Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden)
Tambon Na Mueang, Ko Samui, Surat Thani, THA
Deep in Koh Samui’s jungle-clad hills is the Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden), where a waterfall tumbles past stone sculptures of the Buddha. The oasis was created by local durian farmer Nim Thongsuk, whose tomb sits among the carvings of Buddhist spirits, musicians, and animals.
As the road to the garden is only accessible by 4WD or trail bike, its easiest to visit the garden on a 4WD tour of Samui’s interior. These tours usually cover the nearby Na Muang Waterfall and Wat Khunaram, a temple that houses Samui’s famed Mummified Monk. Plus, as there’s no signage in the garden, exploring with a guide allows you to learn about the symbolism of the statues.
There’s a small entrance fee to visit the garden, which is payable in cash on arrival.
As the Secret Buddha Garden (Magic Garden) is not a temple, dress codes do not apply.
Though kids are sure to love Secret Buddha Garden’s jungle feel, opt for back carriers or slings rather than a stroller.
Due to its uneven terrain and remote location, Secret Buddha Garden is not wheelchair-accessible.
The Secret Buddha Garden is in central Koh Samui, a 13-mile (21-kilometer) drive southwest of Chaweng. It’s one mile (1.5 kilometers) from the Na Muang Waterfall as the crow flies, but takes around 20 minutes to reach by the uneven dirt track that leads to it.
The Secret Buddha Garden is open seven days a week from morning until sunset. It’s rarely crowded so plan your schedule around other attractions.
Secret Buddha Garden isn’t the only weird and wonderful Buddhist attraction on Koh Samui. Highlights include Wat Khunaram, which preserves the body of a former abbot who died in 1973, still wearing his sunglasses; Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), home to a 12-meter (40-foot Buddha); and Wat Plai Laem, with a giant 18-armed goddess overlooking an artificial lake.
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