Phuket is one of the many amazing temples in Thailand, with a stunning coastline and sandy beaches. While it has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, it is not the only tourist attraction. The temples of Phuket play a significant role in the tourism industry as they are rich in tradition and culture.
Phuket hosts over 20 temples alone, and if you choose to visit other cities like Chiang Mai or Bangkok, you will find all sorts of prominent temples throughout the land. If you are looking for some of the most popular tourist destinations, read all about it here.
A temple in Thai is called ‘Wat”, and if you want to divine experience, here are five temples you should visit in Phuket.
Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is one of the most famous temples on the island and the most significant. The temple has a long history dating back to the 19th century. People from around the world visit this temple and pray to Buddha.
However, the three statues of revered monks, Kuang Por Glulam, Luang Por Chuang, and Luang Pro Chaem, are one of the biggest highlights of the temple. You will find golden statues and illustrations of Budhha’s life journey through the temple.
Opening Hours: 8am-5pm
Phuket Big Buddha
Built in 2002, the Big Buddha Temple of Phuket is the tallest statue on the island, a staggering 45 meters in height. This landmark is so huge that you can probably see it from your hotel window (just kidding). This wonderful temple is another popular tourist destination where visitors can come and experience this white marble statue.
Keep in mind that to get into this temple, you need to use particular stairs that take up the hill, and while leaving, you cannot use the same entry point. The guards at the temple are stationed to ensure that the people visiting the temple are wearing a sarong; if you don’t have one, it will be provided.
Opening Hours: 6am-6.30pm
Wat Phra Thong
The Wat Phra Thing is one of the most prominent temple in Phuket. The half-buried Buddha is the temple’s highlight, and it is the biggest reason why tourists and locals visit. Legend says that anyone who tries to uproot the half-buried Buddha will be cursed and lead to death. After a number of people who tried to dig up the statue were all cursed, a group of monks got together and built a temple around it. Apart from this mysterious belief, you will find several smaller temples within Wat Phra Thong and a museum displaying items of the tin mining era.
Opening Hours: 8am-5.30pm
Wat Sri Sunthon
Wat Sri Sunthon is famous for the reclining golden Budhha. The Buddha can easily be seen from the main airport road and is a perfect stop, whether at the start or end of your Phuket island trip. The statue is believed to be in a NIrvana posture or Pang Sai Yat facing the nearby road.
All around the temple grounds, you will find sculptures of elephants and the demon ghost or Pret. When you visit the temple, you will also find stairs that take you to the roof of the temple.
Opening Hours: 7am-5.30pm
Wat Phra Nang Sang
Lastly, Wat Phra Nang Sang is the oldest temple on Phuket Island, located on Thepkrasattri Road. When you visit the temple, you will be greeted by two giant statues that are made in such a way to hold the gates. The temple is built by a queen that depicts the rich history of how the island’s locals prevented the Burmese from invading the land; in the temple, two sister statues lead the resistance, Thao Thep Kassatri and Thao Sri Sunthon. You will also find paintings and murals of historical events in the temple.
Opening Hours: 7am-6pm
Final Thoughts
Amongst the many temples in Phuket, you should consider visiting these temples. Remember that you must respect the traditions and culture of the land, so make sure you dress well when visiting the temples.
Before you travel it is important that you carry all the necessary gadgets with you so that you have the best travel experience, no matter where you go.
