Joanna James
The island of Phuket is renowned as a popular tourist destination. You will find a number of cultural attractions here including a number of temples (wats) which will interest the visitor.
This impressive shrine has the distinction of being the most popular as well as the largest Buddhist shrine in Phuket. One of the newest and most prominent buildings in this temple compound is a large 'chedi' (stupa) which houses a relic of Buddha. You will see that the ceilings and walls of this structure are embellished with attractive paintings depicting life stories of the Buddha. You will find an array of gilded statues at the temple which add to the tranquil ambience of the compound. If you choose to ascend to the top storey of the chedi you will have the opportunity to enjoy splendid views over the grounds of the temple.
Although this shrine may not be the most striking of Phuket's temples, Wat Putta Mongkon is always an interesting place of worship to visit. You will see that the grounds of this temple are extensive and also very tranquil, making it a pleasant place to spend some time. As you stroll around the temple gardens you will see that each tree bears a placard displaying a written principle of the Buddhist faith. At the rear of the temple compound, you will notice an inconspicuously positioned but handsome chedi. Many ceremonies involving the local community are regularly conducted at this temple.
This appealing temple is well-known for featuring the first and the original seated Buddha statue in Phuket. This impressive Buddha statue was constructed many years ago on this picturesque hill location in Phuket town. For the time in which it was constructed, this statue was considered large; however many visitors to Phuket miss this cultural attraction due to the fact that the lane by which it is reached is not prominently seen. Although you will find Buddha statues which are larger, this tranquil religious feature emanates a sense of calm and serenity. If you visit Wat Khao Rang on a weekend you will have the opportunity to observe local Thais visiting the statue to pray and make merit.
The well-known Wat Phra Thong is a revered Buddhist temple that features a remarkable legend which will capture the imagination of the visitor. The story goes that many years ago a local youth tied his buffalo to a segment of wood protruding from the earth. Both the boy and his buffalo died soon after, and it was discovered that the protrusion was actually the top of a buried Buddha statue. After a number of miraculous incidents, it was eventually decided to construct a temple surrounding the still half-hidden statue. As you experience these engrossing temples in the environs of Phuket town amongst the accommodation choices that you could consider would be the appealing Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas.
The attractive Wat Srisoonthorn is another engrossing Buddhist temple that contains a number of features of interest. Taking pride of place in this wat is the colossal Buddha in the reclining position; this enormous statue seems to be engaged in serene contemplation and is revered by local Buddhists. As is common in Thai temple compounds, you will see interesting carvings and quaint statues scattered around the grounds of this temple. These include endearing creatures like exotic animals and colourful elephants, in addition to more fearsome subjects like 'hungry ghosts' and demons. These features make the grounds of the temple an interesting place to stroll around.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
