Wat Khunaram

Wat Khunaram is a Buddhism temple located in the area between Na Muang and Hua Thanon on Thai route 4169, the main route around Koh Samui, away from other crowded and bustling tourist spots of the island. As a result, the temple is quite peaceful a place where people can get a sense of tranquility and relaxation while staying away from the stressful urban life.

Especially, what makes Wat Khunaram so famous is that the temple itself is the shrine of the mummified monk, thus features an unusual sight and offers a unique insight into Buddhist plus Thai Culture. The mummy is prominently displayed in an upright glass case at the temple, which might be a shocking sight to some visitors but reflect greats reverence for the predecessors of the locals. Therefore, Wat Khunaram is so sacred a temple that you can also wish for luck and happiness to your family on visiting it.

Wat Khunaram - Koh Samui 

History of Wat Khunaram

Wat Khunaram is quite a long-standing temple in Thailand. For years, it has attracted thousands of tourists both domestic and international to come and visit, which can be explained by the shrine of the mummy monk.

As honoring the mummified body of a monk is known a way to show respect and reverence in Thai Culture, there are many other monks on Samui and throughout Thailand. However, the monk in Wat Khunaram is among the most highly respected. His name was Luong Pordaeng; he became a Buddhist monk of Koh Samui when reaching 20. After that, he died in 1979, especially in a seated meditative position, which explains the way most Buddhist Thais accept death as the natural order of things and as an opportunity to be reborn into a better place, instead of being frightened by it, also, constitutes a reason why his body has stayed so well-preserved with just little sign of decay since then.

So far, the mummy monk has been on display in an upright glass casket and surrounded by flowers, candles, incense sticks, and fruit offerings at Wat Khunaram. Due to an unpretty of the eyeballs having dried out, the body is now wearing sunglasses.

Things to do in Wat Khunaram

Wat Khunaram has been long a must-see destination when visiting Koh Samui. Far from the full enjoyment of beaches or in night markets, coming to Wat Khunaram will give you a sense of peace plus different experiences.

• Find yourself the peace of mind: Like many other temples, Wat Khunaram features a tranquil atmosphere and peaceful scenery that can give anyone quite a relaxing time to refresh their mind while getting away from the stressful daily life. Once getting to Wat Khunaram, take a walk around the temple to appreciate its Thai traditional architecture plus the surrounding scene created by luxuriant green plants, and you will have your mind refreshed by a sense of peace. In a moment, all worries fade away; you will be ready to join the daily life after your vacation.
• Get blessed by the monks: Wat Khunaram is also an ideal place for those who are seeking for luck and happiness in their life. When visiting Wat Khunaram, you will be warmly welcomed and blessed by the monks there. Certainly, the best things in life can be wished with a sincere heart to come to you and your family in the upcoming time. Then, your belief in a better life would be confirmed, so you will live more happily and comfortably.

Coming to Wat Khunaram, you can wish for luck and happiness

• Explore Thai Buddhist Culture: Getting to Wat Khunaram can be a chance for you to learn more about the country's culture and religion. It is recommended that you go on a tour, as the tour guide with his detailed knowledge will explain to you more clearly. In addition, during the temple's open time, there are activities such as monk chanting or merit-making for you to take part in. Therefore, after your trip to Wat Khunaram, you will obtain a basic insight into Thai culture and religion, which will bring another point of view that is sometimes useful in your life later.

Useful information about Wat Khunaram

If you are planning to get to Wat Khunaram for your upcoming vacation, please don't skip the following information as it could help.

• Wat Khunaram is open for tourists every day during the daylight hours so you can choose to visit it anytime in the morning or afternoon. In this time, the temple is most active with many fascinating activities for you to participate in.
• When getting to Wat Khunaram, to show your honour, please dress appropriately. Long pants or sarong, and covered shoulders or long-sleeved shirts are usually recommended.
• In Wat Khunaram, there is no admission fee. Besides, donations for the upkeep of the temples are up to you and would be appreciated.

How to get to Wat Khunaram

From your place you can choose among several ways to reach Koh Samui, then get to Wat Khunaram.

Usually, to travel to Koh Samui, you can take a flight from your place in Bangkok, Singapore, Phuket, or Pattaya. In addition, a ferry route from Surat Thani could also offer to bring you to the island. You can find more detailed information about Koh Samui (where to stay, what to do, and how to get there), as it is also a must-see spot for tourists.

After reaching the pretty island of Koh Samui, buses and taxis with reasonable prices are available to take you to Wat Khunaram in just a few minutes. Alternatively, you can join a Koh Samui tour to visit all the highlights on the island including the temple.

If you are not afraid of seeing a dead body in full view, a short visit to Wat Khunaram may be a good chance for you to experience peace, sacredness, and learn more about Thai Culture after many long days enjoying Koh Samui's beach, food, and nightlife, etc.