Phuket's largest temple
Of the island's twenty-nine.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · กสิณธร ราชโอรส — CC BY-SA 4.0 · กสิณธร ราชโอรส — CC BY-SA 4.0 · กสิณธร ราชโอรส — CC BY-SA 4.0
The most important and largest of Phuket's twenty-nine temples, officially called Wat Chaiyathararam. It is dedicated to two monks revered by islanders, who led Chalong's people against the Chinese miners' rebellion of 1876 and treated the wounded with their knowledge of herbal medicine, making the temple a symbol of the island's memory. Its highlight is a large multi-storey stupa said to hold a Buddhist relic, its walls decorated with colourful paintings of traditional tales, and you can climb its floors for a view over the complex and gardens. Around it are halls with gilded roofs, statues of the two revered monks and a small market in the courtyard. Entry is free; the temple opens in daytime and modest dress is required. You may sometimes hear firecrackers, set off by some visitors to fulfil vows according to their beliefs. For Arab visitors it is a short architectural stop on a tour of the south, with the nearby Big Buddha and Promthep Cape. Half an hour to an hour is enough.
Of the island's twenty-nine.
Decorated floors and a view from the top.
Two monks who led Chalong's people.
Chalong, south of Phuket Town
As a short stop with the Big Buddha, yes, for its architecture and colourful stupa. On its own it is not worth a special trip for Arab visitors.