Wat Hantalay, Koh Lipe

Wat Hantalay is the only Buddhist temple on the small island of Koh Lipe.

Wat Hantalay is located on the road between Pattaya Beach and Sunset Beach and its worth stopping as you pass by on your way between the two beaches to have a look around the temple.

About Wat Hantalay

Wat Hantalay is a very small temple set within a forested area. It is not entirely clear whether there is a permanent population of monks living there, however, the temple is maintained and has some interesting features.

Small Number of Buddhists on Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe has a very small community of Buddhists living there. Koh Lipe was first populated by the Chao Ley (also known as ‘sea gypsies’ or Urak Lawoi in Malay) who practice their own religious rites based around ancestor worship and holding the natural world sacred. In the time since the arrival of these early settlers the island has also seen an influx of Thai and Malay Muslim people come to work in the tourist industry, but not that many Thai Buddhists and the small size of the Wat Hantalay reflects this.

Shrines at Wat Hantalay

Wat Hantalay has two shrine halls, one with a statue of the Lord Buddha and another with a statue of Brahma, also known as the ‘four face Buddha’. Visitors are welcome to come and meditate in both these shrine halls

Beyond the shrine halls at Wat Hantalay are more shrines located amongst the trees. This forested area is atmospheric and has small statues, signs with Buddhist proverbs, and paintings on the rocks scattered around a path which winds through the jungle.

Mosquitoes at Wat Hantalay

A couple of words of advice about visiting Wat Hantalay. Firstly, there are daytime mosquitoes in this temple so consider wearing insect repellent. There are also semi-wild dogs residing at the temple which you should stay away from.

Location of Wat Hantalay

Wat Hantalay is located 350 metres walking distance from Pattaya Beach.

Next read about Travel from Koh Lipe to Koh Phangan