Wat Chalong Temple in Phuket, Thailand: All You Need To Know

About Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong, officially called Wat Chaiyathararam, is Phuket’s largest, most visited, and most revered temple. This temple complex dates back to the 19th century and is a significant part of the island’s history.

This religious site, often called Chalong Temple, served as a retreat for the injured and ill residents seeking refuge from the Chinese rebellion in 1876. Two monks (Luang Cho Chuang and Luang Pho Chaem) attended to those locals and headed them to fight against the Chinese.

One reason Wat Chalong is one of the best attractions in Phuket is its stunning architecture, which is evident in its 60-meter-tall chedi and other smaller temples adorned by vibrant artwork, sophisticated carvings, and rich decorative elements.

Chalong Temple is the go-to place for locals and tourists to make merit and pay respects to the Buddha and the monks. In particular, those seeking blessings for good luck, wealth, and health visit the temple.

Phuket Travel Tips

First, before we jump into the Wat Chalong travel guide, let’s cover the essentials and tips to help you have a more fun, enjoyable, and safer trip to Phuket and Thailand.

What are the opening hours and ticket prices for Wat Chalong in Phuket?

Visiting Wat Chalong in Phuket is free of charge. However, the temple accepts donations to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the site.

The temple of Wat Chalong in Phuket is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm; however, you can freely explore the temple grounds anytime.

How to get to Wat Chalong Temple in Phuket

Wat Chalong is just 8 km southwest of Phuket Town, and it’s easy to reach the temple.

By taxi or tuk-tuk

You can hire a taxi or ride a tuk-tuk from Phuket Town or Patong, and the trip will last 20 to 40 minutes. But, note that the fare can be pricey, so hiring the driver for the whole day is more economical.

By public transport

You can also take a songthaew from Old Town and Patong Beach. This open-air blue bus is an affordable way to get to Chalong Temple and other attractions in Phuket.

Renting a car or scooter

Alternatively, you can rent a car or scooter and drive yourself. There is a large free parking lot available at Wat Chalong temple.

• Click to check rental car prices.

If you’re traveling with your family or friends, you can rent a van with a driver or rent a car with a private driver for the day and enjoy maximum flexibility.

On a tour

If you’re short on time or don’t drive, we recommend taking a tour like Phuket Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Big Buddha Tour, which visits many highlights of Phuket in a day.

RECOMMENDED TOURS

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What is the dress code at Wat Chalong Temple?

The dress code for Wat Chalong temple in Phuket is dressing modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. The dress code is primarily enforced for women; men are allowed in with knee-length shorts. You’ll also need to remove your shoes before entering the temples.

• Also read: Best Temples to Visit in Bangkok

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Things to see at Wat Chalong Temple in Phuket

Chalong Temple is one of the top places to see in Phuket, as it offers a glimpse into the island’s intriguing history and Thailand’s rich culture through its several beautiful temples and its main highlight, the towering chedi.

1. Wat Chalong Chedi

Wat Chalong’s Chedi is a three-story building where you can learn about Buddhism. The first two levels feature many Buddha statues with different poses depicting the life of Buddha.

You will also find beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings illustrating Buddha’s story and teachings.

2. Buddha’s bone

The third and top floor of the Chedi is where you’ll see a glass case containing a fragment of Buddha’s bone.

This level is also where you can get a bird’s eye view of the temple complex and a distant view of Phuket’s giant Buddha.

3. Wax statues of monks

Meanwhile, one of the smaller temples at Wat Chalong houses the human-sized wax statues of the two highly respected monks. You can witness Thai people offering lotus flowers and placing a small piece of gold paper on the monks’ statues as their way to make merit.

4. Other temples and statues

Besides the main and most beautiful temple, there are also a few other, smaller ones all around Wat Chalong temple grounds, as well as some beautiful statues. Make sure to walk around the whole area.

5. Beautiful gardens

In addition to the structures, this Phuket temple has well-maintained gardens perfect for taking lovely photos. There are even large clay ovens where locals light firecrackers to show gratitude for an answered prayer.

Furthermore, you will find a dozen small souvenir shops at Chalong Temple, where you can buy bells, beads, elephant statues, or shirts. Stalls selling religious items are outside the temple, next to the gate.

The best time to visit Phuket’s Wat Chalong Temple

The best time to visit Chalong Temple in Phuket is on weekdays. You can still visit on weekends, but the temple grounds can get very busy. Hence, the best time would be early morning or late afternoon to ensure it’s not too hot and crowded.

If you want to see Wat Chalong with a lively atmosphere, consider visiting during Chinese New Year when there’s a 10-day funfair. You can enjoy traditional dance performances, carnival rides, food stalls, and booths selling handicrafts.

How long does it take to see Wat Chalong?

How long it takes to see Chalong temple really depends on your own interests and schedule, but count on about an hour to see everything as the temple grounds are not that small.

Some people spend a quick 30 minutes touring the temple, while others take hours to explore the grounds, admire the intricate architecture, and soak up the spiritual atmosphere.

If you’re short on time, you can see the highlights in about an hour, but if you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience, plan on spending at least two to three hours at Wat Chalong.

• Book a tour to Wat Chalong and other Phuket highlights now.

Is Wat Chalong worth visiting?

Wat Chalong temple, alongside Big Buddha, is the best Phuket temple to visit. As the largest and most visited Buddhist temple on the island, it offers a unique cultural experience and a glimpse into the local way of life.

With its colorful architecture, intricate decorations, and fascinating history, this temple is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in religion, history, or architecture. Plus, you can participate in traditional rituals, such as lighting incense and offering flowers, that provide insight into Thai culture.

Overall, we highly recommend adding Wat Chalong to your list of must-see attractions in Phuket.

Temple etiquette in Thailand

Here are some basic rules you should know while visiting the temples in Phuket and Thailand, especially if you’re entering the temples.

Rules for visiting temples in Thailand:

• Dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees.
• Take off your shoes before entering the temple.
• Keep your voice down.
• Be mindful while taking photos.
• Don’t touch the monks.
• Refrain from touching statues and other Buddhist relics.

Where to stay in Phuket

In Phuket, Karon and Kata are the best areas to stay for a fantastic beach experience, Kamala for luxury stays, Mai Khao to be away from the crowds, and Old Town for history, food, and architecture.

• Must Read: Where To Stay in Phuket for All Budgets: Best Hotels and Areas