Exploring Koh Samui's BEST Temples & Folk Tales

[@IndusRush]

Hey Paddy, Just thought I'd fill you in a bit on some of the local history on Big Buddha Beach, now known as Bangrak, where I lived for 18 years. You may have seen a small resort called Secret Garden, down the middle of the bay, not far from the Koh Phangan Ferry pier. That's the resort I started in 1990 / 1 just after the birth of my son James. My ex wife and I gave the place up for lease in 2002, and I left Samui for BKK in 2006, having managed the Beatles Bar in Bophut Fisherman's Village for a year. I stayed in BKK for 2 years and now I'm back in Scotland. I watched the area develop over the years, and I can tell you when we bought the land SG was on, it was a pristine beach...no boats, no ferries, no litter, and truly beautiful. That ended in 2002, so I jumped ship. Business people from Phuket and BKK were moving onto the island and other local family mafia types who had sold land for big money were flexing there financial muscles, looking for new ventures. There were also people from Europe, from Ibiza, and other Spanish areas that had been developed (all Brits), and these people were in to build houses and you can see them beyond Prae Laem and overlooking Big Buddha etc. Some of these guys were cowboys and got caught out, got rid of either by the Police or the Mafia, and others were successful, and did the island a good favour with their efforts...some ended up in gaol. Some committed suicide. One interesting point about Big Buddha itself...It's never been dedicated as an official temple. It's only a tourist trap, set up by a radio show host (cub's honour) who got money from his listeners to build it, all on donations, which he begged for over the airwaves. The causeway to the original island, was brought in by 18 wheelers, and blocked the tide from cleaning Bangrak bay naturally, as it done for time immemorial .His intentions were good, though, as apart from making himself fairly wealthy, it has given work and shop land to those who needed money at the time, and indeed, since. Not to mention all the taxi drivers and Song Tao drivers who earn money bringing people there. Who the guys are in Saffron robes there today are, I'm not sure. I think they are monks from a nearby temple who's abbot has been told to look after the Big Buddha. Judging by the new temple grounds and buildings at the Prae Laem temple, it might be there that the proceeds go..Anyway, I thought i"d let you know some of that stuff, I was in the mood to write! If you'd like to meet some of the characters who have a long life on Samui let me know and I'll put you in touch...They are all still there, scattered about the island. God Bless and keep going, I love your channel! Cheers, Steve

[@AyeeeItsCam]

I honestly I love how social you are and how many new friends you're making. But tbh, these kinds of videos where it's just you and us viewers are my favorite.

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Mine too ❤️

[@YeboSa]

Mine too

[@dorteandersen526]

Mine too

[@joelbowen9969]

Agree

[@cathyhughes7442]

Ours too x

[@scott-hamilton]

Every time ive been to Thailand ive always been so drawn into visiting and learning about the temples. I love them, so peaceful and it make me feel so calm and at peace. Really enjoyed it Paddy 😀

[@PaddyDoyle.]

I'm glad 😊

[@JazziMaiArt]

I love the red clay temple...such intricate details...the artistry 😍🤩✨no paint needed.

[@sjmoss1978]

This vlog made me really miss Thailand.... :( that moment when you arrive at a temple or monument and you take that first minute standing, staring in awe at the structures beauty. You cannot manufacture an experience or moment like that.

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Absolutely 🤗

[@CoulterTravel]

The detail that goes into the temples is amazing, this one is… next level!

[@narellec]

That red temple! Beautiful. As was that song again… took me down a music rabbit hole. 🤣

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Ah ❤️♥️❤️

[@CaptureJoseph]

I often shed a tear watching your videos. They're so well made and you do well to capture a lot of the beauty and mystery of Thailand. When I first went to Thailand, Koh Samui was one of my first stops and I loved it more than Phuket and Koh Phi Phi where I'd just been. A lot of people said it was all family resorts and tourist rubbish but I couldn't have disagreed more, I found a great hostel, a lovely crowd, and made friends that I'm still in touch with 5 years later! You're helping me relive some of my favourite memories whilst I'm waiting to get back to Thailand

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Joe I am super happy to hear that! :)

[@CaptureJoseph]

@@PaddyDoyle. Love what you're doing mate! And everyone deserves some R&R, especially content creators who work so damn hard. When the provinces open back up I expect you'll have a newfound energy! Kor hai mi swam suk peuan

[@jomontanee]

Wow! Great story to share. So uplifting!

