What Cultural Gems Await in Chaweng? Cultural delights in Chaweng

Like the rest of Thailand Chaweng is full of cultural treasures, and the Land of Smiles never disappoints when it comes to culture and spirituality. From ancient temples and festivals to handicrafts you will find a plethora of cultural wonders in Thailand. Keep reading to look at what is in store for you in Chaweng.

Temples 

As a Buddhist country, Thailand has temples at every nook and corner. In Chaweng it's no different. The temples are not just fabulously decorated structures, but they hold a lot of significance for The Thai people. Most of these structures are considered holy and are a part and parcel of everyday life. They are throbbing with life and are places where people seek spiritual fulfilment and accrue merit. The Thai temple designs also vary to a great degree, you may encounter ones with wooden carvings while others dazzle with golden spires. Most of these temples hold sacred relics of the Lord Buddha and are thus considered special places worthy of utmost reverence. That is why the Thai people so diligently worship these structures and play a significant part in their cultural heritage, it is a common sight to see people holding incense sticks and praying at the temples to seek blessings. In Chaweng, Samui hotels such as the likes of Avani Chaweng Samui are among the options available for a comfortable stay while in Chaweng.

Festivals 

Thailand has several colourful festivals and in Chaweng you can encounter them as well. Songkran also known as the water festival celebrates the Thai New Year with water fights and religious activities. It began as a custom where the heads of the elders were poured with water as a mark of respect, to wash away the sins of the past and to purify oneself. The festival has now evolved into an exuberant water fight with water guns and pistols and it is a fun time to be in Thailand. The festival usually takes place during April. Another famous festival is Loy Krathong where hundreds of baskets are lit with candles and made to float on the rivers. It is done as a mark of respect to honour the river gods and seek forgiveness for past sins. It is also symbolic of all the past misdeeds being washed away and replaced with fresh new energy.

Wat Phra Yai

One of the most well-known attractions in the area is the Bug Buddha also known as Wat Phra Yai. Made from gold, this massive statue stands 12 metres tall and casts a magical glow perched from high atop the mountain. The Buddha takes on an impressive Mara stance which is the pose that symbolises the Buddha's rejection of all of Mara's temptations. This is a must-visit site in Chaweng although it is located close to Bophut, and is just 5 minutes away from Chaweng.

Maksim Sundukov, Big Buddha in Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), CC BY-SA 3.0 

Handicrafts 

Thai silk is well-known for its quality and vibrant colours. The artistry that goes along with its creation is a time-tested skill of patience and elegance. Most Thai silks are hand-woven and come beautifully crafted, displaying Thai artistry skills. Pottery is another common handicraft and many of the villages dotted around Chaweng and the rest of Koh Samui will masterfully display their wares. Thai pottery has a special style and a distinctiveness that separates it from other wares. From the ancient Sukhothai pottery right up to the modern-day ceramics, all the Thai pottery you will encounter are masterful examples of the uniqueness of Thai handicrafts. Puppetry is another skill that displays the cultural gems in the Thai islands. Nang Yai shadow puppets are made out of buffalo hide, painted with vibrant colours, and used to narrate past tales.