At Samui's northern end, on a small rocky island linked by a causeway,
is Wat Phra Yai, translated as Big Buddha Temple. Constructed in 1972,
the modern Buddha (sitting in the Mara posture) stands 15 metres high and makes an alluring silhouette against the tropical sky and sea. Nearby, a new temple, Wat Plai Laem, features an enormous 18-armed Buddha.