The Secret Buddha Garden: Location, Timings, Things to Do & See

The Secret Buddha Garden, also called the Magic Garden, Heaven’s Garden, or Tarnim Magic Garden, is hidden high in the lush hills of Koh Samui.

It’s not a real temple, it’s a private sculpture park with stone statues, waterfalls, and tropical plants. The garden is a peaceful, magical place that sounds like nature all around it. There are statues covered in moss that peek out from behind the trees, and soft streams that flow through the rocks.

People come here to get away from the crowded beaches and see the quiet jungle heart of the island.

Pom Mountain (Khun Nim Peak) is one of Koh Samui’s highest points, and Secret Buddha Garden is on it. You can see green valleys and the whole island from this point. The way up is steep and winding, but the prize is worth it. One man’s dedication and creativity brought together nature, spirituality, and art in a perfect way.This garden, which is calm, spiritual, and full of quiet beauty, is said by many travellers to capture the hidden soul of Koh Samui.

History of The Secret Buddha Garden

Khun Nim Thongsuk, a local durian farmer, spent his whole life building the Secret Buddha Garden. He started working on the garden in 1976 when he was 77 years old. He made the statues himself for more than ten years. He kept adding to the garden until he died at the age of 91.It was his own spiritual retreat, a place to think about faith, family, and life.

There were statues of Buddha, animals, angels, musicians, and scenes from Thai mythology in Khun Nim’s garden. Some of the sculptures tell stories about Buddhist teachings, while others tell stories about local legends. There are also personal touches, like statues of his parents and one of him holding hands with his dad.Khun Nim’s own tomb is at the top of the site. It is a peaceful place to rest that looks out over the garden he made. Even though it isn’t a wat (temple), the site shows how deeply Buddhist beliefs and Thai art traditions are. As time went on, the garden became well-known to both locals and visitors. Today, it is a sign of one man’s faith, creativity, and hard work.

Location, Directions & Timings

The Secret Buddha Garden is on Pom Mountain, which is also called Khun Nim Peak, in Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. It’s deep in the jungle, far from the beach resorts and roads that go to the beach. This is one of the highest points on the island, and it has a cool breeze and great views.

Wat Khunaram is across the street from the garden, and Na Mueang Waterfall is close by. Its remote location makes it even more charming; visitors often feel like they’ve found a secret world.

Route 4169, which runs between Hua Thanon and Na Mueang, is the main road that leads to the Secret Buddha Garden. There will be signs near Wat Khunaram pointing the way to the entrance. From there, it’s a steep climb of about 5 kilometres up. The road goes through the jungle and is narrow in some places.

It’s not a good idea for new motorbike riders to try it because of the slope. The safest choice is a guided tour or a car with four-wheel drive. Taxis and private drivers also take people on day trips that include the garden.

The Secret Buddha Garden is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Try to go in the morning or late in the afternoon. The light is softer and the temperature is cooler at these times.

Wear good shoes to walk in the garden because it can be slippery after it rains. It costs about 80 to 100 THB per person to get in, which helps keep the site up.Kids under a certain age can get in for free.

Things to See and Do in the Secret Buddha Garden

• Walk around the statues: There are dozens of hand-carved statues in the garden, and each one has a story to tell. There will be statues of Buddha, angels, animals, and other mythical creatures all over the place. Some people are meditating, while others are playing music or talking quietly. Each sculpture looks like it grew in the jungle over hundreds of years.
• Go to Khun Nim’s Tomb: The tomb of Khun Nim Thongsuk is a short walk from the main statue area. It’s a simple stone building with trees around it and no noise. A lot of people stop here to pay their respects or to take a moment to be thankful. You can feel how much he loves and cares about the garden he built when you stand there.
• Find the Angel Statues: One of the most well-known parts has angelic figures with calm faces. They stand for divine beings who guard the spiritual realm.
• There are tall trees and soft birdsong all around this area, which makes it peaceful. The angels are set up like they are welcoming people into a holy space.
• The Statues of Musicians: You can see a group of stone musicians with instruments nearby. These statues are a tribute to happiness, creativity, and peace.
• A lot of people who come here say this part of the garden is bright and happy. It reminds us that spirituality includes art and happiness too.
• The Streams and Waterfalls: There is a sound of running water all over the garden. There are small streams and waterfalls that flow through the stones and sculptures. These natural things make the area feel alive and new. People often sit by the water to think and relax. It’s also a great place to take quiet pictures.
• Walk through the jungle and see the sights: The paths go through thick jungle and sometimes open up to views of the mountains. The combination of shade, sunlight, and plants makes the space feel calm. You can see parts of Koh Samui’s coastline from higher up. It has everything a photographer could want, from nature to culture.
• Think or meditate: Secret Buddha Garden is a spiritual place, even though it is a tourist attraction. Find a quiet place, sit down, and listen to the water for a few minutes. A lot of people who come here say they feel calm and thankful. It’s great for meditating, praying, or just taking it easy.
• Taking pictures: This garden is one of the most beautiful places to take pictures in Koh Samui. Each path has its own textures, like stone, water, leaves, and light. The lighting changes throughout the day because of the thick jungle. The best warm glow comes in the early morning and late afternoon. Don’t climb on or touch the statues to take pictures.
• Take in the peace: The Secret Buddha Garden is all about peace and balance. There are no loud noises or rushes, just the sounds of birds, trees, and soft water. It’s one of those rare places where you can really get away from it all. You will feel lighter, calmer, and more connected to nature when you leave.

Tips before you visit the Secret Buddha Garden

• Wear Light, modest clothes are best. Out of respect, cover your knees and shoulders.
• Make sure they have a good grip. The paths can be rough or slippery.
• Bring water because the climb and the heat can make you thirsty quickly.
• Respect the statues and don’t sit or climb on them when you’re taking pictures.
• The best times to go are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the air is cooler.
• If you’re not sure about the steep road, use a 4×4 car or a guided tour.
• Bring some Thai baht in cash for tickets or donations.
• Mosquitoes are common in the jungle.
• It’s not a church, but it’s still a holy place. Talk softly and be aware of your actions.

FAQs on the Secret Buddha Garden