[@richardpo5802]

you are the best youtuber, because you added the best soft muisc/song to the video, like others their music is loud like ....., love your show, take care paddy

[@wanderingjimmy1957]

Thank you for this beautiful video, Paddy. Very interesting. Nice job!

[@shellylander]

RIP Hanna Stone. Beautiful voice. I love that you used her song again.

[@sjmoss1978]

People, Culture, Food. The reason why we travel. Awesome Paddy.

[@beverlyweber4122]

Just caught this video. Late, I know. I typically catch all your videos AS you drop them...but work has been busy so I put it off. Your enthusiasm alone makes this vlog a must-see...! It must be incredible to see it up close. Well...another temple on the list! 555

[@debrablue]

The Art & AMAZING Talent's is beyond belief. I'd love to see this in person. Thanks Paddy . Just INCREDIBLE...

[@noreenneu837]

I love that you do research and share with us about Thai culture and Buddhism.

[@andrewpyers9558]

OMG I love this song Paddy. Jealous of where you are currently “stuck”

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Great tune 🙂

[@buddhadug]

Thanks, Paddy, for this wonderfully subtle "soul journey", I can't call your presentations vids anymore because you have evolved to the next level. For me that means that your soul sifts through to your product, the video, allows us the opportunity to expand with you. Thanks bro, your next level is our next level.... Safe and blessed travels....

[@BodyBliss_by_Nadine]

How beautiful!!! We went to all those temples three years ago. And we loved it!!! The temple on the water is just soooo beautiful!!

[@rebeccad8568]

Thank you Paddy 🙏 Great video, I love these kinds of videos where it’s obvious you’re soaking it all in 🥰👍 in the words of the song “we love you to pieces, yeah we need it, need your PADDY-MONIUM!!” Haha, well I thought it was pretty good…😂

[@travelertrome8449]

You continue to have the good luck charm on you, Paddy. The one that continually drives crowds away and let's you have places all to yourself! The artwork and craftsmanship of the statues and temples are incredible!

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thanks mate 😃

[@panapatl4538]

Nice vlog, the red temple really massive art like you said, thanks for sharing, enjoy trip at Koh Samui.

[@ninahedlund1437]

I love to be able to travel "through your eyes" to places far far away from where I live. So interesting with all the experiences that you take us on. Thank you Paddy 😊

[@oet6544]

I love your videos, you are a true inspiration. This year we ve been for the first time in koh samui and asia and pandemonium was our representative song. Every place we discover has a song for us and for thailand you were the inspiration.

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Amazing 😄

[@Kopporino]

Samui is really full of temple`s, many nice places where you can find to yourself. Thanks for this impressions, greetings from Chaweng.

[@paddyirish23]

Hi Paddy, it was nice to meet you and to be mentioned in the end of your video! Hope the rest of your time in Samui is great and I hope you manage to make it to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Maybe see you out and about on Phangan before the end of our holidays. Safe travels!

[@eldeluxo]

Great to see the local temples close up, since you'll be on Samui for an extended period it makes sense to explore in detail! Maybe you could do a video on the plants, fruits and tree's there as well.

[@favouritemusiclimyk8601]

A wonderful video with a very nice background song.Tq. Paddy, good job 👍. Keep it up.

[@alexsoulsby7030]

Personal, cultural, authentic and evocative of the place and time - back in the game! 😊

[@PaulA-kr1nl]

Thanks for the stories, Paddy. The kid is riding a mythical creature called Kirin, which appears when a great ruler is born or dies. That’s about all I know haha

[@margiemargie3193]

Another fantastic vlog! Thailand was my last trip before covid and I have loved it. I have been in Samui and loved the island and I don't understand why people say it's not real Thailand. Speaking about your drone and airport, go look at the airport of Samui, cos it's absolutely beautiful, full of water ponds and flowers and beautiful trees!

[@cathyhughes7442]

Excellent video. Loved it. Cath and Kevs x

[@BrandenLesko]

To add a bit more to that Thai fable, the husband was forced into marriage with a mystical giant (with the ugly "angry face"). His only time of solace was playing his flute and reciting poems during the evenings by the sea. One evening, he met the beautiful mermaid, who overheard the beautiful music he was playing and swam close to shore. They would frequently meet there for conversation and eventually fell in love with each other. The mermaid later gave birth to their son, as seen riding the Kirin (a mystical beast). There's many cool fables such as these in Thai literature, which I found rather interesting. Each story often has a moral lesson, much similar to the well known Aesop's Fables.

