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Big Buddha Beach
Everything You Need to Know About Big Buddha Beach
One of Samui's fastest developing areas, Big Buddha benefits from its proximity to the airport and Chaweng Beach. It's also the best place in the north of the island to catch a ferry or speedboat over to Had Rin on the island of Koh Pha Ngan - home of the Full Moon Party.
Big Buddha's long sweeping beach is lined with cheap to mid-price bungalow operations, many of which have excellent restaurants attached. One of the island's more opulent independent spas. Ban Sabai can also be found here.
The main road has improved a lot in recent months and now has several dive shops, numerous supermarkets and many nightlife options. The long running Secret Garden Festival, which is held every Sunday, is still a big draw for expats and tourists alike. There are also now British pubs, such as the Elephant & Castle and Brahms & Liszt; a sailors' hangout, The BBC; tapas bar Saboey and a myriad of cheap and cheerful beer bars, all doing their bit to attract visitors to the area and serve its large expat population.
Although backpackers still make up the majority of the clientele, Big Buddha is also now attracting its fair share of small tour groups and families, who appreciate being within a short distance of the bars and clubs of Chaweng and the trendy restaurants and shops of Fisherman's Village, but would rather stay on a quiet beach, which apart from the occasional kiteboarder, tends to remain pretty peaceful throughout the day.
Out on a causeway at the northern end of the beach, Wat Phra Yai houses the statue that gives the beach its name and is the island's most popular tourist attraction. Twelve metres tall and located at at the top of a wide staircase decorated with dragons, it dominates the landscape and attracts visitors from all over the world. The view from the top of the staircase is brilliant.
A cluster of arty shops, including Farn Shop, which specialises in hand wrought silver jewellery, surround the temple.
The weekly Secret Garden Festival is a popular draw for expats and tourists alike. Visiting bands and musicians play impromptu sessions live every Sunday afternoon from 4p.m. The sessions often attract a crowd of around 200-300 hundred people, all in a party mood. Apart from this weekly happening, the area remains peaceful and relaxing.
Big Buddha Beach Hotels
Lipa Noi hotels and resorts at the best rates, from Five Stars resorts such as Bacaya, to budget accommodation like Como Resort, you are sure to find the accommodation you are looking for.. (Read more...)
Big Buddha Beach Restaurants & Dining
Big Buddha beach might be one of the quieter beaches on Samui but there are still lots of fine restaurants and eateries for you to choose from. The selection ranges from delicious pub grub to quirky cafes with deliciously inventive dishes on the menu. (Read more...)
Big Buddha Beach Nightlife & Bars
Quiet and unassuming, Big Buddha Beach has its own festivals and local events... (Read more...)
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