Visiting the Wat Chalong temple is a strong and unmistakable time during a stay in Phuket. Follow our little guide to discovering this place full of beauty and secrets!
During your stay in Thailand, there is a lot to bet that you pass by Phuket. The largest island in the country, also a gateway to the south, is indeed considered a must.
Phuket attracts for her Paradise beaches , its excursions in tropical forest, its emerald lagoons, its turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling and its cultural heritage. Among the most beautiful witnesses of culture in Thailand: Wat Chalong temple .
Located south of the island on the commune of Chalong, Wat Chalong temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket. Its splendor and fame shine on the entire island. Every year thousands of tourists and locals are looking at its architectural wealth. Discover here everything you need to know to visit the Wat Chalong temple.
History of the Wat Chalong temple of Phuket
Photo credit: Flickr – avery ng
Wat in Thai means temple. Of its true name, Wat Chaithararam, the Wat Chalong temple became one of the most emblematic places of Phuket. This is because it is the largest, decorated and colourful Buddhist temples on the island. It is also a high religious symbol.
The Wat Chalong temple was built in the 19th century. However, vestiges of previous structures, whose age is unknown, were discovered. Its amazing architecture is typical of Buddhist Thai temples. As soon as you arrive, you take your eyes! Bariolé, ornamented with grandiose statues, embellished with gold decorations and materials, the exterior of the temple is dazzling.
The various interiors are home to frescoes , walls with ceilings, conting the history of Buddha, sculptures of gold , relics precious and beautifully carved doors. If the show is splendid, you do not swim less in a serene and mystic atmosphere.
Many stories turn around Wat Chalong temple in Phuket. Especially that of his monks Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang and their healing power. The two men were also illustrated for their dedication to the revolt of the tin miners in 1876. During this confrontation, they treated the wounded in both camps through their traditional medicine and were the mediators leading to peace.
cane of Luang Pho Cham , which according to the legend cares for all evils, is secretly preserved in the entrance of the temple. Legend even tells one of the king’s wives Rama V (1868-1910) was healed by the healing virtues of the object. Since then, the temple has the reputation of performing miracles and do you know what the Thais often ask? The lottery numbers!
Visiting the Wat Chalong temple is having the privilege of admiring a legendary Buddha relic. Named Phra Borom Sareerikatat, it’s a Buddha’s bone fragment . She was brought back from Sri Lanka In 1999 and settled in Wat Chalong in 2002, during a ceremony conducted by Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. To date, she sits in the famous Wat Chalong Chedi. The latter is the most recent construction within the sacred place since it was built in 2004.
A Chedi, also known as stupa in Buddhist culture, is a conical or pyramidal construction. Each part of the building represents one of the five elements of the universe: earth, water, fire, air and space. The latter are fundamental in the Buddhist religion. Each element is itself associated with a particular religious concept: the ten Buddhist virtues, the spiritual awakening, the three perfect attentions, the victorious state and the nirvana.
What to see and do at Wat Chalong temple in Phuket?
During your visit to Wat Chalong, you will actually discover several buildings and alleys composing the temple.
Visit the immense Chedi
Photo credit: From I love photo / Shutterstock.com
The most impressive building is the Chedi sus-city . Up to sixty meters, built in sparkling marble, do not miss exploring all the corners. The third and top floor opens the doors from a point of view to couple the breath.
Exalt in front of the horizon on the surrounding plain and the statue of Big Buddha reigning away. Then take a look down to the sumptuous gardens of the temple.
Visit the Viharn and its venerated statues
Photo credit: Flickr – Lee Phelps Photography
Impossible to visit the Wat Chalong temple without passing through its sermon hall or Viharn.
It houses the illustrious statues of Luang Pho Cham and When Pho Chuang. It is covered, through the prayers of Buddhists, with golden leaves. Many Thais pray before these commemorative statues, seeking the blessing of the two monks.
