Wat Chalong, Phuket

Opening hours, entry and rules

Entry is free, with donations welcome. The temple is open daily from 7:00 to 17:00; the grounds can usually be walked outside those hours, and holidays may change the schedule. Parking is free.

Shoulders, chest and knees must be covered — no vests, short skirts or bare midriffs. Shoes come off at the door of every building. Photos and video are allowed, but keep your voice down and don't touch the statues or relics.

What is Wat Chalong?

Wat Chalong (officially Wat Chaiyathararam) is the most important of Phuket's 29 Buddhist temples. It was built in the early 19th century in Chalong, south of Old Town. It honours two revered monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who knew herbal medicine and helped local people. Their statues stand in the main hall, where people come for blessings.

The main building is the Phra Mahathat chedi, about 60 m tall. According to guides, a relic of the Buddha is kept in a glass case on its top floor. Inside are several floors of murals of the Buddha's life and statues.

What to see

• The Phra Mahathat chedi — about 60 m, with a Buddha relic at the top.
• The murals inside the chedi — scenes from the Buddha's life across several floors.
• The main hall with statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang.
• The firecracker oven — a local tradition of thanks.
• The garden and pavilions of the temple courtyard.
• A monk's blessing in the main hall, if monks are present.

How long do you need, and when to go?

Allow 1–2 hours. 7:00 to 9:00 is best, before the tour buses and the heat. By midday the groups arrive, and it can be stuffy inside the chedi.

Every February, around Chinese New Year, the temple hosts a big annual fair: markets, a concert stage, rides and firecrackers. It's crowded but very atmospheric. Wat Chalong pairs well with the Big Buddha and Promthep Cape for sunset.

Is Wat Chalong worth visiting?

Yes: it's the island's main temple, free and beautiful, with views from the chedi's upper floors. It shows living Buddhism on Phuket, not just a tourist showpiece.

The YesGo take: midday brings tour groups and souvenir sellers, and the firecrackers can startle children. If you've seen Bangkok's temples, Wat Chalong looks modest — but as a stop on the way to the Big Buddha, it's well worth it.

How to do it right

• Climb to the chedi's top floor — the relic and the view over the temple are there.
• In the morning you may catch the monks' rituals.
• Steer clear of the firecracker oven with small children.
• In February, check the fair dates — the best time for atmosphere.
• Next: the Big Buddha, 15 minutes by car.

Questions