Must-Visit Thai Temples in Phuket: A Cultural Odyssey
Must-Visit Thai Temples in Phuket: A Cultural Odyssey
Phuket, Thailand, is renowned as a top-notch beach destination, but its impressive Thai temples often take a backseat in people’s minds. Overlooking these cultural gems is a missed opportunity, as Phuket boasts some of the most remarkable temples in Thailand and even Southeast Asia. This article aims to acquaint you with a selection of the island’s popular and culturally significant sites, encouraging you to consider them for your upcoming holiday plans.
Among the 29 Thai temples scattered across Phuket, we’ve handpicked four that truly deserve a “Must Visit” status for all tourists. Locals would unanimously agree that these temples have earned their esteemed reputation through a captivating blend of historical significance and rich folklore.
Etiquette for Thai Temple Visits: A Quick Guide
- Before entering a temple, it’s customary to remove your shoes and hat as a sign of respect.
- While not mandatory, making a small donation is a thoughtful gesture that contributes to the temple’s upkeep.
- Dress modestly by wearing long pants or skirts and a non-sleeveless shirt.
- Thailand’s “Wats” are not just temples; they are beautiful, intricately decorated symbols of Thai culture. Throughout this list, you’ll notice “Wat” preceding the temple names, such as Wat Chalong for Chalong Temple. This detail can be useful when seeking directions or discussing these cultural landmarks.
1. Big Buddha Temple: Phuket’s Premier Sunset Spot and Panoramic Viewpoint
Explore the Majesty of Phuket’s Big Buddha
Phuket’s Big Buddha, also known as the Great Buddha of Phuket, stands proudly as the tallest Buddha statue in southern Thailand, making it a must-see landmark for visitors. Perched atop Nakkerd Hill in Karon, Phuket, this impressive statue rises 45 meters high and is adorned with elegant white marble, weighing a substantial 135 tons.
Situated approximately 400 meters above sea level, the temple offers one of the best sunset views in Phuket. From this elevated vantage point, tourists can marvel at Chalong Bay, Phuket Town, and possibly even Phang Nga Bay. It’s recommended to visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the breathtaking panorama.
As you enter the temple, you’ll find souvenir shops awaiting you. Known by its Thai name, Wat Khao Nakkerd, and officially named Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri, Phuket Big Buddha holds cultural significance and offers a serene escape.
Local Tips & Transportation Ideas:
For Time Efficiency & Convenience: Taxis, cabs, tuk-tuks, and private cars are readily available, taking you smoothly from the base of the mountain to Big Buddha.
For Thrill & Excitement: Experience the thrill by renting ATVs to ascend the mountain. Ensure you research trails and partake in this activity only on sunny days for safety.
For Exercise Enthusiasts: Opt for hiking or biking for a more active adventure. Choose between safer sidewalk routes or jungle trails, passing through banana and rubber plantations. Various starting points like Kata or Karon Beaches offer challenging routes, taking up to 3 hours to cover approximately 8 km. Exercise caution and consider hiring a guide for a safer journey.
Quick Information
Big Buddha is within 20 minutes drive from Karon Beach
General Opening Hours: 08:00 – 19.00 hrs
Google Maps link to the temple : https://goo.gl/maps/VVqTtoXRKXk
2. Chalong Temple: Phuket’s Largest and Most Visited Spiritual Haven
Wat Chalong, also known as Chalong Temple (Full Name: Chaiyathararam Temple), stands as the most visited, revered, and expansive temple in Phuket—a cultural must-visit due to its rich history and grandeur.
Established in 1837, Wat Chalong Phuket reigns as the island’s most popular Thai Temple, featuring prominently in numerous Phuket sightseeing tours. The towering Chedi, reaching a height of 60 meters, is believed to enshrine a fragment of Buddha’s bone. Inside, the building unfolds three floors adorned with golden statues and vivid pictorial illustrations portraying Buddha’s journey.
Beyond its architectural marvels, Wat Chalong holds historical significance. The temple founders, monks Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang, played pivotal roles in leading Chalong District citizens against the Chinese Rebellion in 1876. Leveraging their knowledge of herbal medicine, they tended to the wounded, marking a chapter in Phuket’s history.
As a sacred space, Wat Chalong draws tourists into a serene ambiance, where locals engage in prayer and candle lighting. This peaceful atmosphere is occasionally punctuated by the resonant bursts of Chinese Fire Crackers, employed to ward off malevolent spirits.
Quick Information:
Wat Chalong is 15 minutes drive from Old Phuket Town, Karon Beach, and 25 minutes drive from Patong Beach.
General Opening Hours : 07:00 – 17.00 hrs. Admission and parking is Free.
Kindly note that on the weekend or any Thai public holiday, the temple can get crowded.
Address of Wat Chalong Phuket : 70 Moo 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Google Maps link to the temple : https://goo.gl/maps/nnsn34s7wxn
3. Jui Tui Shrine Temple: The Epicenter of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Established in 1911, Jui Tui Shrine stands as one of Phuket’s oldest religious temples, annually hosting the renowned Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
This shrine holds particular significance for students embarking on higher education outside Phuket, as many seek its divine protection before their academic pursuits. Inside, the sacred space houses the revered statue of the deity Tean Hu Huan Soy, alongside other Buddhist figures.
Beyond its role as a place of prayer, Jui Tui Shrine draws locals and tourists alike for fortune-telling. Visitors can engage in this mystical experience by shaking a bamboo cup until a fortune stick emerges, each stick bearing a number corresponding to a fortune paper. These fortunes are available in multiple languages.
For those planning to visit during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, it’s essential to consult the lunar calendar, as the festival aligns with lunar cycles, leading to annual date variations. Those fortunate enough to attend will witness vibrant celebrations and processions. A local tip is to explore the nearby restaurants, where creative and delicious vegetarian interpretations of various Asian dishes await.
Quick Information:
General Opening Hours : 08:00 – 18:00 hrs
Address of Jui Tui Shrine Phuket: 283 Soi Phutorn, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Google Maps link to the temple : https://goo.gl/maps/3F86PLiQccpnYWq66
4. Wat Phra Thong: Phuket’s Iconic Half-Buried Golden Buddha Statue
Wat Phra Thong, also known as Wat Phra Phud, stands as an ancient temple in Phuket, named in homage to its iconic half-buried Golden Buddha statue.
Legend has it that a young farmer was the first to uncover the statue’s head. Numerous attempts to excavate the remaining parts were met with curses. Eventually, a group of monk pilgrimages proposed the construction of a temple around the statue, giving rise to Wat Phra Thong.
Today, the temple not only preserves the revered golden statue but also features a collection of tin-mining artifacts and a modest museum that delves into Phuket’s rich history.
Quick Information:
Quick Information
General Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00 hrs
Address of Wat Phra Thong Phuket : 172/2 Nanai Rd, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Google Maps link to the temple: https://goo.gl/maps/3W4UCnrTVh42
PROSPER HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES
Phuket
Phuket is a province and an island in southern Thailand. It is the largest island in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea, and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, near the mainland town of Surat Thani.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a popular tourist destination located on the west coast of southern Thailand, north of Phuket.
Khao SOk
Khao Sok is a national park located in southern Thailand. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, and the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake.
Hua Hin
Nestled on the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin stands as a serene coastal retreat that captivates visitors with its laid-back charm and stunning landscapes.