The Grand Pagoda
Temple grounds
The tall chedi that dominates the temple. Inside, its floors hold Buddha images and murals of the Buddha's life, and the upper level keeps the bone relic.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Phuket, Thailand
Wat Chalong
Phuket's largest and most important temple, with a tall chedi said to hold a fragment of the Buddha's bone.
Favourite places
Main hall with the revered monks
Temple grounds
The hall holds gilded statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, where local people pray and press gold leaf onto the images.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Firecracker house
Temple grounds
A small brick building where people set off strings of firecrackers to give thanks when a wish has been granted.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Local food
Khanom jeen
Phuket, Thailand
Rice noodles with curry and fresh vegetables, a favourite Phuket breakfast found at local stalls around Chalong.
Gaeng som
Phuket, Thailand
Sour and spicy southern-style fish curry with vegetables.
Where to eat
Temple food stalls
Outside Wat Chalong
Simple stalls near the entrance sell drinks, fruit and Thai snacks.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Chalong Pier area
Chalong Bay
Local seafood restaurants near the pier where many island boats leave.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Where to stay
Chalong
Phuket, Thailand
A local, residential area with villas and guesthouses, central for the south and the island boats.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Kata or Karon
Phuket, Thailand
Beach bases about 20 minutes away, convenient for combining the temple with the Big Buddha.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
Culture
This is Phuket's most revered temple. Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering buildings, and never point your feet at a Buddha image. The loud bangs are firecrackers offered in thanks for wishes that came true, not a celebration — stay clear of the firecracker house.
History
Wat Chalong is dedicated to two respected monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who helped the people of Phuket during a tin miners' uprising in 1876. Its 60-metre Grand Pagoda holds the relic and murals of the Buddha's life.
Tour plans
Phuket temples and viewpoints
Half dayStep 1: Wat Chalong
Visit the temple early, climb the Grand Pagoda and see the monks' hall.
Step 2: Big Buddha
Drive up Nakkerd Hill for the statue and the island views.
Step 3: Karon Viewpoint
Continue to the viewpoint over the three bays.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
Any time of year; early morning is cooler and quieter, before the tour groups arrive.
How to get there
In Chalong, about 20 minutes from Kata or Phuket Town by car.
Getting around
Wat Chalong is on the main road between Phuket Town and the south. Most people come by Grab, taxi, rental car or scooter, often on an island tour that also stops at the Big Buddha.
Travel tips
Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off before entering the halls. Sarongs are usually available to borrow or rent at the entrance. Firecrackers are set off as thanks for wishes — expect bangs.
