Fritzjames Stephen
With the influx of Chinese to Thailand, Chinese – Taoist – temples became as important as Wats – Buddhist temples. This is a list of must-see Wats and Taoist temples in Phuket for any traveller.
Standing in all its glory for over a century, Wat Chalong is frequented by locals for prayers and foreigners to learn about Buddhism. The dominating feature of the temple is the Grand Pagoda, which contains a splinter of Lord Buddha's bone, earning it the name "Phramahaththatchedi-Jomthaibarameepragat". Located in a cool, breezy location, the walls of the pagoda illustrates the life of Lord Buddha, as well as various Buddha images. Wat Chalong is open from seven in the morning until five in the evening and provides plenty of parking if you are travelling in a vehicle.
One of the most revered and important monuments on the island, Big Buddha sits atop Nakkerd Hills, at a looming height of 45 meters. In addition to the religious reverence it instils in the visitor, the site provides a breath-taking 360-view of the island, with a panoramic view of the Phuket Town. Although its popularity has led to large crowds flocking to the site every day, it is a very peaceful atmosphere that you will encounter closer to the statue. With only tinkling of bells and the whoosh of yellow Buddhist flags flapping in the wind, your ears will feast upon the soothing dharma music that is played in the background. Visitors are allowed on the premises from eight in the morning until half-past seven in the evening. However, if you wish to witness a sunset unlike any you have witnessed before, it is best to be at the premises before half-past-six.
Wat Khao Rang, also known as Sumnak Song Khao Rang is located on the slope of Rang Hill. The Wat is important in that its sitting Buddha statue – large and benevolent – was the first of its kind to be erected on the island. Until the completion of Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hills, Wat Khao Rang had the only giant Buddha statue on the island. Thus, the Wat is the spiritual centre for many Buddhists in Phuket. The temple is usually busy during the weekends when work and busyness of locals cease and they have time to pay attention to their spiritual well-being. Open from eight in the morning until late afternoon, Wat Khao Rang is of two main parts: the original building with the sitting Buddha on top of its roof and the newly built temple area next to it.
Located less than half an hour away from Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Wat Phra Thong is a pleasant structure that is more reputed for the legends surrounding it than for its size. The main attraction of the Wat is a half-buried golden Buddha statue that is believed to be untouchable, as every person who has attempted to reveal it said to have been cursed. One of the oldest temples on the island, Wat Phra Thong is a pleasant addition to your list of famous temples in Phuket.
A popular Taoist temple that is not only one of the oldest spiritual centres but also is important in its role in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Jui Tui Shrine is located close to Phuket's main market. The temple grounds carry a display of the temple dating all the way back to 1911, where Jui Tui Shrine stands alone and majestic, in contrast to its modern-day counterpart that is branched out.
