Wat Chalong Place guide

UnlikeBangkok, which has hundreds upon hundreds of temples littering the city, Phuket “only” has a mere 29 temples in its surrounds. Wat Chalong is one of the most famous temples on the island, and is a beautifully decorated complex with gilt statues, paintings and relics, including a splinter of bone said to belong to Buddha. 

You can see Wat Chalong’s towering spires for miles, its peaceful halls a welcome break from the rest of Phuket’s bustling city life. The temple is dedicated to two very important Buddhist figures, namely Luang Pho Chuang and Luang Pho Chaem. The latter, formerly Abbot of Wat Chalong, led the citizens against “a large mob of rioting immigrant Chinese tin-mine workers that had been rampaging across the island.” (Phuket.com) 

During this Ang-Yee Rebellion, the highly revered monks healed the injured using their extensive knowledge of herbal medicine. Today, locals flock to this monument to pay their respects and say their prayers, as the watchful eyes of Buddha, the golden statues, and holy monks calmly greet them with peace.

Besides its history, the area of Wat Chalong houses some of the most beautiful buildings found in Thailand. The most famous is the Grand Pagoda, which stands 60 meters tall—believed to hold the actual bone splinter of the Buddha. Its towering presence is composed of three levels: the first two are decorated with intricately detailed murals and images of Buddha, while the topmost is reserved for the viewing deck. Here, tourists can take an aerial shot of the temple’s ground, and at the same time spot the Big Buddha of Phuket in the distance. 

Travelers who wish to visit as many temples in Phuket as possible are in luck. There are other such religious sites easily accessed by songthaew or by foot. There is the Jui Tui Shrine, which is located in the city’s main market; Wat Khao Ran seated in the slope of Rang Hill, and Wat Phra Thong, found near the Thalang district office—just to name a few places to visit in Phuket.

Dress code: Keep in mind that as with all religious places in Thailand, respect for the sacred place and conservative dress is required. 

• Clothes that reveal the shoulders, chest, belly, and legs are frowned upon and taken as a sign of disrespect. 
  
  
• It would be advisable to bring cover ups or dress conservatively when visiting the temple. 
  
  
• You will also be asked to remove your shoes before entering the chedi, so don’t wear your expensive shoes, as someone might mistake them for theirs! 
  
  
• When entering the vicinity, speak in hushed tones so that monks and frequent visitors may meditate and pray in peace.

How to get there

• Located about 8km outside of town, you can take a songthaew, tuk-tuk, or taxi to Wat Chalong. 
  
  
• You could also join a tour, see the Old Town, Wat Chalong & Big Buddha Full Day Tour to make your life easier.
  
  
• If you’re driving, drive past the Surakul Sport Stadium and enter Highway 4021 (Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road). Drive on until you pass Ban Chalong School and continue for about 100 meters. You should see Wat Chalong on your left. 
  
  
• You can also travel along Chao Fah Nok Rd (Chao Fa West Rd) from the Central Festival mall, and keep on going until you see the temple on the left side of the road. If you are coming from Chalong Circle, take the same road heading towards town, and you will see the temple on your right. 
  
  
• There are many signs in Phuket that point toward this attraction (that are written in both English and Thai), so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.

Address: 6 70 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Operating hours: 7am-5pm

Entrance fee: Free, although donations to help with the maintenance of the temple are greatly appreciated.