Phuket’s Most Revered Temple
Wat Chalong is the most important and the most beautiful Buddhist temple of the 29 or so located in Phuket. This stunning landmark is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.
Why Is It There
The temple is dedicated to an eminent monk who is believed to have assisted the citizens of Phuket overcome a Chinese tin workers rebellion in 1876. Of course being a monk he didn’t fight himself. But Luang Pho Cham’s advice and medical assistance to the injured was believed to be key in ending the conflict quickly with very limited loss of life. Statues of Luang Pho Cham and two other temple abbots with legendary healing knowledge are prominent features of the temple. Phuket locals come to pay their respect by lighting candles and offering lotus flowers.
Sacred Relic
On top of the 60m high Phra Mahathat Chedi lies a glass case with a fragment of bone from Buddha. The sacred relic was brought over from Sri Lanka and laid in place by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Adding further importance to this already highly revered temple complex.
When To Go
Wat Chalong is open everyday from 7am – 5pm. Admission is free although its greatly appreciated if you can leave a donation for the upkeep of the beautiful grounds. It’s especially busy on weekends and the later in the day you come the more busy it will be and the greater the chance of losing your footwear in the daily flip flop lottery. You have to remove all footwear when entering any Buddhist shrine and somebody accidentally taking your shoes is a common occurrence, so take the most thread bare pair of flip flops you have and you may come out a winner!
How To Get There
The public transport on Phuket is limited to non existent so your only real options are taxi and tuk tuk. All of the bandits drivers will know how to get there but prices will vary depending on which beach resort you’re staying at. Just make sure you negotiate a price you’re happy with before setting off.
Enjoy!
By Justin Hartrey
Posted in Phuket Sights & Fun on .
