Set in a background of green hills, Wat Chalong the largest and busiest temple in Phuket is where devotees come to apply gold leaf and pray to the wax effigies of a line of revered monks who were resident there, worship the many Buddha statues in the premises, offer lotus flowers and light incense to gain merit. The newest addition here is a three storied ‘chedi’ which holds a bone fragment said to be of the Buddha displayed in a glass case on the top most storey, making the temple one of the holiest places on Phuket. Visitors can climb all the way to the top of the ‘chedi’ to get a view of the surrounding area and the hills beyond.
Over several years the temple has been hosting a big annual fair to coincide with the Chinese New Year towards the end of January that runs for ten days. Its origins are linked to the harvest festivals of yore. However as the date is selected according to the lunar calendar the days change every year. Spread out all over the large temple premises, a fairground like atmosphere prevails with colored lights, rides, games for kids, food stalls that include ‘exotics’ such as fried insects among delicious offering of traditional Thai food, booths with merchandise of all sorts and live music towards evening. Since it is very popular it is thronged with Thai people who go there daily to mingle with friends and family, have some fun, listen to sermons and donate money towards the upkeep of the temple thereby gaining merit at the same time. For visitors the fair provides the best opportunity to visit the temple itself, sample local cuisine, people watch and to generally absorb a little bit of what might be called the true Phuket atmosphere.
Be in the thick of things by staying at Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. Enjoy the comfort of a selection of great accommodation with beach and lake views and a range of facilities and amenities that will enhance a much dreamed of tropical holiday. As a well known Phuket resort this Patong beach resort is a great place from which to enjoy the many facets of the island.