Temples & Churches on Koh Phangan
Buddhist wats worth the trip, plus the island's Christian churches
Buddhist temples — more than 20 across the island
Phangan has genuinely more temples than most visitors ever realise, scattered right across the island, not clustered in one spot. Here are the ones worth actually planning a stop for — each with its own full page.
🛕 Wat Phu Khao Noi
The island's oldest temple. Full write-up on its own page.
🛕 Wat Khao Tham
The meditation retreat temple — monthly Vipassana courses. Full write-up on its own page.
🧖 Wat Pho
Wat Pho in Baan Tai is famous island-wide not for the temple itself but for its herbal steam sauna — lemongrass-scented steam heated over a log fire, run by the temple since around 2002.
⛩️ Wat Chaloklum
Wat Chaloklum is a striking white and gold temple in the middle of Chaloklum fishing village, built over a century ago by local families who relied on the sea.
🌿 Wat Maduea Wan (Mathura Wararam)
Wat Maduea Wan sits on the western edge of Than Sadet National Park, near Phaeng Waterfall — an easy, quiet temple stop to combine with a waterfall visit.
🛕 Wat Sri Thanu
A small, detailed Buddhist temple right in Srithanu — traditional white, red and gold architecture, a five-headed serpent staircase, free entry.
🎨 Wat Samai Kongka
Wat Samai Kongka, near Thong Sala, has over six centuries of Buddhist heritage on the island, a mosaic-covered main building, and a striking sculpture garden depicting Buddhist hell.
Visiting etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees — bring a sarong or light layer if you're coming straight from the beach
- Remove your shoes before entering any temple building
- Keep voices down and phones on silent — these are active places of worship, not tourist attractions built for visitors
- Never touch or climb on Buddha statues, and never point your feet at one
Churches on Koh Phangan
Smaller in number than the temples, but the island genuinely has a real Christian presence across a few different traditions — each with its own full page below.
⛪ Stream of Life Church
Stream of Life Church in Thong Sala is best known for its worship night on the beach every 15th of the month at 7pm — open to anyone, not just regular members.
⛪ Koh Phangan International Church
A non-denominational Christian church serving Koh Phangan's international community.
☦️ St. Seraphim Orthodox Church
St. Seraphim Orthodox Church is the first and only Orthodox church on Koh Phangan, consecrated by Bishop Anthony of Zvenigorod — genuinely rare for an island this size.
There is no Catholic church on Koh Phangan itself — the nearest is on Koh Samui, easily reachable by our ferry guide for anyone specifically needing Mass.