Secret Buddha Garden

Secret Buddha Garden, also known as Tarnim Magic Garden, is a hillside sculpture garden in the interior mountains of Ko Samui, Surat Thani Province. Created from 1976 by fruit farmer Nim Thongsuk, it features numerous concrete statues of Buddhas, deities, animals and folklore figures set among dense jungle, streams and a small waterfall. Located near Na Mueang, it offers a tranquil forest setting and panoramic hill views.

Visitors can expect a forested hillside garden with winding paths leading through dense jungle to collections of hand-made concrete statues depicting Buddha images, hermits, animals and Thai folklore characters. The site includes small streams, a waterfall, shaded rest areas and viewpoints over the island's interior hills. Exploration is on foot via uneven steps and rocky trails with opportunities for sightseeing and photography.

Created in 1976 by Khun Nim Thongsuk, a retired durian farmer from Ko Samui, who began building statues and structures on his family land in the hills. He continued to expand the garden until his death in 1991 at age 91. The garden reflects his personal vision and devotion, with statues added over 14 years.

The garden displays Buddhist imagery and figures from Thai folklore and local legends, serving as a folk-art expression of Buddhist devotion and traditional storytelling. Statues include representations of the Buddha, hermits, deities and mythical beings, offering visitors insight into local religious art and cultural narratives.