List of religious places in Phuket - Seven must-see temples in Phuket

The Big Buddha is a highly revered religious landmark on the island of Phuket. The large 45 metre-tall statue sits atop Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata. Given its altitude, the spot provides panoramic views of the vicinity including that of Phuket, Chalong Bay and Kata. The site is easily accessible through a six-kilometre road that leads from Phuket's primary artery route and is convenient for travellers staying at Kata Rocks & infinite luxury and similar travel-oriented accommodations.

The Jui Tui Shrine is a renowned Chinese temple that has a fundamental role to play in Phuket's annual Vegetarian Festival. Situated on Soi Phuthorn, Ranong Road, close to the market, it's a must-visit site for visitors of Thailand as one of it is one of the most treasured spiritual centres around. The oft-renovated shrine possesses an attractive exterior and interior and has three sizable altars with statues of Chinese gods present. The principal temple deity is Tean Hu Huan Soy; the God who deals with performing arts and dance.

Wat Phra Thong's major attraction is the semi buried golden Buddha image. The statue, considered untouchable as legend dictates, intrigues most travellers to the area upon hearing of a curse placed upon anyone who seeks to remove it. The temple is a short distance from most the prominent Phuket luxury beach villas. Thailand boasts of many temples, but few possess the intrigue that Wat Phra Thong effortlessly exudes.

The Wat Lipon Temple is found in Thalang, north of Phuket Town. The temple features a 29-metre high statue of the Sleeping Buddha atop the Wat's central-most building. Given its formidable structure, it stands out and can be seen from afar. The temple has additional frills inspired by Thai mythology, such as giants, lions and "phets"(ghosts).

The Wat Suwan Khuha temple is named after the limestone cave it is found in. A 15-metre sleeping Buddha image is housed in the largest of the caves which are decorated with eye-catching Benjarong. Visitors of the temple are often advised to proceed with caution upon entering the large temple as the aggressive monkey population in the vicinity is known to snatch snacks from travellers or frolic atop parked vehicles. The aforesaid has made the temple more attractive to tourists as a spot that is brimming with colour, action and culture.

The Kathu Shrine is acclaimed as the original home of Phuket's Vegetarian Festival. Its architecture is on par with that of shrines in China. The inspiration for this comes from Phuket's abundance of minerals that attracted many Chinese people to Thailand. The cultural and religious impact of this is reflected in the Kathu Shrine. The interior of the shrine features various statues depicting Chinese deities. Many wooden Buddha structures can be found inside, some of which date back to a century. The temple also hosts an altar table along with a statue of goddess Guan Yin that people visit to pay their respects.

The Wat Khao Rang sits on the slope of the famous Rang Hill. A giant golden seated Buddha statue is found here that is the first of its kind in Phuket and is a valued spiritual centre by many locals. The temple is busy over the weekend as Phuket residents flock to worship in it. The statue is as culturally significant as it is aesthetically pleasing and was the first big Buddha construction resurrected in Phuket before the introduction of the giant Buddha that was built later.