you might wonder why there are so many arms? Guanyin's 18 arms symbolize the ability to help many people around the world - it's multitasking, but on a much larger scale. Guanyin grants long-awaited children to women. Many hands, many eyes, sometimes even depicted with many heads, the 'Buddhist Madonna' There is a deep meaning here: so that you can see everyone who can help everyone.