Wat Samai Kongka — Mosaic Temple & Buddhist Hell Garden

One of the island's oldest religious sites

Wat Samai Kongka's history on Koh Phangan stretches back over six centuries, making it one of the older continuous threads of Buddhist practice on the island, even though the current buildings reflect a mix of periods and influences rather than one untouched ancient structure.

The mosaic building

The temple's main building is its standout feature — covered in vibrant, shimmering glass mosaics that catch the sun, with detailed murals and a design blending Thai, Chinese and Indian architectural influences, unusual for a temple this size.

The Buddhist hell garden

The temple's most talked-about feature, and the reason it draws visitors beyond the local community: a garden of larger-than-life sculptures depicting Buddhist hell — vivid, imaginative, occasionally unsettling figures enduring various punishments. It's genuinely one of the more unusual sights on the island, worth seeing even if you're not otherwise a temple-hopper.

Beyond the sculptures, the temple remains an active religious hub for the local community, with regular ceremonies and festivals through the year.

Getting there

Just past the government hospital, a short ride from central Thong Sala — easy to combine with a trip to the hospital area or as a quick stop on the way in or out of town.