Visiting Zhao Mei Kuan Im Temple

Posted by Full mooner on January 19th, 2012 filed in sightseeing

Samui Island is better known for its stunning beaches and iconic palm trees than as a bastion of Thai culture. Nevertheless there are lots of temples and religious shrines dotted about this tropical paradise. Most of the temples are typical Thai ones with lofty chapels, colourful wall murals and a pagoda, or chedi, with pointed spire. There are also a number of Chinese temples which reflect Thailand’s long association with the country.

The magnificent Chinese temple dedicated to the goddess Zhao Mei Kuan Im is a must-visit site for culture buffs. The temple walls feature intricate paintings which depict the life and times of the esteemed goddess. As the festival marking the advent of the Year of the Dragon takes place this weekend, the temple is likely to be busy with ethnic Chinese and visiting Chinese tourists.

Zhao Mei Kuan Im Temple and other Chinese places of worship such as the much older Hainan Temple are the places to observe ancient traditions and dragon dances. Due to the fact Zhao Mei Kuan Im is located on the southwest corner of Samui it is the ideal place to take in vistas of the setting sun and offshore islets.