Buddhist Temples
1. Wat Suwan Khiri Khet
Also known as Wat Karon because of its location, this temple features engravings depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life on the doors and windows. Two fantastic turquoise naga serpents encircle the main temple building and form railings down to the entrance. A smaller building guarded by a yak (mythical character in the Thai Ramayana) statue houses an attractive black sapphire Buddha image.
Patak Road, Karon • Open 8am–5:30pm daily
2. Wat Prathong
Built in the 1750s, and known locally as Wat Phra Phut, this colorful temple (for further details see Wat Prathong) is Phuket’s second most important after Wat Chalong. The half-buried golden Buddha statue is the main attraction here. According to legend, anyone who attempts to uproot the statue will be cursed.
3. Wat Phranang Sang
Built more than 200 years ago, Phuket’s oldest temple houses the mummified relics of a former abbot, Luang Poh Bai, and a collection of large tin Buddha images, crafted when tin was still considered a semi-precious metal. The Heroines’ Monument stands near this temple.Thepkasattri Road • Open 8am–5:30pm daily
4. Wat Srisoonthorn
Towering above this temple is a massive 95-ft (29-m) tall reclining Buddha statue, depicting the Buddha as he achieved Enlightenment. Nine other Buddha statues populate the entranceway. Built in 1792, and known locally as Wat Lipon, the temple was later renamed Wat Srisoonthorn to commemorate one of the two sisters (for further details see March 13, 1785: Burmese Invasion Repelled) who defended Phuket from foreign conquerors.Thepkasattri Road • Open 7am–5:30pm daily
5. Wat Chalong
Phuket’s movisited temple comprises a number of ornately decorated buildings, including a pagoda believed to enshrine a bone fragment of the Buddha. The temple also has statues of former monks, life-like wax models, and displays of fireworks by devotees expressing their gratitude for answered prayers. The annual Wat Chalong Fair is held at the temple around the Chinese New Year (for further details see Wat Chalong).
6. Wat Kajonrangsan
A unique temple in Phuket Town, Wat Kajonrangsan, also called Wat Kajon, features distinctive Roman-style architecture in the ubosot (ordination chapel). Since it does not draw busloads of tourists, a visit here offers a good opportunity to witness an active community environment. The temple grounds also house a school.Ranong Road, Phuket Town • Open 7am–5:30pm daily
7. Wat Putta Mongkol
Located in the heart of Phuket Town, this temple is sometimes referred to as Wat Klang (literally, central temple). It features colorful architectural designs, including yellow chedis, as well as an old Sino-Portuguese colonial home, which is used as the monks’ dormitory. The spacious grounds are also home to the Phuket Buddhist Association and Phuket Old Town Foundation.Dibuk Road, Phuket Town • Open 8am–5:30pm daily
8. Wat Suwan Kuha
This temple is popularly known as Monkey Temple, for the throngs of pesky animals that reside within its grounds begging for, or stealing, food. The actual Buddhist monuments here are located inside a breathtaking cave, with a massive reclining Buddha image forming the centerpiece. Located in Phang Nga, this Buddhist temple is a popular stop for day-trippers from Phuket.Phang Nga • Open 8am–5:30pm daily • Adm
9. Wat Kathu
Located just outside Patong, this temple offers a peaceful respite from the surrounding frenzy of tourist activity. Its red windows are decorated in gilt-covered reliefs depicting important scenes from the Buddha’s life; colored glass and tiles decorate the exterior.Moo 4 Baankathu, Kathu • Open 8am–5:30pm daily
10. Wat Kosit Wihan
It takes a bit of a climb to reach this temple carved into a hillside, but you will be rewarded with great views of Phuket Town. On the temple grounds stands a large Buddhist cemetery, and a number of small monuments with photographs of the people who were cremated here.Highway 402 • Open 8am–5:30pm daily