They also lay ropes on their wrist to protect them from injury and disease.
Make offerings to Buddha
Photo credit: Flickr – P_Dean
The central building of the Wat Chalong temple is intended for use offerings to Buddha . The premises deposit lotus flowers, incense, candles or food. If you wish to buy religious offerings – or any other religious article – you must go to the outside shops of the temple.
Within this same room, give yourself to a fun little game:
- Find on the ground the two boxes containing bamboo baguettes;
- Take one and shake it to bring out one of them;
- Read the number on your bamboo wand;
- Go to the wooden furniture on the right of the room;
- Open the drawer corresponding to your number;
- Piocate one of the papers and read the inscription in Thai;
- Translate and see what the Wat Chalong temple announces!
Put his destiny in the hands of mangoes
Another thing to do if you visit the Wat Chalong temple, find an answer to a question that tarts you!
Mango demis carved in bamboo roots cut the soil from the sacred place. Take a pair. Ask a question whose answer can only be yes or no. Throw the pair and let fate slice!
Both sides land on the same side? The answer is no. Conversely, the answer is yes. The Thais understood that they had to stop taking their heads!
Spread garlands
Another feature of Wat Chalong temple in Phuket? Sa room with firecrackers ! In fact, the latter houses a furnace in which the faithful detonate the garlands of foxes. This ritual marks their gratitude when one of their wishes was fulfilled. An experience that does not fail to make the newcomers surpass.
Moreover, if you rely on the number of explosions, start from the principle that the Wat Chalong temple is rather lucky! Although we don’t know how many Thais won the lottery...
Taking advantage of the
Photo credit: Flickr – Pranav Bhasin
On the side of the temple abound some boutiques selling lots of tourist buns. Finally, between the different buildings of the temple, don’t hesitate to swipe the parks.
These green brackets are always relaxing and appreciated.
See the temple at the party
To visit the Wat Chalong temple on an exceptional occasion: visit Chinese New Year (late January/early February by year). During these eight days of partying, try traditional games, attend folklore parades and shows and snack Thai foods.
Visiting Wat Chalong in this period is not a promise of tranquility but the atmosphere is fabulous. It is a fantastic opportunity to discover Thailand’s burning, joyous and friendly life.
How to go to the Wat Chalong temple?
The Wat Chalong temple is located about ten kilometres south of Phuket and east of Kata Beach.
From Phuket Town, take Chaofa Road to Central Festival. From there, follow the direction of Chalong and Rawai about five kilometers.
For a typical popular experience: go to it tuk tuk ! After negotiation (yes, in Asia drivers inflate prices for tourists), climb in these fabulous pushchairs. To find them, there is nothing simpler: they are everywhere and you are constantly accustomed.
Many people rent a vehicle with private driver to visit Phuket and its must-sees. This option, more expensive, is however interesting if you are many, you miss time or want to make your trips easier.
Prices of Wat Chalong temple in Phuket
Photo credit: Flickr – Insights Unspoken
HORARI
The Wat Chalong temple is open daily from 7am to 5pm . The best moments to get there are Weekly and morning so as to avoid the crowd.
Count on average an hour and a half to visit Wat Chalong.
RATES
The entrance is free but gifts for the maintenance of the temple are welcome.
Good to know.
As always in Buddhist temples, visiting the Wat Chalong temple requires a adapted :
- Shoulders and legs – at least up to the knees – covered for women. Clothing is lent to the entrance of the temple if you have misguidedly deceived yourself;
- The shoes are never allowed in a Buddhist temple. So, we're skipping before we get into each building;
- Visitors are invited to speak softly and not touch valuable objects. Before or after visiting Wat Chalong, if you want to stay in the same theme we suggest:
- Visit the statue of the Big Buddha which, high by forty five meters, dominates majesticly the bay of Chalong;
- Make a stop at the temple Wat Sri Sunthorn sheltering famous elongated Buddha.
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