WAT CHALONG

Wat Chalong, or Chalong Temple is a Buddhist Temple and a historical landmark located in Phuket's Chalong Bay. Also known as Wat Chaiyathararam, the temple is the largest and most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket and is an example of the role Buddhism plays in Thai culture. 

It was built at the beginning of the nineteenth century and is dedicated to two Buddhist monks. The two monks - Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Cho Chuang had led the locals in 1876 during the uprising by Chinese tin miners. 

The vast temple complex, Wat Chaithararam, has several religious structures and is an exemplary illustration of conventional Thai architecture. The chedi contains a sacred relic, a fragment of Buddha's bone. The expansive temple complex also includes many statues and wall paintings depicting the life story of Buddha. 

Highlights

• Visit Wat Chalong Temple, a well-known Buddhist Temple and a historical landmark of Phuket.
• Walk into the main temple to take a look at the statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Cho Chuang.
• Observe Buddhist rituals where locals offer candles, lotus flowers and sweetly scented joss sticks.
• Admire the exterior carvings and intricate designs of Phra Mahathat Chedi, the tower housing the “bone splinter” of Buddha.
• Explore the three levels of the tower housing the sacred relic and numerous statues of Buddha depicting his life story.

How To Reach

By Car: Wat Chalong is located 9.3 km from the city centre, it will take 20 min via Route 4024 by a hired car. You can also lease a car or a motorcycle and drive to the temple yourself and park at the free parking space in the temple premises.

By Tuk-tuk/Motorcycle Taxi: If you are travelling from Chalong, you can take a tuk-tuk or a motorcycle taxi. Chalong is 2.4 km from the temple and you can reach the place in around 7 minutes. You can also book a round trip and ask the driver to wait for you to take you back. 

By Blue Songtaews: Blue Songthaews is the local bus which will take you to Chalong from any part of Phuket. From Chalong you will need to hire a tuk-tuk or a motorcycle to reach the temple.

Best Time To Visit

You can enjoy Wat Chalong's beauty and spirituality any time of the year as it offers a timeless experience for visitors. Weekdays are best to visit the temple for a quieter and more serene experience, with fewer crowds. Early mornings around 7 AM or late afternoons around 4 PM provide a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflection and enjoying the temple's architectural marvels.Wat Chalong Temple is open throughout the year from 8 am to 5 pm, and it is possible to visit the temple any time of the year.

Best Season: The best season to visit the temple is in the winter months from November to February, when the weather is less humid and more pleasant. During these months. The weather is wilder with less rainfall, making it comfortable to explore the temple grounds.

Best day in the Week: The best day to visit the temple is on a weekday. During weekends and on Thai public holidays, the temple complex can get very crowded.

The best time of the day: The best time of the day to visit the temple is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the crowd is less. Visiting during this time, you will be able to explore the temple comfortably.

Other Essential Information

Visitor Tips:

1. The Wat Chalong temple remains open between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and takes between 1 and 2 hours to visit.

2. To enter the temple, you will not need to pay any entrance fee.

3. Dress appropriately while visiting the temple and make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.

4. Remove your footwear while entering the sermon hall, chedi and some other buildings.

5. If you are wearing a head cover, remove the same before entering the temple.

6. Speak quietly within the temple and do not touch any statues or Buddha relics.

7. Photography and videography are allowed inside the temple, except where there is a sign mentioning it is prohibited.