Wat Khunaram is one of the most interesting and spiritually charged temples on Koh Samui, Thailand. It is in the middle of the island. Wat Khunaram is different from most wats because it has the mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng, a famous monk who died while meditating in 1973. People come from all over the world to see it. His body, which has stayed in great shape for decades after his death, is still on display in an upright glass case. This serves as a powerful reminder of Buddhist teachings on impermanence and enlightenment. People who live nearby don’t see Wat Khunaram as a creepy or morbid place; instead, they see it as a place to honour and think about things.
It gives you a taste of Thai Buddhist philosophy, which says that death is not the end but a change. For those who come to see it, the experience can be both humbling and thought-provoking. The peaceful temple grounds and the stillness of the mummified monk make this one of the island’s most spiritually important places. Wat Khunaram is easy to get to because it is on Koh Samui’s main ring road (Route 4169) between Na Muang and Hua Thanon. It is also often included in cultural and temple tours. Even though it is popular, it still has a quiet, genuine charm. Locals light incense, monks chant in the background, and a deep sense of peace fills the space.
History of Wat Khunaram
The life and legacy of Luang Pho Daeng, also known as Phra Kru Samathakittikhun, are closely linked to the story of Wat Khunaram. Luang Pho Daeng was born into a poor family on Koh Samui. He devoted his life to Buddhist practice, with a focus on meditation and spiritual discipline. In his later years, people respected him a lot for his wisdom and deep understanding of Dhamma, which are Buddhist teachings. Luang Pho Daeng died in 1973 while in a deep meditative state, the lotus position, which stood for the moment of peaceful transcendence. He told his followers that if his body started to rot, it should be cremated. But if it stayed intact, it should be kept as proof of the power of meditation and mindfulness. Everyone was shocked that his body showed little sign of decay even years later.
This unusual event led to Wat Khunaram’s most famous attraction, “the Mummified Monk.” His body was put in a glass case in a hall that was built just for him, and it was surrounded by gifts and religious items. Luang Pho Daeng has been a source of inspiration for many Thai Buddhists and foreign visitors over the years. He has made them think about how life is short and how important spiritual discipline is. Wat Khunaram is a small temple, but it has become a popular place for pilgrims to visit. Local monks still take care of the temple to make sure that Luang Pho Daeng’s teachings, which are based on simplicity, mindfulness, and moral integrity, live on for future generations.
Location, Directions & Timings
Wat Khunaram is on Route 4169, the main ring road that goes from Na Muang to Hua Thanon. It is about 13 kilometres southeast of Nathon, Koh Samui’s main port town, and 6 kilometres west of Lamai Beach, the island’s second-largest resort area.
It’s easy to get to Wat Khunaram because it’s right on the island’s main ring road. Most people come to the island by motorbike, rental car or as part of a guided tour. There will be clear signs showing you where to turn off for Wat Khunaram. You can park right outside the temple grounds, and you don’t have to pay to get in, but small donations are welcome.
The outer temple grounds of Wat Khunaram are open to visitors at any time of day, but the inner temple is only open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In the morning, there are fewer people and you can see monks doing their daily rituals.
Things to See and Do in the Wat Khunaram
- Look at the Mummified Monk: The preserved body of Luang Pho Daeng is in a glass case in the middle of the temple. He is sitting in the lotus position. He wears his traditional saffron robe and a pair of sunglasses, which were added later to protect his eyes and make the display less scary for people who come to see it. People from all over the world bring flowers, candles, and fruit to the case every day.
- Look around the Temple Grounds: The grounds of Wat Khunaram are peaceful and filled with traditional Thai buildings like golden stupas, spirit houses, and small prayer halls. The sound of birds, the smell of incense, and the monks chanting every now and then make for a peaceful spiritual atmosphere..
- Pray and do good deeds: People who come are welcome to bring incense, candles, and flowers as gifts. You may also contribute small donations in exchange for blessing amulets or prayer bracelets. Making merit is a big part of Thai Buddhism. People think it brings good karma, peace, and wealth.
- Get to know Thai Buddhist culture: Wat Khunaram gives you a better understanding of how Thai people practise their religion. Watch how people kneel in front of the shrine, bow three times, and light incense in silence. Visitors often find this experience grounding and thought-provoking. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the rhythm of Thai life outside of beaches and resorts.
- Go to the nearby local market: There are a few small stalls selling coconut drinks, Thai snacks, and souvenirs right outside the temple. There is also a local market nearby where you can buy fresh fruit and traditional Thai sweets. This is a great way to get a taste of the local culture after visiting the temple.
- Taking pictures: You can take pictures in the temple, but you should always be polite. Don’t use flash photography near the monk’s body, and make sure you’re dressed appropriately when you take pictures in holy places. The natural light that comes through the temple windows gives pictures a peaceful glow.
- Meditation and Quiet Thinking: Wat Khunaram is the perfect place for people who want to be alone and think. In the courtyard, you can sit quietly and listen to the sound of palm leaves rustling, monks chanting softly, and nature humming. This is a real moment of mindfulness in the middle of Koh Samui.
Tips before you visit the Wat Khunaram
- Like at all Thai temples, men and women should wear clothes that cover their knees and shoulders. Don’t wear short shorts or tops without sleeves.
- Before going into temple halls or other holy places, you should always take off your shoes.
- This is not just something for tourists to see
- Never touch offerings or statues of Buddha. Look from a distance.
- It’s polite to leave a small donation, even just 20 to 50 baht, to show your respect and help keep the temple clean.
- Don’t use flash photography, especially when taking pictures of the mummified monk or people praying nearby.
- It can get hot during the day, so bring water and wear sunscreen.
FAQs on Wat Khunaram
Luang Pho Daeng’s body was preserved naturally after he died while meditating in 1973. He told his followers that if his body stayed whole, it should be shown to remind people of how short life is and how powerful being mindful can be.
Yes. The body in the glass case is the real preserved remains of Luang Pho Daeng. The sunglasses were added later to make it easier for people to see the display.
Visitors can take pictures, but they should be polite. Don’t use flash and be quiet around the shrine. The temple is a holy place, not a museum, so people should behave.
There is no official fee to get in. But donations are welcome to help keep the temple up and support the monks who live there.
A normal visit lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. People who want to meditate or look around might want to stay longer. On a cultural day tour, it’s also a good place to stop between Lamai Beach and Na Muang Waterfall.
