Phuket is a traveller’s paradise-there’s so much to see and do here! Among the beaches, the wildlife and the food, the temples in Phuket take a prominent place in the list of attractions. Visit the grand Wat Chalong in Phuket, and you will not be disappointed.
The Most Important in Phuket
Out of the 29 buddhist temples of Phuket Island, Wat Chalong is considered as the most important as well as the largest. The temple is dedicated in honour of the Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang monks who are two highly venerable monks that are revered for their gallant fighting in the 1876 Chinese rebellion. They are also much respected for their invaluable knowledge of herbal medicine which helped many injured persons.
How To Get There?
The temple is located within the Chalong Subdistrict in the Mueang Phuket District. It’s about an hour away from the Phuket International Airport and 22 minutes away from Phuket City. If you’re staying at a Phuket luxury resort the likes of COMO Point Yamu, Phuket you might be able to get transport arranged to the temple. If not, take the Chao Fah Nok Rd from the Central Festival Mall and within 20-30 minutes you’ll come across the temple from the left side of the road.
What to See
The Poh Than Jao Wat Statue is one of the most important Buddhist statues in the temple. Located within the temple’s westerly old hall, stands between two statues of an elderly gentleman called Ta Khee-lek. The curious story of ‘Grandpa Ta Khee-lek’ says that he won many lotteries after seeking the advice of the Poh Than Jao Wat statue. Other attractions include the Grand Pagoda containing a relic of the Buddha, a gilt-covered statue of Luang Poh Cham and an ‘exhibition home’ of Luang Poh Cham which features lifelike human-sized wax models; and much more.
Do’s and Don’ts
In general, Wats or temples are very sacred to the locals; so when visiting, be careful to not disrespect their traditions or beliefs. Watch and emulate the ways that the locals behave such as not standing over or else positioning themselves higher than any Buddha statues. Dress in modest clothing when visiting the temple and leave your shoes at the entrance.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.
