Wat Chalong Temple in Phuket – An Attraction Overview

Upon arriving in Phuket for a vacation, you may start to wonder what attractions lie beyond the beach. Not everyone wants to spend every moment by the sea, and one of the island’s top sights is Wat Chalong Temple, which welcomes hundreds of visitors daily. Let’s begin at the start…

General Information

Although commonly known as Wat Chalong Temple, its authentic Thai name is Wat Chaiyatararam Phuket – a mouthful that few opt to use in everyday conversation.

The history of the temple begins in 1837, and it was not originally expected to become so popular among European visitors. Moreover, its present appearance has nothing to do with the 19th-century structures – its current appearance is a meticulously crafted modern interpretation rather than a preserved 19th-century structure.

Wat Chalong in Phuket was founded by two monks (Luang Pho Chem and Luang Pho Chuan), who were renowned herbalists in their time. They successfully treated warriors involved in the Chinese uprising.

The Chinese uprising marks a somber chapter in Phuket’s history. It began in 1876 and escalated to such an extent that locals were forced to take refuge behind the walls of Wat Chalong, with the aforementioned monks acting as mediators between the insurgents and the Thais. Gradually – thanks in part to them – peace was restored and life returned to normal.

Currently, the Wat Chalong temple complex includes:

• The main Ubosot (ordination hall);
• A shrine that houses the sacred relic (a fragment of the Buddha’s bone) known as Chedi Phra Mahathat;
• A cross-shaped viharn;
• A crematorium with a farewell hall;
• The monk’s quarters (Kuti Luang Pho Chem) – the residence of one of the temple’s founders;
• The living quarters of the venerable monk;
• A market (occupying a large part of the temple grounds);
• The Wat Chalong garden.

Ubosot – in Thai, it literally means “the most beautiful building in the temple complex,” where the main sacred relic is kept.

Ubosot

The main temple (Ubosot) is considered off-limits to tourists since services are held there; indeed, not all clergy are permitted to enter this building.

It is from this building that the name Wat Chalong is derived, and it is here that it all began. Although the main sacred relic is kept in another structure, Wat Chalong is regarded as the Ubosot. In the past, a fragment of the Buddha’s bone was housed here, but with increasing tourist interest in the temple, it was decided to display the Buddhist relic for public viewing.

The building is indeed quite beautiful, making photos and videos taken against its backdrop simply stunning.

Chedi Phra Mahathat

This building was specifically constructed to house the relic, which at that time was already in the possession of the clergy (the bone was donated in 1999 by the government of Sri Lanka in honor of King Rama IX’s birthday).

The structure is a three-story building with a long dome. Its total height is 60 meters. The facade is executed in a golden style, traditional for Buddhist architecture.

Inside, there are many Buddha statues and various paintings. On the second and third floors, you can step out onto a balcony to admire Wat Chalong from above and take photographs.

At the very top, within an improvised glass vessel, a fragment of the Buddha’s bone is enshrined. The vessel rests on a marble pedestal shaped like a lotus, around which banknotes are scattered (most likely, after closing hours, these notes are collected by the monks for the temple’s needs).

Viharn

Another building, which appears to have been designed especially for tourists. Entry to the building – as with all others – is permitted without shoes. Inside, photography is allowed, though the decor is more modest than that found in the Chedi or the Ubosot. Tourists are drawn to two main features:

1. Statues of three monks.
2. A fortune-telling device.

At the statues of the three monks (incidentally, these represent the two founders, while the third – Luang Pho Gluam – is less well-known, though his contributions are no less significant), visitors can make a wish; according to one version they ask for their desire to be granted, and according to another, to be relieved of physical pain.

At the entrance to the building, you are required to take a small piece of foil and affix it to one of the statues. The descriptions of this tradition vary: in one version, the foil is attached to the spot where one experiences physical pain, and if no such spot exists, then between the eyebrows (which is believed to enhance intuition); in another, affixing the foil is accompanied by silently making a wish.

