Koh Phangan has all sorts of hidden gems if you’re willing to go off the main tourist path. Wat Maduea Wan is one of them. This temple is known for its red and white staircase framed by two 5-headed golden serpents. It’s a unique sight and I’m surprised it’s not more popular.
In this guide, I’ll share all the details about visiting Wat Maduea Wan, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Wat Maduea Wan Complete Guide
Wat Maduea Wan is best known for its serpent stairs, a red-and-white painted staircase guarded by intricately detailed golden serpents. Each serpent has five heads that seem to roar toward the sky.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb up the serpent staircase. According to legend, the Buddha left his footprint there, which is now enshrined at the hilltop temple.
If you visit this temple, remember to dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees
How to get to Wat Maduea Wan
Wat Maduea Wan is located about 10 minutes from Thong Sala. The best way to get there is by motorbike, although it’s easily reachable by Songthaew since it’s located near one of the island’s main roads.
The famous serpent staircase is tucked to the right side of the main temple building, climbing up the hillside. It’s somewhat hidden at first glance, so take a moment to look around once you arrive.
The map location below is accurate and can be used to navigate to Wat Maduea Wan.
Wat Maduea Wan: Our Experience
Wat Maduea Wan stood out as one of the more unique temples we’ve visited, though it didn’t reveal its charm to us immediately.
When we first arrived, we weren’t sure we were in the right place. There was a temple, sure, but no sign of the serpent staircase we’d heard about.
I parked our motorbike under the shade of a tree and began to scan the grounds. The temple itself caught my eye first. I was surprised at how clean its white paint was. Being in such a tropical place, I always expect things to get dirty.
After a few minutes of looking around, Chloe spotted it: the serpent staircase, partially hidden off to the side, winding up a hill behind the temple. As we got closer, the stairs began to emerge in full view. I thought it was a little odd how the beautiful staircase sat tucked away like an afterthought.
The stairs themselves were mesmerizing. Their bright red and white color stood out against the tropical surroundings. The serpents that flanked the staircase spared no detail. Their golden scales shimmered in the sunlight, and each serpent had five heads that rose toward the sky, their mouths open in mid-roar.
The bodies of the serpents were shaped like waves and followed the staircase up the hill. Every one of their scales was inlaid with shiny green glass that sparkled as we moved. It was impossible to look away.
We dropped a donation into the box at the base of the stairs and began the climb. The staircase was longer than it seemed, and by the time we reached the top, I was sweating.
At the summit, the stairs ended as they began, with serpents guarding the exit. But the rest of the hilltop felt surprisingly underwhelming.
There was no grand view or vibrant statue waiting for us. Just a small, unassuming temple nestled in the bushes. It looked closed for the day, so after taking a moment to catch our breath, we made our way back down the stairs and left the compound, in search of our next adventure.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
Although Koh Phangan is a small island, choosing where to stay isn’t straightforward, especially for first-time visitors. The island has several areas, each offering different experiences.
During our 10 days in Koh Phangan, we stayed in four different areas and covered all sides of the island. This gave us a solid understanding of what each location has to offer in terms of accommodation, atmosphere, and accessibility.
Here’s our take on the different areas to stay in Koh Phangan and what to expect from each one.
- Haad Rin: Home to the infamous Full Moon Party, Haad Rin is the place for nightlife. The entire area revolves around the party scene, with bars, clubs, and hostels catering to those looking to drink and dance until sunrise. If you’re looking for a social, high-energy atmosphere, Haad Rin is the place to be.
- Baan Tai / Thong Sala: Baan Tai and Thong Sala are centrally located to the rest of the island and are the most convenient base if you plan to explore Koh Phangan by motorbike. While Baan Tai and Thong Sala don’t have much in terms of sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, markets, and essential services there.
- Thong Nai Pan: If you’re looking for a quiet, upscale retreat with great food, Thong Nai Pan is the best area to stay. It’s a peaceful place ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing beach vacation. It’s far from the party madness and has calm, scenic beaches and a laid-back vibe.
- West Koh Phangan: The entire west coast of Koh Phangan has a free-spirited vibe. It’s a popular gathering place for expats who live on the island. This is where you’ll find yoga retreats, meditation centers, and vegan cafes, making it the island’s hub for health and wellness. It also happens to have some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
What to Pack for Koh Phangan
Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Koh Phangan.
- Crocs: During our time in Koh Phangan, we visited 15 beaches, and almost all of them had one thing in common: rocks in the water! I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when swimming.
- Sunscreen: We ran out of sunscreen while in Koh Phangan, so we went to the store to buy it and it was super expensive! Don’t be like us. Bring plenty of sunscreen because you will need it!
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures in Koh Phangan, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Koh Phangan! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Free Koh Phangan Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Koh Phangan locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Koh Phangan locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Koh Phangan adventure.
Are You Following Our Koh Phangan Blog Series?
We spent 10 days in Koh Phangan and found so many things to do there—from waterfalls to beaches, temples, and hikes. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Ultimate Guide to Koh Phangan: 16 Incredible Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan accomodation/area guide: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan Beach Guide: The 15 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
- How to plan your trip to Koh Phangan: 3 Days in Koh Phangan: The Perfect Koh Phangan Itinerary
- The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is Koh Phangan’s most epic vantage point
- We did the Haad Rin to Haad Yuan Hike over a mountain to a secluded beach
- Our favorite temple in Koh Phangan is the Kuan Yin Chinese Temple
- Our favorite waterfall in Koh Phangan: Pho Darng Waterfall
- How to get to Koh Phangan: Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Ferry
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Wat Maduea Wan in Koh Phangan. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions! 🐸
