Amazing Buddhist Temples of Phuket
Phuket temples, locally called Wats, are always worth a visit; from the temple hidden inside a cave to the famousย Wat Chalong, a visit to Thailand would not be complete without exploring a few of these magnificent and beautifully ornamented buildings.
Phuket has many temples; we will probably list them individually, but many are difficult to find or have very little tourist interest unless you are a Buddhist. Of course, you already know that you must remove your shoes (and cap) before stepping in and making a donation; even if small, it is a nice gesture, and ultimately, it is right for you. There are more than 30 temples in Phuket; we will add them as we visit them. See also our page about the Chinese Shrines of Phuket, which are entirely different.
Wat Chalong โ Chaithararam Temple
| Location: Chalong |
Wat Chalong is the largest and most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket. Located in the Chalong subdistrict of Mueang Phuket District, the temple complex features several buildings, including the main ordination hall (ubosot), a sermon hall, a bell tower, and monksโ residences. The temple is renowned for its 60-meter-tall chedi, Phra Mahathat Chedi, which houses a sacred relicโa fragment of the Buddhaโs bone.
The chedi is adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes from the Buddhaโs life and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from its upper levels. Visitors often engage in merit-making activities, such as lighting candles, offering lotus flowers, and applying gold leaf to Buddha statues. The temple grounds also feature a pavilion with life-size wax figures of revered monks, providing insight into monastic life. Wat Chalong serves as a spiritual centre for both locals and tourists, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage of Phuket.
Phuket Big Buddha
| Location: Chalong |
Phuket Big Buddha, a 45-meter-tall marble statue, is visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. The immense Buddha is the main reason to drive up there, but the panoramic views are breathtaking, too. ย Construction started in 2004 and has continued over time, funded entirely by donations. The full name of the statue is Phra Phuttha Mingmongkhon Akenakkhiri, meaning something like โThe respected Buddha on the hill of prosperity.โ Itโs not a temple in the traditional sense, but monks are usually present, and many people come to make offerings or take a quiet moment.
Visitors will find a display hall and several smaller shrines around the base. Thereโs also a large terrace that looks out over Chalong Bay and the south of the island. People often donate by writing their names on marble tiles, which are later used in the structure. Entry is free, but modest clothing is recommended.
Wat Mongkol Nimit
| Location: Phuket Town |
Wat Mongkol Nimit is a prominent Buddhist temple established in 1880 during the reign of King Rama III. It is located in Phuket Town, just opposite the famous Soi Romanee. Situated in the heart of Phuket Old Town, the temple is easily accessible and serves as a spiritual centre for the local community. The temple complex features a richly decorated ordination hall (ubosot) adorned with gold leaf and intricate designs, a large chedi housing sacred relics, and a colonial-style building used for monastic education. The temple grounds are shaded by a venerable banyan tree, offering a serene environment for meditation and reflection. โ
Wat Doi Thepnimit
| Location: Near Patong Beach |
Wat Doi Thepnimit is a serene monastic retreat perched on a hilltop in Patong Beach. The templeโs most striking feature is its large white chedi, adorned with intricate sculptures of mythical creatures, including a seven-headed Naga. This chedi is visible from Patong Beach and offers panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding landscapes.โ
Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham
| Location: Phuket Town |
Despite being considered big (at the time), many travellers missย Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham because the road leading to it is not easy to locate. You have to try hard to deserve it. It is not as grand as the Big Buddha in Chalong, but it has a discreet charm. It also feels much more real and not a tourist attraction. Mostly, locals go there to do merit and pray on weekends.
Wat Phra Thong
| Location: Thalang |
Wat Phra Thong (เธงเธฑเธเธเธฃเธฐเธเธญเธ), also known as Wat Phra Phud (เธงเธฑเธเธเธฃเธฐเธเธธเธ), is a historic Buddhist temple located in Thep Krasattri subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket. The temple is renowned for its unique half-buried golden Buddha statue, with only the head and shoulders visible above the ground. This sacred image, known as โPhra Phud,โ is housed within a dedicated chapel and has become a symbol of spiritual reverence for both locals and visitors. The temple grounds also feature a museum showcasing artefacts related to Phuketโs tin mining history and traditional Chinese customs.
