Wat Tham Yai Prik, located next to the large yellow Buddha, began in 1970 as a single building in a limestone cave. Over the years, it grew, and its meditation teacher gained national renown. Today, Wat Tham Yai Prik is home to over 40 monks and nuns. Built around a network of caves ideal for meditation, it houses images of corpses in various stages of decomposition. The aim is to understand the nature of existence through contemplating death. The chedi at the temple's summit also offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

No overnight costs. The nuns often offer to accompany you. Meditation retreats are possible (Tel.: 038 216 104).

On Koh Sichang we usually get around using rented scooters (you should be aware of the Thai laws regarding cycling to avoid trouble) or local tuk-tuks, which are easy to find near the pier.

Wat Tham Yai Prik is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Tham Yai Prik? On Koh Sichang, the usual way to get around is by rented scooter (please be aware of Thai motorcycle laws to avoid trouble) or by local tuk-tuks, which are easy to find near the pier.