Wat Chalong: Phuket's biggest temple, opening hours and tips
Wat Chalong (Wat Chaiyathararam) is the most important of Phuket's forty Buddhist temples, and the most visited. It is dedicated to two respected monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who are said to have treated the wounded and helped the population during the Chinese tin miners' revolt of 1876. Entry is free and a visit takes about an hour. It is a working temple: people come for the architecture, but also to see worshippers.
Highlights
The main sanctuary
The ordination hall (ubosot) holds the gilded statues of the two revered monks, in front of which worshippers leave offerings. Take off your shoes before entering the buildings.
The great pagoda
The multi-storey main building holds, according to local tradition, a bone fragment attributed to the Buddha. You can climb the floors; the murals tell the life of the Buddha.
Firecrackers and offerings
A side courtyard takes the firecrackers that worshippers set off to give thanks for a granted wish: it is loud, so warn children. The site also has souvenir shops and small restaurants.
Practical info
Tips
- Cover shoulders and knees; take off your shoes before entering the buildings. Parking is free according to the temple's FAQ. Entry is free and donations are optional. Avoid pointing your feet at statues, and women should not touch monks. Combine the visit with the Big Buddha (15 minutes by road) and with Rawai and Chalong for a seafood lunch. The information comes from the temple's website and travel guides.
How to get there
The temple is in Chalong, in the south of Phuket, on the main road linking Phuket Town to Rawai (about 8 km from Phuket Town, 20 to 30 minutes). From Patong, allow about 40 minutes by taxi or Grab; the songthaews from Phuket Town to Rawai pass in front. For getting around, see the Phuket transport guide.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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