Wat Phra Nang Sang: an old Thalang temple and its tin Buddhas

Updated on October 19, 2026

Wat Phra Nang Sang is one of the oldest temples on Phuket, in Thalang district. It is tied to the Burmese invasion of 1785: local people are said to have gathered there before the fighting commemorated by the Two Heroines Monument. You come for its history and its tin statues, not for spectacular scenery; a visit takes 20 to 30 minutes and entry is free.

Highlights

The temple

It was first called Wat Takian. The founding date varies between sources (around 1758 or 1767, or even older) and remains uncertain.

The legend of the noblewoman

A popular legend tells that a noblewoman, condemned to death, asked to travel to Sri Lanka to venerate relics of the Buddha, then had the temple built on her return; her blood is said to have run white when she was executed. Sources disagree on who she was.

The tin Buddhas

The best-known objects are three images with a tin core, called locally Phra Nai Phung or Phra Sam Kasat, set in the abdomen of another Buddha statue.

Practical info

Tips

Cover shoulders and knees, take off your shoes inside the buildings. Sources contradict each other on the state of the old ordination hall (preserved or demolished): do not count on seeing an old building, and keep the visit short. Combine with Wat Phra Thong and the Thalang National Museum. This information comes from travel guides, not an official site.

How to get there

The temple is in Thalang, in the north of Phuket, a few kilometres from the Two Heroines Monument. Take a taxi, a Grab or a scooter; allow about 30 to 40 minutes from Phuket Town or Patong. See the Phuket transport guide.