Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
Wat Khunaram (Mummified Monk)
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4.0
745 reviews
Excellent
179
Very good
281
Average
247
Poor
29
Terrible
9
davestat
Reading, UK89 contributions
Feb 2020
It was nice to see and hear the story, but every single aspect required donations - clothing, blessing, temple, etc. I don't mind one donation but this was over the top. At the blessing by a monk (seemed to be compulsory) if you gave anything less than a 100 BHT note, the monk said something bad and put the smaller note in the desk instead of in the donations jar (in case others did the same). Sometimes, you simply don't have the right change but a donation is free money !!!
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Samui Hostel
Ko Samui, Thailand75 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Wat Khunaram is a must-visit destination on Ko Samui, offering a unique glimpse into Buddhist culture and spirituality. The highlight of the temple is the mummified remains of the revered monk, Luang Pho Daeng, who passed away in 1973. His preserved body, displayed in a glass case, serves as a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence.
Upon entering the temple grounds, I was immediately struck by the serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and reflection. The simplicity of the architecture adds to the overall tranquility of the site. I found myself spending time in quiet thought, absorbing the teachings of Buddhism and the acceptance of life and death.
Wat Khunaram is not just a cultural landmark; it’s a place that invites introspection and spiritual growth. I left feeling renewed and grateful for the experience. If you're exploring Ko Samui, make sure to include this remarkable temple in your itinerary - it’s a truly unforgettable experience!
Upon entering the temple grounds, I was immediately struck by the serene atmosphere, perfect for contemplation and reflection. The simplicity of the architecture adds to the overall tranquility of the site. I found myself spending time in quiet thought, absorbing the teachings of Buddhism and the acceptance of life and death.
Wat Khunaram is not just a cultural landmark; it’s a place that invites introspection and spiritual growth. I left feeling renewed and grateful for the experience. If you're exploring Ko Samui, make sure to include this remarkable temple in your itinerary - it’s a truly unforgettable experience!
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff206
Samut Prakan, Thailand710 contributions
Dec 2020
This was by far one of the most unique temples I’ve been to because of the obvious factor that this famous monk is still ‘present’ in the temple. I’d never in my life seen mummified remains but it was actually quite cool to see!
The temple area’s quite a small area, so it makes for a nice short stop if you’re on a little day trip like I did, and are stopping at places like the grandfather and grandmother rocks and Na Muang Waterfall. This place can certainly be added into the stops of places to see!
The temple area’s quite a small area, so it makes for a nice short stop if you’re on a little day trip like I did, and are stopping at places like the grandfather and grandmother rocks and Na Muang Waterfall. This place can certainly be added into the stops of places to see!
Written 16 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller162014
Leeds, UK1,680 contributions
Nov 2022
My friend Charlotte and I came here to see the Mummified Monk. He really took us by surprise...we thought there would be a bit of a build up, a little walk around before meeting him, but there he was waiting immediately at the entrance. Not to spoil the surprise, but he's wearing sunglasses which intrigued us. It's also free so worth a visit I would say. It was really nice to see a preserved monk who clearly loved life and wanted to be remembered. How humbling.
Written 6 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AngloItalian78
Aylesbury, UK547 contributions
May 2022
Well, outside of the Egyptian museums, I have never seen a mummified body before, and certainly not one that is only 49 years old! 2023 will be the 50th anniversary of the death of this monk, and it's certainly a unique experience!
I wouldn't say that it's an attraction you'd take your children to, but as an adult, I certainly had a morbid curiosity to see what all the fuss was about...the sunglasses are apparently there not to make the monk cool, but rather to cover up the fact that his eyes have obviously disintegrated!
There were some interesting "games" you could play while there, and some words of wisdom to discover as well as other artefacts.
It won't be a long stop here, but it's certainly something you should see while you're on Koh Samui.
I wouldn't say that it's an attraction you'd take your children to, but as an adult, I certainly had a morbid curiosity to see what all the fuss was about...the sunglasses are apparently there not to make the monk cool, but rather to cover up the fact that his eyes have obviously disintegrated!
There were some interesting "games" you could play while there, and some words of wisdom to discover as well as other artefacts.
It won't be a long stop here, but it's certainly something you should see while you're on Koh Samui.
