Wat Chalong (Wat Chaithararam), Phuket

Wat Chalong, also known as Chalong Temple, is a must-see destination for those interested in history and culture while visiting Phuket. Built in the early 19th century, this Buddhist temple is the largest and most visited on the island. Visitors can pay their respects to several revered monks who were the founders of Wat Chalong, including Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang, who helped lead the citizens of Chalong Sub-district in fighting against the Chinese rebellion in 1876 and used their knowledge of herbal medicine to aid the injured.

The temple grounds feature several buildings including a viharn, mondop, ubosot, and chedi which houses a splinter of bone from Buddha. The walls and ceilings are adorned with beautiful paintings illustrating the life of Buddha, as well as many golden statues. Visitors can climb to the top floor terrace of the chedi for a bird’s eye view of the entire temple grounds and see the fragment of bone on display.

As with all Buddhist temples, there is a strict dress code that must be followed. Visitors are required to remove their shoes, cover their shoulders and wear pants or skirts that extend down to their knees. A certain level of respect is also expected, and visitors should speak in a quiet tone and avoid touching the statues or other Buddhist relics.

Wat Chalong is free to visit and offers ample parking for cars and motorcycles. It is located on Chao Fa West Road and is a great stop for those touring the south of Phuket. With its rich history and beautiful architecture, Wat Chalong is a must-see destination for any traveler to Phuket.