Wat Sri Sunthon
| Location: Thalang |
Wat Sri Sunthon is a Buddhist temple located near the Heroines Monument on the way to Phuket Airport. The temple is renowned for its 29-meter-long golden reclining Buddha statue, which rests atop the main temple building. This statue, visible from the road, depicts the Buddha in the โPang Sai Yatโ posture, symbolising the attainment of Nirvana. The temple grounds also feature a sermon hall, ordination hall, shrine hall, bell tower, and various statues, including mythical creatures and figures from Buddhist folklore. The serene environment, shaded by trees, offers a peaceful retreat for meditation and reflection.
Wat Suwan Kiri Khet (Karon Temple)
| Location: Karon Beach |
A small but beautiful temple is located at the back of Karon Beach. Youโll find it by driving inland from the Karon Circle. This temple frequently hosts markets and fairs, which are always fun to visit.
Wat Ban Koh Sirey
| Location: Koh Sirey |
Wat Ban Koh Siray is a temple many people miss, even though itโs just a short drive from Phuket Town. It sits on a hill at the eastern edge of Koh Siray, a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. From the top, thereโs a clear view over the sea, with fishing boats, the harbour, and the surrounding coastline.
Wat Charoen Samanakij
| Location: Thalang |
Wat Phra Nang Sang
| Location: Phuket Town |
This unusual wat is 200 years old, the oldest in Phuket. It was built when Phuketโs main town was located in Thalang. It seems to be permanently under construction. Each of the many buildings features a multitude of intricate ornaments, surrounded by statues of diverse origins, from an armless cop standing next to a lion to the more logical Buddha images. Everything was designed with mixed Chinese and Thai mythology influence, largely influenced by the dayโs mood.
Wat Nai Harn
| Location: Nai Harn Beach |
Recently rebuilt, this temple was hidden and somewhat unknown despite being so near the top-rated beach of Nai Harn. In recent years, the temple has been beautifully restored and is now an excellent occasion to stop for a photo and pay respect.
Wat Suwan Khiri Wong (Patong Temple)
| Location: Patong Beach |
Wat Suwan Khiri Wong is a prominent Buddhist temple located at the base of the hill leading into Patong Beach. The temple spans approximately 17 rai and is bordered by a canal and the foothills of Patong Mountain. Key structures within the temple complex include the main ordination hall (ubosot), a sermon hall, a bell tower, monksโ residences, and a shrine housing a replica of the Buddhaโs footprint. The templeโs architecture features traditional Thai elements, with intricate carvings and a golden pagoda that enshrines sacred relics. Despite its location near the bustling Patong area, the temple offers a serene atmosphere for visitors seeking spiritual reflection.โ
Wat Kathu
| Location: Kathu |
This small but beautifully decorated set of temples is rarely visited as it is inside Kathu, a village located a bit away from the main Phuket Town โ Patong road. Not many travellers take the time to drive around this area. The monks at Wat Kathu are very friendly; some even speak English and will be happy to chat with you about any questions.
Wat Ban Koh Sirey
| Location: Koh Sirey |
Wat Ban Koh Siray is a temple many people miss, even though itโs just a short drive from Phuket Town. It sits on a hill at the eastern edge of Koh Siray, a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. From the top, thereโs a clear view over the sea, with fishing boats, the harbour, and the surrounding coastline. The temple is best known for its large reclining Buddha, lying quietly inside the ordination hall. The statue stretches almost 19 metres long and has been there for decades. Thereโs no barrier or ticketโjust a peaceful space where locals often stop to pay respect, light incense, or sit quietly for a moment.
Wat Si Supharam
| Location: Chalong |
Wat Si Supharam (Wat Luang Pu Supa) is where the oldest monk in Thailand lives, more than 112 years old. Parts of this temple are still under construction. Quite large and built over the waters of an artificial pond, the temple grounds also include a golden Chedi and a large but unfinished hemispheric Chedi.
Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang)
| Location: Nai Yang Beach |
Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang) is located in Nai Yang Village, just 500 metres from the superb beach of Nai Yang and just next to the Proud Hotel. It is an ancient temple that serves as a spiritual centre and a focal point for the faith of the Sakhu Subdistrict (north of Phuket).
