Updated on June 11, 2025

Many guests on Koh Samui come for the beaches and the mellow vibes, but only a few know about the secret garden tucked away in the island’s verdant hills. The garden itself is hidden so deeply inside Koh Samui’s rainforest that getting there may require strategic planning. Once visitors get there, however, they will be immediately rewarded by the amazing sights.

The Secret Buddha Garden, also known as Tarnim Magic Garden, contains a collection of fascinating animal sculptures and Buddha statues. This captivating enclave adds an angle of tranquility and calmness to Koh Samui in itself. For guests in Koh Samui’s exclusive luxury villas, it’s also an intriguing attraction for sightseeing and picture-perfect moments.

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Important Facts About Koh Samui’s Secret Buddha Garden

Photo: Koh Samui Travel Hub

Located in Na Mueang, the Secret Buddha Garden covers a wide expanse and offers outstanding views of the island’s coconut plantations and rolling hills. The garden itself was envisioned by Nim Thongsuk, a fruit farmer who wanted to build Koh Samui into a significant attraction for tourists. It was built in 1976 and when he retired from farming, Thongsuk opened the property to the public. He also employed several architects to create more intriguing statues and structures.

The temple-like structures in the garden gives insights to the garden’s past, as the garden’s statues and sculptures play out scenes from Buddhist folklore. The garden contains numerous figures of Buddha and other deities in different poses: sitting down, standing, waving, dancing, and playing musical instruments.

Besides the statues of deities, you can also see animal sculptures in the park such as a bird pulling out a worm from the pond. And don’t miss out on the image of Nim Thongsuk himself, who can be seen sitting and relaxing in the cool shade of trees.

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The Secret Buddha Garden’s Unique Appeal

Photo: Nashaplaneta.net

As you walk into the garden, you will immediately feel a sense of calm and tranquility. The vibrant midday sunlight that breathes life into the statues creates a contrasting mosaic of light and shade. Above, the trees sway gently with the breeze that blows inland from the gulf. A peaceful stream flows through the garden, and the sound of small waterfalls serves as the perfect background music as you explore the landscape.

The entrancing appeal of the garden attracts tourists from far and wide. Each intricate stonework has a story to tell and it is said that any Thai local can tell you the meaning and mythology behind each of them. Since the garden has no guides or brochures, every visitor is free to let their imagination go loose, whether it’s posing for Instagram-worthy photos alongside the Buddha images or finding spiritual inspiration from the stories told by the artwork.

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Go For An Exquisite Spiritual Escape on Koh Samui

Since the Secret Garden is not a temple, guests may not be required to follow strict etiquette. What is recommended, however, is to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suited to the tropical weather, since there will be a lot of walking involved. Walking surfaces are also uneven throughout the garden, which should be considered when visiting with elderly guests as well as small children.

Proper respect must also be taken when taking pictures with the images of Buddha in the Secret Garden, which means wacky or indecent poses may not be appropriate. Try to follow basic guidelines of posing with Buddha images, such as not pointing at the statues with your feet and not posing with your back turned to the images.

While entrance to the Secret Buddha Garden costs 80 baht, going there may require special transportation options, since the garden itself is not accessible from the main road on Koh Samui. For this, Koh Samui villa guests should make arrangements with Guest Experience Services for a day trip, including transportation and itineraries.

Once you’ve prepared yourself for a trip to the Secret Buddha Garden, you may find yourself immersed in an intriguing combination of spirituality and storytelling, wrapped up in the mystique of Koh Samui’s tropical rainforest. Explore this garden with your family or friends, and you will find a respite in paradise like no other.

Start your journey with our Koh Samui Travel Guide.

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Featured image courtesy of Koh Samui Travel Hub