Big Buddha and Plai Laem

Plai Laem covers a large part of the north east peninsular from Big Buddha in the south west to Tong Son Bay in the north and across to where it meets Choengmon in the east. It is principally a residential area but includes the famous Wat Plai Laem with its massive statue of the 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion and the Laughing Buddha statue sitting in the centre of a lake inhabited by voracious Catfish. This is the location of many fairs and concerts accompanied by impressive firework displays. Part of the temple is the famous Big Buddha situated on a man-made peninsular just to the west of the main temple. There are a number of high quality hotels in this area including the Six Senses and TongSaiBay. Beaches here tend to be narrow and often fully covered at high tide.

The airport is close by with arrivals 10 minutes and departures 15 minutes away.