Wat Cherngtalay
| Location: Cherngtalay โ Bang Tao |
Wat Cherngtalay is a Buddhist temple located in the Cherngtalay subdistrict of Thalang District, Phuket. The temple is situated on Si Sunthon Road and serves as a spiritual centre for the local community. The temple grounds feature a prominent ordination hall (ubosot), a sermon hall, monk residences, and a lotus-shaped pagoda enshrining the relics of Luang Por Plod, a revered former abbot. The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Thai architecture.โ
Wat Wichit Sangkharam
| Location: Phuket Town |
Wat Wichit Sangkharam (Wat Kuan) is a significant Buddhist temple located in Phuket Town. The temple is situated on a hillside and features a multi-tiered layout. The first level houses the sermon hall, the second level contains the monastic school, and the third level includes the ordination hall, the enshrinement hall of Luang Pho Khao, and monk residences. The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Thai architecture.
Wat Khosit Wiharn
| Location: Phuket Town |
Tourists do not often visit this beautiful temple built on top of a flight of stairs, as the gate leading to it is barely visible between two shophouses. This temple seems to face Wat Khao Rang, set on a hill on the other side of town. The temple grounds encompass approximately 87 rai (about 34.5 acres) and are situated near Thep Krasattri Road, adjacent to the Khao To Sae National Forest Reserve (Monkey Hill). Key structures within the temple complex include an ordination hall (ubosot) measuring 8 by 21 meters, constructed in 1963, a sermon hall built in the same year, and 13 monk residences. Notable religious artefacts housed at the temple are a replica of the Buddhaโs footprint, a 1.5-meter-wide brass statue of Phra Sangkachai, and statues of revered monks such as Luang Pho Rot and Phor Than Song. โ
Wat Tha Rua
| Location: Thalang |
Wat Tha Rua (เธงเธฑเธเธเนเธฒเนเธฃเธทเธญ) is a Buddhist temple located in Si Sunthon subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket, along Thepkasattri Road, approximately 1 km south of the Heroinesโ Monument. The temple grounds are shaded by numerous trees, creating a serene environment. Key structures include the ordination hall (ubosot), a sermon hall, a crematorium, a bell tower, and monk residences. The temple is known for its emphasis on meditation and Buddhist teachings, offering activities such as morning chanting, Dhamma talks, and almsgiving, particularly on Sundays for working individuals who cannot attend on traditional observance days.
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Wat Nakaram (Wat Naka)
| Location: Phuket Town |
Wat Nakaram (เธงเธฑเธเธเธฒเธเธฒเธฃเธฒเธก), also known as Wat Naka, is a Buddhist temple located in the Wichit subdistrict of Mueang Phuket District, Phuket. The temple is situated near the popular weekend market, making it easily accessible for visitors. The temple grounds feature a prominent golden chedi, known as Phra That Chedi Si Soras, which houses sacred relics. The temple complex includes a main ordination hall, a sermon hall, and several monk residences. The serene environment and traditional architecture make it a place of spiritual significance for the local community.
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Wat Thepnimit
| Location: Chalong |
Wat Thepnimit (เธงเธฑเธเนเธเธเธเธดเธกเธดเธเธฃ) is a local Buddhist temple located in the Wichit subdistrict of Phuket, near the Wichit Subdistrict Office and not far from Phuket Town. The temple features a golden chedi housing sacred relics, a white pagoda, a meditating Buddha image known as Phra Than Jai, and a bell tower decorated with lotus motifs. The grounds are peaceful and mostly serve the local community.
Wat Mai Khao
| Location: Mai Khao Beach |
Wat Mai Khao (เธงเธฑเธเนเธกเนเธเธฒเธง) is a peaceful Buddhist temple located in the Mai Khao area of Thalang District, Phuket. Established on August 24, 1955, by Ms. Bee Plaekrit, who donated her land for its construction, the temple officially became a recognised religious site in August 1957. Visitors to Wat Mai Khao can experience the serene atmosphere of the temple, participate in daily chanting and meditation sessions, and observe the monksโ disciplined routines. The temple grounds also feature a bird sanctuary in the back, near the beach, providing a tranquil environment for reflection.
