The Wat Chalong is one of the many Buddhist temples scattered across the Thai island of Phuket. The temple is located in Patong, which is probably the most famous spot on the island. The three storey structure was built in the early nineteenth century and is widely considered the most important temple on the island. When visiting the temple one should keep an eye out for the Poh Than Jao, which is an important Buddha statue. The statue is situated in an old hall in the west end along with a statue named Nonsi, and two statues of Ta (which means ‘Grandfather’) Khee-lek, a local who won numerous lotteries right after worshipping the Poh Than Jao.
Other popular statues include the Luang Poh Cham, Luang Poh Gleum and Luang Poh Chuang, which are statues of former abbots at this temple. The temple’s pagoda is thought to contain a bone fragment belonging to the Buddha. The pagoda is a windy structure with intricate paintings on the wall that depict the life of the Buddha. The Wat Chalong is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. As it is a place of worship visitors are expected to dress modestly. One has to remove one’s shoes before entering so it is not advisable to wear expensive ones in case it is accidentally taken. Wat Chalong is found along Chao Fah Nok Road, just a short walk from the popular Central Festival Mall.
While it may not be very big, Phuket is Thailand’s most popular island, gaining fame for its shopping and exuberant nightlife. Although one can find a series of amazing beaches throughout the island, most tourists tend to stick to Patong, which is highly developed and boasts the best clubs, bars, malls and restaurants. One can also try out a bunch of water sports such as scuba diving and jet skiing.
Tourists looking for a good Phuket resort in Patong with plenty of facilities will not be disappointed with the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. The Patong beach resort is nestled in the city’s shopping centre and gives guests easy access to the best nightclubs and bars the island has to offer.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