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Binu A
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates1,690 contributions
Sept 2011 • Couples
The mummified mok by itself is not a must see attraction, but the whole attraction in its entiriety is extremely interesting.
Wat Khunaram was part of our island exploration stops that we did with our thai friend and so found it very very interesting. There are 4 parts to this attraction
The actual shrine with the buddhist monk. There were a lot of Thai locals praying here and a Buddha of the week shrine to the side. It is very interesting to hear the story of the monk and the significance of the shrine.
There is a second building with a buddha shrine which was unfortunately closed when we visited.
The third building is a school run by the buddhist monks.
Next to Wat Khunaram is a hanging round plate with a bulbous center. This is for the virtue test. The locals say that only people with pure hearts and minds can make it resonate when you rub it. You line up and wait your turn to rub it.
I gave it a go and I made it hum very lightly. The locals said that most children can make it resonate. When I laughed this off, they called a passing child and made the child hold my hand while I rubbed and it hummed soo LOUD!!! Everyone was amazed as was I. The child let go and it went back to almost a whisper. Child touched my hand and loud again.
I let go and let the child rub and it was even louder.
This was a very unique and surreal experience, and if you visit wat khunaram, you must try it.
All in all a very nice cultural experience.
Wat Khunaram was part of our island exploration stops that we did with our thai friend and so found it very very interesting. There are 4 parts to this attraction
The actual shrine with the buddhist monk. There were a lot of Thai locals praying here and a Buddha of the week shrine to the side. It is very interesting to hear the story of the monk and the significance of the shrine.
There is a second building with a buddha shrine which was unfortunately closed when we visited.
The third building is a school run by the buddhist monks.
Next to Wat Khunaram is a hanging round plate with a bulbous center. This is for the virtue test. The locals say that only people with pure hearts and minds can make it resonate when you rub it. You line up and wait your turn to rub it.
I gave it a go and I made it hum very lightly. The locals said that most children can make it resonate. When I laughed this off, they called a passing child and made the child hold my hand while I rubbed and it hummed soo LOUD!!! Everyone was amazed as was I. The child let go and it went back to almost a whisper. Child touched my hand and loud again.
I let go and let the child rub and it was even louder.
This was a very unique and surreal experience, and if you visit wat khunaram, you must try it.
All in all a very nice cultural experience.
Written 4 October 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy M
England103 contributions
Dec 2011 • Couples
To a westerner's eyes this seems a little bizarre, but you're in a country whose culture is different to yours.
A mummified monk, who died but hasn't decomposed very much, in a glass box, with a temple built nearby. The monk surely attracts you to the temple. Be amazed at the body, complete with (ray-bans?) sunglasses to hide the fact that the eyeballs have fallen out, that has barely decomposed.
Nearby is a temple (sadly locked up when we visited) and a few monks at a table who for a few Baht donation will give you some information in English. The monks depend on donations to survive and a few Baht shouldn't break anybody's bank.
It's an insight into a very different culture where death doesn't seem to be the taboo subject it is in the western world.
Go. Be fascinated! Be amazed! Be generous!
A mummified monk, who died but hasn't decomposed very much, in a glass box, with a temple built nearby. The monk surely attracts you to the temple. Be amazed at the body, complete with (ray-bans?) sunglasses to hide the fact that the eyeballs have fallen out, that has barely decomposed.
Nearby is a temple (sadly locked up when we visited) and a few monks at a table who for a few Baht donation will give you some information in English. The monks depend on donations to survive and a few Baht shouldn't break anybody's bank.
It's an insight into a very different culture where death doesn't seem to be the taboo subject it is in the western world.
Go. Be fascinated! Be amazed! Be generous!
Written 26 December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howeesze
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia772 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
Pray for your family, visit these temple which there is a real mummified monks in side the display show case. There is only a Pancake stall available here with 3 stalls selling some fans and souvenir here
Written 14 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
david.travel
Budapest, Hungary407 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
With all the respect for other religions, the monk who mummified himself is a little bit creepy. I think it would be better if they change the sunglasses for anything else.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheGeez
Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain466 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Never seen anything like this...very interesting to read about the mummified monk and his predictions. Worth a 15 stop to see...and get a blessing from a Monk
Written 2 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cuál es el horario para el público ?
Written 22 August 2017
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