Phuket Temples

Chalong Temple

There are 29 temples (known as Wats) on the island of Phuket, although it is said that Chalong Temple is one of the most sacred. The temple has a few chapels and prayer rooms on the achingly beautiful grounds, and it is in the Grand Pagoda which holds Chalong Temple's defining features - a splinter of bone from the Lord Buddha himself. The fragment of bone’s official name is Phramahathatchedi Jomthaibarameepragat, which is quite a mouthful.

As you can imagine, the Grand Pagoda is one of the most visited parts of the temple and draws Buddhists from all over the world, just to catch a glimpse of it. It really is a life-changing experience visiting Chalong Temple. The wonderfully decorated buildings, housing life-size wax models of monks such as Luang Poh Cham and Luang Poh Gleum. This exhibition is air-conditioned and it is a welcome breeze compared to the blistering heat outside.

The cool air gives a feeling of eeriness but also intrigue into seeing these models of the great monks. It's the calmness and the comforting feeling you receive when you walk around the temple, chatting to monks and just browsing at the amazing architecture that really makes a visit so memorable. Many Buddhists visit the temple to pray for their ailments or illnesses to go away.

The calmness is interrupted when hundreds of firecrackers are set alight in large ovens which magnify the sound, when the devout Buddhist returns to the temple without the illness. It is a way of showing gratitude for their prayers being answered and for the neutral visitor it is a fantastic display. This practice of using firecrackers is unique to Phuket temples and is rarely displayed throughout the rest of Thailand. Overall, Chalong Temple is about as close as you can get to the Buddhist way of life and it is just that little bit more intriguing having a piece of bone from the Lord Buddha situated onsite.

Put Jaw Chinese Temple at Phuket Town

Just off the corner of Soi Phuthon and Thanon Ranong near to Ranong bus terminal in Phuket Town stands the 200 year old temple of Put Jaw. Being the oldest Chinese Taoist temple in the whole of Phuket, it also stands as being one of the most spectacular. The temple was built and dedicated to the Kwum Im, the Goddess of Mercy.

The temple, or Wat as it is known, show the deft, intricate detailing of Buddhist temples, with gold leaf aplenty, Chinese lanterns and brightly colored wall-banners with ancient dragon motifs. While the surroundings give you an out-of-this-world experience, the undisturbed serenity and tranquil feeling that exudes from the resident monks is truly enlightening. Jui Tui, which is a large annex to the temple, is sat adjacent. Again, the building is a fantastic display of workmanship, although it was built a full century after Put Jaw, it is still visually sensational.

Dedicated to Kiu Wong In, the Vegetarian God, it stands as the birthplace of the October Vegetarian Festival where devout Buddhists observe a 9 day ritual in order for good fortune to be bestowed upon them. Devotees or 'Ma Song', perform a series of merit-making tasks, such as a 10 day vegan diet, fire-walking over hot coals and climbing up blade-rung ladders in order to be spiritually cleansed by Chinese Gods. Jui Tui also offers visitors the chance to go through the 'door of relief' – beyond which is the altar.

For those who have a quizzical question requiring a yes or no answer, they throw two mango-shaped wooden pieces into the air and if they both land the same side up, the answer is 'no'. If they land on different sides, the answer is 'yes'. It is all too common to find yourself subliminally attracted to peace and sheer beauty of it all.

Kata Temple

For many, visiting or holidaying in Kata is one of the most perfect places to stay. The beautiful beach, its crystal clear waters, the cartoon-like limestone rocks and the exotic nightlife really provide that family-friendly holiday atmosphere. What stands alone as a fantastic attraction, located just minutes away from Kata Beach, is the temple of Wat Kittisangkaram. As soon as you see the entrance, you're aware of the beauty and splendor which is beyond the white painted walls.

The Chinese influence surrounding the Buddhist temples on Phuket Island is plain to see. The blood reds and golden colors sparkle from the sun's rays. The exquisite architecture of the pointed archways and the shining mosaics, which adorn the side of the temple's structure, all combine to give a truly unforgettable setting. Phuket is laden with temples, but Kata temple really hits home as having an ultra calm, serene and tranquil atmosphere. The ordained monks tend to the lush gardens or sit on the floor of the prayer rooms.

All of the monks are dressed in bright orange robes, have shaved heads and always have a smile and a glint in their eye. They lodge at the temple to reach enlightenment, and their friendliness certainly gives that impression. Meandering around the tropical garden paths, you get to see the real intricacies and delicate features which Thai temples have. From the powerful and beastly statues guarding the doorways of the renovated temple buildings, to the on-site school for children, this temple is a sneak glimpse into everyday lives of Thai life and culture. Being in Kata, the temple is located on an elevated section of land, high up overlooking the incredible Andaman Sea.

At the highest point of the temple's grounds is a prayer room with a large Buddha statue surrounded by candles and vases that sit astride pristine golden pedestals. Whatever your faith is, visiting Kata temple is a truly memorable experience, one which is almost indescribable to your friends.

Karon Temple

Being just a 5 minute walk from the expansive Karon Beach on Phuket Island, Karon Temple or Wat Suwan Khiri Khet as it is locally known, is squeezed amongst the vivacious bars and restaurants that line the fun-filled Patak Road. With 97% of Thailand being Buddhist, temples such as Karon's are dotted around every area, each having their own unique features and every single one worth a visit. Wat Suwan Khiri Khet's defining features are the pair of enormous stone built serpent-like creatures which line the walls of the entire perimeter of the temple. These brightly colored turquoise and gold 'snakes' are said to protect the temple from evil spirits.

Beyond the walls, it is instantly noticeable the lack of noise, calmness and serenity which is apparent – maybe those serpents really work! The main temple building has intricately crafted carvings of the Lord Buddha and the life he lead. Further into the temple's surroundings, monks in stark orange robes can be seen tending to the delightfully manicured gardens and brightly colored flowers. Another building on the grounds has bizarre blue 'Yaks' standing at the doorway.

Within ancient Buddhist scriptures, the Yaks warn off evil spirits and keep the images and statues of Buddha safe. Tourists are always wowed by the beauty of Karon Temple, but the most intriguing fact is seeing similar statues and images of a Hindu nature. The two religions are closely related and it is no surprise to see Kali statues or images of cows dotted around.

For most, Karon Temple offers a brief oasis from the lively tourist area, especially Patak Road. When the sun's rays are overpowering or you need a break from the hectic entertainment areas of Karon, head for the temple and find a peaceful spot to absorb the tranquility and wonderment which Thai temples always provide.