Wat Chalong – The largest temple in Phuket

Situated approximately eight kms southeast of Phuket town, Wat Chalong is the largest as well as the most ornate among the 29 Buddhist temples of Phuket today. Also known as Chaitararam Temple, this one is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang who were for famous their work in herbal medicine and tending to the injured. Statues honoring them stand in the sermon hall (viharn).

The intricate ornamentation of the exterior contains a collection of huge Buddha images and beautiful wall mural paintings which depict legends concerning the Lord Buddha inside the building.

Several Thais come here to blessed by the monks and receive a good luck charm in the form of a string tied around the wrist. The holy thread is charmed by the monks which they believe protects them from injury and illness. There is no admission fee for entering into the temple, but donation contributing to maintenance and restoration cost is highly appreciated.

To reach the place, one can take Vichit Songkram Road to the Bypass Road and turn left, then drive for about 10 minutes. Wat Chalong is on the left. The best transport to reach Wat Chalong is a taxi.