A Visitor’s Guide to Wat Chalong in Phuket
Wat Chalong or Chalong Temple is short for Wat Chaiyathararam. It’s considered one of the largest and most important Buddhist temples in Phuket. Let’s find out more about this religious landmark and what makes it a must-visit during your Phuket trip. We’ll also discuss Thavorn Palm Beach Resort, an excellent option for Phuket accommodation, to make your trip planning easy.
Visiting Wat Chalong is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Thai culture and the role of Buddhism in everyday life. Here is some key information to know before your visit:
History of Wat Chalong
Built in the early 19th century during the reign of King Rama V, Wat Chalong is a revered site that welcomes locals and visitors from around the world. The temple is dedicated to two venerable monks, Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang, who were known for their bravery and courage during the Chinese tin miner rebellion of 1876. They helped the wounded and injured using traditional herbal medicine and were instrumental in calming the situation and restoring peace. The temple served as a place of refuge during this tumultuous time.
Architecture of Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is the largest and most important of the 29 Buddhist monasteries in Phuket. The temple’s ornate decoration reflects its status. Its architecture is typical of Thai temples, decorated with intricate carvings and colorful designs. Its main structure, the Phra Mahathat Chedi, is a 60-meter-high stupa, a mound-like structure said to contain a bone splinter of the Buddha, gifted from Sri Lanka. The walls and ceilings of the temple are filled with beautiful paintings depicting Buddha’s life.
Aside from the chedi, Wat Chalong includes sermon halls, a large bell tower, and various statues of Buddha, revered monks, and deities. There’s a museum featuring artifacts and historical items related to the temple, as well as a shop selling souvenirs, amulets, and sacred charms.
How to Get to Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is located in the southeastern part of the island, in the Chalong subdistrict, about 8 kilometers from Phuket Town. It’s approximately a 20-minute ride from Thavorn Palm Beach Resort. Located on Chao Fa West Road in the central area of Phuket, it’s easily accessible by tuk-tuk, taxi, or motorbike.
What to Do in Wat Chalong
The temple is an important part of the local culture and is a place to pray, make merit, and receive blessings. It’s an active temple, so visitors will get a glimpse of religious traditions that are a part of the local way of life.
You can climb the chedi or stupa’s three floors. On the first two levels, you’ll find Buddha statues in various postures representing different phases of Buddha’s life. On the third level, you can view the glass display containing the sacred bone relic and enjoy panoramic views of the temple grounds.
The main temple houses the statues of the two monks, which are covered with gold leaf placed by devotees as a sign of respect and offerings for good luck, health, and wealth. At the temple, visitors can also make offerings such as candles, flowers, and incense sticks. During your visit, you may be able to observe local rituals and ceremonies as well as monks going about their tasks. For a small donation, there are mor doo or fortune tellers who can tell a person’s future using bamboo sticks or siem-si.
There’s also an air-conditioned exhibition hall displaying wax models of famous monks, antique furniture, and precious items. Despite its popularity, the temple maintains a peaceful atmosphere that makes it a great place for quiet reflection. The lush temple grounds offer numerous photo opportunities, with the architecture and gardens providing a scenic backdrop.
Visitor Tips
The Wat Chalong is open from 8 am to 5 pm and takes 1 to 2 hours to explore. Visitors must be dressed modestly; shorts, sleeveless shirts, and shoes are not allowed inside the temple. To maintain the sacredness of the place, speak softly when inside the temple. Admission to the temple is free.
You can combine your visit with a stop at Karon Viewpoint, one of the island’s most popular viewpoints, 15-20 minutes away. Located on the hill, it offers superb views of the three west-coast beaches: Kata Noi Beach, Kata Yai Beach, and Karon Beach.
Prime Phuket Accommodation
A short drive from Chalong Temple, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort offers the perfect accommodation. Our Phuket resort on Karon Beach provides luxurious rooms and suites with spectacular views of the tranquil Andaman Sea and the resort’s lush tropical landscape. World-class facilities, including four large swimming pools, giant water slides, gastronomic dining options, and expansive botanical gardens, make each stay luxurious and memorable. Its beachfront location right across from Karon Beach makes it easy to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Thavorn Palm Beach Resort places you in a prime location that’s easily accessible to Phuket’s top attractions and activities, like Wat Chalong, while giving you a serene beachfront retreat to return to. Book a stay today.

















































