[@cidershack2564]

That was good that! Thanks Paddy.

[@gunomede]

Paddy Samai has been your best videos as you are alot more relaxed and the scenery is gorgeous

[@valeriejusick7778]

What a great video. Thank you so much!

[@NickyDunn]

Hiya Paddy, Wow, another great video filled with beautiful content. The temples and relics. Wow. The temple, you can understand why they take years to finish. Just amazing. Always positive good vibes. Cool tunes. Thank you for sharing your adventures. Have a great weekend. Take care.

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thanks Nicky, your are always so nice to me in the comments ♥️

[@NickyDunn]

@@PaddyDoyle. You're videos are always great. Have a great weekend. :D

[@suwimolsae-tiew752]

Can I explain the story of Phra Aphai Manee here? Hahaha In England you have William Shakespeare, in Thailand we have Sunthorn Phu who is the famous playwright, poet and writer living since Rama 2 - Rama 5. The famous story that he wrote is Phra Apaimanee which the story is about a prince who is really into the music. When he grown up as a man, the king is worry that he is not interested in political and military at all. So the King expel the son. During Phra Apaimanee is roaming, he always playing the fruit. Then there is a Giant female (in Thai culture the giant has a magic to transform to be human), this giant find him from the distance and just fall in love. The giant use magic to transform to be a beautiful girl and make Phra Aphaimanee love her. They live together until they have a pre-teenage son. One day he find out that his wife is not human. Then he start to plan to escape with his son. He meet a mermaid and a hermit. Then these two help him and the son to escape from the Giant. They escape by swimming across the ocean. Then the giant come close to them Phra Aphaimanee spoke out that he cannot live with her. He is not accept the fact she is not human. The Giant is so sad and got heart attack and she die. After the escape, Phra Aphaimanee and the beautiful mermaid stay together and they have a son which after that the son got a creature which mixing with house and dragon. They live in the Island call crystal island. (There is a rumour that the author got inspiration of the island from Koh Samed in Rayong) However, after he stays with the mermaid for many years. He found the way back to the town and finally he is got the throne and stay in a palace with a beautiful wife who is the princess from the neighboring town.

[@saiprom]

Thank you for the temples tours, very interesting art and story behind it.

[@vernonlloyd6920]

Interesting video. I like the variety of your videos. Some like this and some with your friends...all good. Let's hope one day we can get back on the road again.

[@benjamincefkin2012]

Haha I loved your retelling of the Phra Aphai Mani story! The prince, who the story is named after, had a magical pi (it’s a reed instrument, sort of like an oboe) that could make people fall asleep. He would go to the shore to play it, and it attracted an ocean ogress (the “wife”) who kidnapped him, took him to her underwater cave lair, and disguised herself as a beautiful woman to seduce him and make him her baby daddy. She would leave every day to go hunting and put a big boulder over the entrance to the cave so the prince and their son couldn’t escape. Eventually the son grew big enough to move the boulder (because he was half ogre) and they escaped and the prince met a mermaid and impregnated her. When the ogress found out she transformed back to her ogress self and chased them and ate the mermaid’s parents, but she couldn’t catch them and she died of a broken heart (but a full stomach, at least). The prince, his son and the pregnant mermaid swam to an island where the hermit guy lived and he helped her deliver the baby (the boy riding the qilin monster thing). It’s a lot longer and both of the sons and the mermaid have their own adventures, but your retelling was great! Oddly enough, the cheating aspect isn’t even emphasized in the story. It’s more like, yeah why wouldn’t you knock up that mermaid?

[@AmbientWalking]

What a beautiful video! Thank you for this! Love the atmosphere!

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@francisinghels9765]

A mix of tips, hidden gems, stunning landscape, delicious food, unexpected adventures and positives vibes. Our dose of smiles.

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jomontanee]

The sculptures of the red temple are so exquisite!!