Wat Sapum
| Location: Phuket East Coast |
(Thepkasatri Road, outside Phuket Town on the way to the airport) Beautifully standing on the east coast of Phuket, just opposite Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island), this temple is not often visited as cars usually drive (too) fast in these curves, and the street leading to the temple is hard to locate.
Wat Sophon Wanaram
| Location: Paklok โ Bang Pae |
Wat Sopon Wanaram (Wat Pa Klok) is a local Buddhist temple located in the Pa Klok subdistrict, on the eastern side of Phuket. Surrounded by trees and set slightly away from the main roads, the temple grounds are calm and mostly frequented by residents of the area. The layout is typical of southern Thai temples, with an ordination hall, monk residences, and a sermon hall set around a central courtyard.
Wat Sawang Arom
| Location: Rawai |
We stopped at Wat Sawang Arom while driving around Rawai and Nai Harn. Itโs a small, local temple just by the main road, easy to miss if youโre not paying attention. The place is very quiet, with just a few buildings and a golden stupa in the middle. A couple of monks were walking around, and a few locals were lighting incense at the shrine.
This isnโt one of those big tourist temples like Wat Chalong. Itโs more of a neighbourhood temple where people from the area come to make merit. The buildings are simple but well-kept, and you can feel itโs still part of daily life here.
Wat Ladthi Wanaram (Wat Tai)
| Location: Chalong |
Wat Tai is one of the oldest temples in Phuket. It was originally built in the mid-1700s but was abandoned for a long time after the monks moved to what is now Wat Chalong. The land became overgrown and turned into a burial ground. Then, in 1903, a passing monk decided to settle there, and the temple slowly came back to life. It was officially re-established in the 1950s. The buildings are modest but carry history. Thereโs an old wooden sermon hall, a simple ordination hall, and a prayer building that feels like it hasnโt changed in decades.
Samnaksong Charoentham Kamala (Wat Baan Kamala)
| Location: Kamala Beach |
Samnaksong Charoentham Kamala, also known as Wat Baan Kamala, is a small temple in the middle of Kamala village, just a short distance from the beach. Itโs not one of Phuketโs famous temples, but people in the area come here often to make merit or join ceremonies. Youโll see monks around in the early morning, and the atmosphere is quiet, especially during weekdays.
The layout is quite simple. A few temple buildings stand around an open courtyard, and the architecture follows classic Thai styleโred roofs, golden trim, and carved details above the entrances. One eye-catching feature is the long walkway lined with dozens of identical golden Buddha statues. Each one has a black alms bowl in front, and many people like to drop coins in as they walk past. Itโs a quiet routine, but itโs part of everyday life here.
Temples Outside Phuket
Wat Suwan Khuha
| Location: Phang Nga |
Wat Suwan Khuha (locally known as Wat Tham or the Cave Temple) is located 9 km from Phang Nga Town. The temple is built into a limestone hill, and the main chamber houses a reclining Buddha that stretches about 15 metres long. The cave is dimly lit and quiet, with the scent of incense and the sound of bats sometimes echoing overhead.
Outside, macaque monkeys roam freely. Theyโve become part of the experience, although visitors are often warned not to feed them as they can be quite bold. Wat Suwan Khuha has a long history. King Rama V visited in 1890, and his signature, carved into the cave wall, can still be seen today. There are other chambers inside the hill too, some with small shrines, others with interesting rock formations and natural light shining through openings above.
Map of Phuket Temples
Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket Temples
Q. How many Buddhist temples are there in Phuket?
a. There are more than 30 Buddhist temples in Phuket.
Q. What are the most beautiful temples?
a. All temples are beautiful, but some are worth stopping by for a photo:
Wat Chalong
Big Buddha Temple
Wat Khao Rang
Doi Thepnimit
Wat Kathu
Wat Koh Sirey
Wat Sri SunthonQ. What are the most significant temples?
a. These temples may not be as impressive as others, but they play an important part in Thai daily life of Phuket history:
Wat Chalong
Wat Phra Thong
Wat Mongkol Nimit
Wat Phra Nang SangQ. Is there a dress code when visiting a temple?
a. Please dress politely when entering a temple. Do not wear too short pants or skirts, and no sleeveless shirts on the temple grounds. Remove your shoes and caps before entering any of the buildings.
