Wat Ratchathammaram (Wat Sila Ngu) - Image 1
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Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple Bangkok

4.6
·2k reviews·ตำบล บ่อผุด, Thailand

A stunning red terracotta temple on Koh Samui, adorned with intricate carvings and offering peaceful seaside views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Quiet and serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Wat Ratchathammaram (Wat Sila Ngu) - Image 1

Wat Ratchathammaram Red Temple Bangkok

Best Time

Early mornings

Quiet and serene atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning red terracotta temple on Koh Samui, adorned with intricate carvings and offering peaceful seaside views.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"The red sandstone style makes it almost look like a piece of art. It’s definitely worth visiting."

Vertical photo
TIP

👗 Respectful Attire

Cover shoulders & knees. Robes available if needed. :dress:

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Mornings

Visit early for a quiet, spiritual experience. :sunrise:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Striking Red Terracotta Exterior

Striking Red Terracotta Exterior

Temple facade

The temple's unique red sandstone exterior, adorned with intricate carvings, is a breathtaking sight.

Detailed Buddhist Storytelling

Detailed Buddhist Storytelling

Temple walls and interior

Marvel at the detailed sculptures and statues depicting Buddhist tales, showcasing incredible artistry.

Peaceful Seaside Ambiance

Peaceful Seaside Ambiance

Temple grounds near the sea

Enjoy the calming sea breeze and mesmerizing ocean views from the temple's cliffside location.

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Planning Your Visit

Dress Code Matters

Remember to dress respectfully when visiting Wat Ratchathammaram. Shoulders and knees should be covered. If you arrive unprepared, robes are usually available to borrow.

Beat the Crowds

For a more serene experience, aim for an early morning visit. This temple is less crowded than major attractions, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and photos.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Quiet and serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on red walls
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bangkok Wat Arun Temple 🛕😍❤️ #riyabhattacharyya09
riyabhattacharyya09
64.3K likes • 2.3M views

👗 Respectful Attire

Cover shoulders & knees. Robes available if needed. :dress: Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Mornings

Visit early for a quiet, spiritual experience. :sunrise: Reddit

🌟🐉 WOW! Visiting the Dragon Temple Tower – officially known as Wat Samphran – in Bangkok was an unforgettable experience! 😍✨ 🔥 This place is not only stunning but full of deep cultural meaning. 🏯✨ 📍 Wat Samphran is best known for its 17-story red tower, wrapped by a massive dragon. 🐲 🏛 It’s more than just amazing architecture – in Buddhism, the dragon 🐲 represents strength, protection, and wisd...
topcoachvip
9.5K likes • 30.9K views
Wat Arun Temple🛕 ❤️ . . . . . #kovai360 #reelstamil #reels #tamilreels #tamil #instagram #nellai360 #instatamil #reelsinstagram #tamilprank #couple #couplereels #wataruntemple #bangkok
_kovai360
48.1K likes • 1M views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the unique red architecture and intricate carvings. :camerawithflash: Instagram

🌊 Seaside Serenity

Enjoy the calming ocean views from the temple grounds. :ocean: Reddit

✨🙏 माँ दुर्गा के जयकारों से गूंज उठा है कल्याणपुर, मुँगेर का अरुण मंदिर पंडाल 🙏✨ 🎥 @yashphotography05 🌸 दुर्गा पूजा 2025 पर इस बार का पंडाल है कुछ खास – ✨ बिहार का सबसे खूबसूरत पंडाल – वाट अरुण मंदिर पंडाल ✨ जो कि Bangkok के प्रसिद्ध Wat Arun Temple की झलक दिखा रहा है। 📍 स्थान – अरुण मंदिर पंडाल, कल्याणपुर, मुँगेर 🌼 जय माँ दुर्गा 🌼
mungercentral
2.2K likes • 37.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👗 Respectful Attire

Cover shoulders & knees. Robes available if needed. :dress: Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Mornings

Visit early for a quiet, spiritual experience. :sunrise: Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the unique red architecture and intricate carvings. :camerawithflash: Instagram

🌊 Seaside Serenity

Enjoy the calming ocean views from the temple grounds. :ocean: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Wat Ratchathammaram's unique red terracotta architecture and intricate carvings, calling it a must-visit for its spiritual and calming atmosphere. The peaceful seaside location and lack of crowds are frequently praised, making it a serene escape. Some note the importance of adhering to the dress code.