[@ammerudgrenda]

I just got back from Koh Samui 3 weeks ago. The red temple was really cool and had a very special ambiance. I really hope they don't paint it. Keep it like it is please 😊

[@stefanexplores]

You are the best. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@ashishgusani]

Fantastic.. just bloody fantastic.. As you know, I love the cultural aspects of Thailand, and it is a combination of the nature, culture and everything else uniquely Thai that makes Thailand so special.. Loved the intricacies of Wat Ratchathammaram.. I am sure it will be amazing when they complete it with gold and other colours, but I love seeing the detail when it is still in it's monochromatic form.. Aah, remember going to Wat Plai Laem with my sister back in Dec 2017! Great memories from Koh Samui came flooding back! Also, loved the little story at the big Buddha, proper thriller haha.. glad you learnt one there from the kids eh? ;-) Overall, it was great to see you explore and enjoy the cultural side and also the genuine joy you were feeling by just being in those places uninterrupted by hundreds of tourists was so evident and lovely to see! I need to get down there pronto!!!

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thanks Ash, glad you enjoyed this one ♥️

[@jiraratboonwej2816]

Love this vlog , all the details you had made the different !

[@johngagne986]

Thanks so much for taking me around to these areas Paddy. Very much enjoying this relaxed content you are putting out while "stranded" a bit on Koh Samui.. gee what a terrible fate but thanks for toughing it out for us!

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Glad you enjoyed it John

[@shannonsullivan3851]

Oh man… I spent so many hours in temples on Samui.. beautiful time in my life… except the bloody dogs. I swear, I feared for my life on occasions… thanks for sharing the memories mate 🙏

[@PaddyDoyle.]

My pleasure :)

[@aussiemike4122]

Wow ice is beautiful 😍

[@aliflee1829]

Eager to watch your new video upload and keep up the great work

[@apinya1167]

Wow I’ve never heard stories and descriptions of temples before. Thanks for that 👍🏼🙏🏼

[@BarefootJeff]

Thanks for your research and sharing 👣

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Any time

[@glennaa11]

that late afternoon light is magical

[@deniseboyd9182]

Great video!!

[@marydailey1487]

I truly enjoy all your videos, but ones like these are my favorites.🥰

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thanks 😊👍😊

[@mariettathornton5924]

Beautiful Red Temple !!! Thanks for sharing Paddy😉

[@AdventurousSoul1986]

What a stunning temple complex. Definitely added to my list. Stay safe Paddy!

[@huwthomas6430]

Great video...never get bored of seeing Thai temples, I agree with you, the detail in the decorations is mind-blowing and stunningly beautiful. Thank you so much for your films of Koh Samui, it's providing great information for when we visit for the first time, hopefully in December (fingers crossed) 👍😉

[@adammuscat9950]

Jungle club & samui summit are great places to go with amazing views , woobar @ the W also

[@anabelacarvalho7668]

Paddy Thank you for going to those places I love so much... This island is very special 💖

[@BodyBliss_by_Nadine]

Hahahha we were laughing so much how you told the story about the sculptures 🤣

[@genokemp2433]

You got to hand it to the Thai's ,they know how to build a Temple .Miss them more than i ever thought i would .Lovely country and people 🙏You sharing your experiences Paddy helps me no end mate ,in all sorts of ways .Thank you 👍My Big Buddha visit was the very first time i visited Koh Samui and Thailand .Been going to Thailand every year since ❤

[@tereasia]

Guan yin is my favorite. Love to Koh Samui

[@laisytravels3143]

Great Video! we visited some of them places recently.

[@loganability]

Wow! wonderful video again Paddy, I like your laid back commentary style. I think Koh Samui suites you well, you are looking more relaxed and healthy. 🙏🏼🤟

[@josephhapp9]

🌺🙏🌺 Your hair glows beautifully in Red Temple 7:18 ,,,, And all those other details being carved by hand. Sympatico.🌺🌺🌺

[@Bogographic0307]

the video and the song are both next level

[@jameslothian2978]

Hi paddy great vid,never heard of the stone temples/but am going to see them when I’m back on Samui.(where are they?) have a grrreat day and keep doing a great 👍 job,you make our day,PandJ 🇹🇭🇦🇺😎🥳

[@sweetcutus]

I'll visit this temple when I go to Thailand next year,I hope the pandemic will decline.I miss home so much.

[@stewartheather5654]

The red temple is lovely spent time their if you had gone down stairs theirs more info abouut a special visit also theire steps down to beach So lovely miss it so much hope thais recover from this

[@NickyDunn]

Hiya Paddy, can not wait for this. Have a lovely Friday and Weekend. 🙌✌️

[@kaipohl6929]

You make so beautiful videos Paddy. Love your content. Makes me missing my 2nd home even more. In a good way :)

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thanks 😌😌😌

[@stephenm.2273]

Stay in and be well and safe!