We believe that these two traditions can be combined – when attaching the foil to the area where you feel pain, simply make a wish.

In addition to the three statues, visitors are intrigued by the fortune-telling, as everyone wonders what fate has in store for them.

To predict your future, proceed as follows: inside the building there is a box containing sticks. Shake the box well and draw a stick bearing a number. This number corresponds to a card stored in a special compartment, and the card describes your near future. However, there is one catch – the prediction is written in Thai. The monks will gladly help you with the translation, even though it is not really part of their duties.

A second method of divination involves special small blocks. The procedure is simple: take a block in your hand, silently pose your question, and then toss it. If it lands on one side, the answer is “yes,” and if it lands on the other, “no.” For details on which side signifies what, please consult a monk.

Opposite the viharn, there is a ceramic stove where firecrackers occasionally go off. The Chinese use such devices to ward off evil spirits, while the Thais interpret the explosions as an indication that a prayer has been answered.

House of Luang Pho Chem

According to legend, one of the founders of Wat Chalong once resided in this building; although the original dwelling has not been preserved, this is an exact replica. Inside, you will find kitchen utensils and furniture – some of which are original, and some reproduced from old blueprints. The main attraction is the wax figure of the monk, seated in the lotus position as if in meditation.

Wat Chalong Garden

A place where you can stroll and enjoy Buddhist landscapes. A significant part of the garden is taken up by a market where you can purchase souvenirs and much more.

There is also an improvised lotus pond within the garden.

Abbot’s House

Another location where an important relic for the temple abbots is kept – a replica of the staff of Luang Pho Chem.

Dress Code

Since Wat Chalong is a Buddhist attraction, specific dress norms apply here. While no one will actually check your attire, expect disapproving looks from the locals if you dress inappropriately.

For instance, short skirts and revealing blouses are not recommended for women, and similarly, short shorts for men are discouraged.

And needless to say, swimwear is absolutely out of place. If the thought ever occurs, just imagine a man in swim trunks or a woman in a swimsuit entering a church – it would be quite an unpleasant sight. In essence, any temple complex in Thailand should be treated with the same respect as an ordinary church (although there is no strict requirement to cover one’s head upon entry).

In addition to the dress code, please adhere to the following behavioral rules while inside:

• Avoid speaking loudly or shouting;
• Smoking is prohibited (whether a cigarette or vape – better to refrain);
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed;
• Insulting the complex’s staff is forbidden.

How to Get There

For ease of orientation, Wat Chalong in Phuket is marked on the map below – you can also view its coordinates if needed.

The exact address of the temple complex: 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83130.

However, you will likely not need this information, as every taxi driver knows exactly how to get to the destination.

Besides taxis, you can reach Wat Chalong via public transport, including:

1. If traveling from the beaches of Kata and Karon – take the blue Phuket Town–Karon–Kata route, which heads toward Phuket Town. Along the way, the temple will be on your right; a useful landmark is the NK Latex factory, which comes after the Chalong roundabout.
2. If coming from Phuket Town – there are two options: either the Karon–Kata bus (as mentioned above) or a bus labeled “Chalong.” Both depart from Ranong Road, and in this case, the temple will be on the left.
3. If traveling from Patong – you will need to either get to Karon or Kata Beach, or head to Phuket Town and then follow one of the routes described above, as there is no direct bus from Patong.
4. If coming from other beaches – the procedure is the same as from Patong.

 

A third option is to book a tour – there are plenty available in Phuket at very reasonable prices. It is advisable not to book a tour through a hotel guide but rather to use the services of local tour operators or to book online, as reviews for such tours are considerably better.

Operating hours – from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Admission – free.

Thus, Wat Chalong is a one-time attraction. Yes, it is worth a visit, but you probably won’t feel inclined to return for a second time, although everyone is different.

Don’t forget to share your vacation impressions in the comments – they are invaluable for those still undecided about their holiday destination.