"Beautiful temple - about 30 mins from the airport. They provide you with covering if you’re wearing shorts/tank/etc. Very quiet and empty if you in the morning :)

Note - across the street is the base of the mountain to get up to Overlook Stone 1 and 2. There’s a shuttle that takes you up/down both spots. We only went to Overlook Stone 2 and that has an entrance fee of 200 THB"

Sarah Park

"Wat Ratchathammaram, also known as the Red Temple or Wat Sila Ngu, is one of the most beautiful and distinctive temples in Koh Samui. The red sandstone carvings are incredibly detailed, telling Buddhist stories through art. It’s smaller and quieter than other temples, which makes the atmosphere calm and spiritual. The location on the cliff offers stunning sea views and a gentle breeze. A lovely place to stop for reflection, photos, and a moment of peace."

shay yakobi

"Must visit. Felt a calming energy here. The red carvings inside and out takes your breath away. As you walk in, you will find a sea shore, where you can just and get sunked in the mesmerising view. Be mindful of wearing suitable clothing and just in case yiu reach here impromptu like I did, there are robes in the temple to wear."

trapti moonat

What People Like

Unique red architecture
Intricate carvings
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Dress code adherence needed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wat Ratchathammaram, also known as the Red Temple, is located in Koh Samui, not Bangkok. To reach it, you can take a taxi or a scooter from your accommodation on the island. Many visitors combine a visit with other Koh Samui attractions. Reddit

Yes, the temple is accessible by road. Taxis and rental scooters are common ways to get there. The location on a cliff offers beautiful views. Reddit

Renting a scooter offers flexibility for exploring temples like Wat Ratchathammaram. Taxis are also readily available, though can be more expensive. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically no entrance fee for Wat Ratchathammaram, making it a free attraction. However, donations are appreciated to help with its upkeep. Reddit

The temple is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to appreciate the architecture and views. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during its operating hours. Reddit

The main restriction is the dress code. Visitors must dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire exterior with its red carvings is highly photogenic. The seaside views from the temple grounds also offer stunning backdrops. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally allowed within the temple grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography. Reddit

Late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour light on the red walls, while early mornings provide softer light and fewer crowds. Reddit

🎫 🧘 Onsite Experience

The temple is known for its calm, spiritual, and peaceful atmosphere, offering a serene escape. Reddit+1

You should wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. If you forget, robes are usually provided. Reddit

Compared to more famous temples, Wat Ratchathammaram is generally less crowded, especially if you visit in the morning. Reddit

Its striking red terracotta color and intricate sandstone carvings depicting Buddhist stories set it apart from gold-decorated temples. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wat Ratchathammaram offers a visually engaging experience for families. The striking red color and detailed carvings of mythical creatures can capture children's imaginations. It's a great opportunity to introduce them to Buddhist art and stories in a less overwhelming setting than larger temples. The peaceful atmosphere also means kids can explore without excessive noise. Remember to ensure everyone adheres to the dress code to avoid any issues. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Wat Ratchathammaram is a dream. The unique red sandstone architecture provides a distinct palette and texture not found in many other temples. Focus on capturing the intricate details of the carvings, the overall facade, and the interplay of light and shadow, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. The seaside backdrop also offers opportunities for stunning landscape shots. InstagramReddit

🧘 Spiritual Seekers

This temple is a haven for those seeking a peaceful and spiritual experience. Its calm ambiance, quiet grounds, and beautiful sea views create an ideal environment for meditation and reflection. The intricate Buddhist artwork also serves as a focal point for contemplation. It's a place to connect with a sense of serenity away from the usual tourist hustle. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Red Architecture

Wat Ratchathammaram, often called the Red Temple or Wat Sila Ngu, is renowned for its distinctive terracotta-hued exterior. Unlike many Thai temples that gleam with gold, this temple stands out with its vibrant red sandstone. The entire facade is intricately decorated with detailed sculptures and carvings that tell stories from Buddhist mythology. This unique architectural style creates a warm and visually striking presence, especially when bathed in sunlight. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the artistry and devotion evident in the carvings. These aren't just decorative elements; they are narrative pieces that offer a glimpse into Buddhist teachings and culture. The sheer detail in each sculpture, from sea monsters to warriors, is a testament to the craftsmanship involved in its creation and preservation. Reddit

The red sandstone itself contributes significantly to the temple's atmosphere, giving it a grounded yet vibrant feel. It's a stark contrast to the typical bright colors found elsewhere, making Wat Ratchathammaram a memorable and visually arresting landmark on Koh Samui. Reddit

A Place for Reflection and Peace

Beyond its visual appeal, Wat Ratchathammaram is celebrated for its calming and spiritual ambiance. Many visitors report feeling a sense of peace and tranquility upon entering the temple grounds. This is partly due to its location, often described as being on a cliff overlooking the sea, which provides a serene backdrop and a gentle sea breeze. Reddit

The temple is generally less crowded than more prominent tourist spots, allowing for a more personal and reflective experience. This quietude makes it an ideal place to pause, meditate, or simply soak in the spiritual energy of the surroundings. The combination of the unique architecture and the peaceful environment makes it a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. Reddit

Travelers often highlight the mesmerizing sea views available from the temple. This natural beauty complements the spiritual atmosphere, offering a holistic experience that soothes both the mind and the soul. It’s a place where one can truly disconnect and find a moment of stillness. Reddit

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