Wat Chalong
The largest and most visited temple in Phuket, with a 60 m chedi that holds a relic of the Buddha.
At a glance
Two monks of Wat Chalong led the people of Chalong against the rebellion of 1876 and treated the wounded with herbal medicine.
Wat Chalong, officially Wat Chaiyathararam, is the largest and most visited temple on Phuket, in the south of the island near Chalong Bay. Founded at the beginning of the 19th century, it is dedicated to two revered monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who led the local people against the uprising of Chinese tin miners in 1876 and used their knowledge of herbal medicine to care for the injured. Their gilded statues are still the focus of local prayers.
The most striking building is the Phra Mahathat Chedi, about 60 m high, which shelters a fragment of bone of the Buddha. Its three floors are decorated with paintings of the life of the Buddha and filled with donated golden statues, and the top terrace looks over the whole temple grounds. Around it are pavilions, Buddha images and a brick oven where devotees set off firecrackers to give thanks when their prayers are answered.
For cruise passengers it is an easy outing of one to two hours, 15 to 18 km by road from the Deep Sea Port or the tender landing at Patong. It fits well with a morning island tour, and ship excursions around Phuket usually stop here together with the Big Buddha and the viewpoints of the south coast.
Getting there from the port
2 optionsWhat to see
- 1Phra Mahathat ChediThe 60 m chedi with a relic of the Buddha, murals of his life and a terrace with views over the temple.
- 2Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho ChuangGilded statues of the two revered monks, the focus of prayers and offerings by local people.
- 3Relic caseA few steps above the top floor of the chedi, the bone fragment of the Buddha is displayed in a glass case.
- 4Firecracker ovenA brick kiln where locals set off strings of firecrackers to give thanks; the loud bangs are part of the visit.
- 5Temple groundsPavilions, gardens and Buddha images spread over a large site, with a local market at the edge.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Cover upShoulders, chest and knees must be covered; avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts and cropped tops. Shoes come off inside every temple building.
- Go earlyThe temple opens daily from 07:00 to 17:00. Before 09:00 it is cooler and quieter, and you may see the monks at their morning rituals.
- Be respectfulSpeak quietly inside the halls and do not touch the statues or relics. Photography and video are allowed.
- Agree the taxi farePhuket taxis and tuk-tuks rarely use a meter; agree the price for the return trip, including waiting time, before leaving.
- BlessingsMonks are often available in the main hall to give a blessing, but it is not guaranteed.
Accessibility & families
The temple grounds are largely accessible by wheelchair, but the upper floors and terrace of the chedi are reached only by stairs, and toilets are limited. Children are welcome; warn them about the loud firecrackers, which can startle small children.
In pictures