[@virtuella]

Nice walk through of some of the temples on Samui. A couple worth looking at too could be black monk temple in Bo phut. It's a huge statue on a boat in a lake with other temples nearby . And buddhas footprint down near ring road in South east has a great view up there . Nothing much, but nice view up from the small room with Buddha's footprint.

[@HamNoytheDutchGuy]

Lovely temples mate, see ya in the next one 👊

[@helenvaughan5239]

Loved that , oh and my song 🎵👍

[@ianlight4504]

The song is calming who is it please

[@dorteandersen526]

Thanks for share a great video 😀

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thank you too

[@josephhapp9]

🌺🙏🌺 Another video to look forward toooooo You are the best,,,just you talking and wonderful visuals. So much to focus on. Thank you. 😘😘😘😍😍😍🕺🕺🕺

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thanks mate

[@LogicalSigma]

Wow 18 hands. That would be handy

[@SideTripLife]

Great vid as always! Was at that very spot on the roadway to Big Buddha last week, luckily got an epic sunset shot. When you heading to Koh Phangan? Prob bump into you again, if so will say hi this time lol;)

[@PaddyDoyle.]

haha yeah sounds good.... not sure yet... maybe a few weeks

[@RaphP.]

2:00 it's a mythical creature like indian Makara.

[@samuilover3136]

Oh, how I love to roam this fair island utopia, halcyon.

[@chrismooney5048]

Great vlog once again 👍🍻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thanks 👍

[@andreiacalhegas7627]

Loved this video ❤️

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Thanks ☺️

[@lostinasia888]

Wow ! I didn't know about the Mermaid and Cheating husband story, thanks for sharing. Stay Safe as always !

[@PaddyDoyle.]

haha yeah it's fun story

[@markwalsh9126]

Another great video Paddy! Try to check out sanctuary of truth in chon buri province when your back on your adventures. Craftsman ship is amazing

[@PaddyDoyle.]

I will check it out thanks :)

[@travelsolo2677]

You’re a natural mate, love your videos. You wouldn’t catch me going to Koh Tao or Death Island as the locals say 😬😬🥺🥺🙄🙄🙄

[@bohem7298]

This episode you look calm , not making fun like the other.

[@jjc1239]

Paddy I think your blogs are amazing and the fact you remind me so much of Rik Mayall from Bottom is an added bonus! Keep up the good work! 🤣🤣🤣

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Haha THANKS!

[@Seventh-day]

Very enjoyable video!

[@PaddyDoyle.]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@melissafrye76]

The temples and such are just so fascinating and interesting to me - probably because we have nothing like it in the States. I can't wait to see them in person some day.... 🌅🌴🇹🇭💯🐓🦎🎶🥰

[@PaddyDoyle.]

♥️

[@bobjuniel8683]

Obviously the clay has been fired or it would wash away in the rain, so it is terra cotta or ceramic, like roofing tiles. The incredible thing is that they can fire such large pieces without them cracking with the heat. I think they look great unpainted, but Thai taste is that beautiful colours improve the beauty, and lots of detail indicates expense and extravagance.

[@mandalayjade2845]

hike khao ra when you go back to koh phangan, the tallest mountain on the island. Pretty difficult but worth it

[@dadasamurai7739]

Like your story!😀

[@terryoleary5424]

Nice Vlog

[@MegaLars01]

Your vlogs are keeping many of us sane, please don't be too concerned about 'epic fails' you have a forgiving audience in these restricted times...Random creativity!

[@cindymorgan9644]

Thanks for the tour Paddy. That temple on the water looks amazing. Unfortunately Im starting to look like one of those big Budha's . ( I blame all those covid lockdowns. 🤣😅🍰☕)

[@thippamaspengchan8523]

It you walk from the temple down to the beach, and look back especially on the low tide....you will see the naturally rock formation path like a giant snake tail....reason of its name .

[@Anilove1]

Paddy, I’m traveling myself at the moment, BUT I always make sure to check the channel to try to stay up to date-I’m sure I’ve missed some videos-and I’ve got to say that THIS VIDEO RIGHT HERE, is my favorite by far. I liked to so much, that I felt like I’ve fallen in love with you too!! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ No worries, I’m not the stalker kinda person, so you are safe, I promise! 🙋🏻‍♀️👩🏻‍💻