Guan Yu Shrine, Koh Samui

Koh Samui is home to many beautiful temples, but one that is often overlooked is the Guan Yu Shrine. Located in the Hua Thanon area near Lamai Beach, this shrine is home to the largest bronze statue of Guan Yu in Thailand, standing at an impressive 16 meters tall.

Guan Yu, also known as Yun Chang, was a military general who served under the warlord Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms era of China. He is known for his loyalty, bravery, and intelligence and is still revered today by many Chinese Buddhists, Confucians, and Taoists. The history of Guan Yu is carved on the base of the statue at the Koh Samui Guan Yu Shrine.

The shrine is surrounded by small restaurants and gift shops, giving visitors the opportunity to explore a small Chinatown and try traditional Chinese-Hainan dishes. It’s also a great spot for taking pictures, as the colorful architecture and lack of crowds make for Instagram-worthy shots. Visitors can also take in the nearby Sino-Portuguese mansions and a street art of “Mardi” by famous artist Alex Face.

To get to the Guan Yu Shrine, drive down to the southern part of the island and look for it on the ring road in the Hua Thanon area. The shrine is open daily from 8:00am-6:00pm and there is no entrance fee. Next time you’re on Koh Samui, be sure to make a stop at this hidden gem.