Amazing Buddhist Temples of Phuket ✓
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Phuket Thai temples, locally called Wats, are always worth a visit; from the temple hidden inside a cave to the famous 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.
Big Buddha Phuket
Chalong
Access Currently Closed
Big Buddha Phuket, a 45-metre-tall statue covered in white marble tiles, is visible from nearly anywhere in the southern part of the island. This iconic landmark is a top attraction for visitors and often features on every 'Must-Do in Phuket' list. Read More
Wat Mongkol Nimit
Phuket Town
Wat Mongkol Nimit or Wat Putta Mongkon might not be the most impressive temple in Phuket but this one means a lot to people living around Phuket Town. All temples are of course worth visiting but since Wat Mongkol Nimit is close to Thalang Road, the historical streets of Phuket Town it would complete your visit perfectly. Read More
Wat Phra Thong
Thalang
Wat Phra Thong (or Wat Prathong), meaning 'Golden Buddha Image Temple is a very old temple with an incredible legend behind it, the kind of story that irresistibly attracts people. It's not very big or impressive, but everyone first wants to see the famous half-buried golden Buddha. So what is this strange legend about a temple in Thalang on the way to Phuket Airport? Read More
Wat Sri Sunthon
Sri Sunthon
Wat Sri Sunthon (Wat Srisoonthorn) is known for the immense golden Buddha reclining at the top of a large building in the 'Pang Sai Yat' posture, which corresponds to “Realizing Nirvana”. The statue seems to be staring endlessly at the frantic traffic on the nearby road to Phuket International Airport. Of course, you already knew that 'Wat' is the Thai word for 'Temple'. Read More
Wat Chalong
Chalong
Wat Chalong, officially called Wat Chai Thararam, is the largest, most revered and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Chalong Temple is one of the Must-See places in Phuket. Read More
Buddha Cave in Phang Nga
Phang Nga
Hidden in a vast cave in Phang Nga Province, Wat Suwan Kuha is a surprising religious site sheltering an immense reclining golden Buddha. If you feel like a little drive outside Phuket island, this is your chance to explore another side of Phang Nga! This region is not only famous for incredible limestone cliffs plunging straight down into the sea but also for some unexpected jewels. Renting a car or even a scooter, if you are experienced enough, and driving along the majestic cliffs of Phang Nga is a great way to discover the impressive landscapes and the surprising Wat Suwan Kuha cave. Read More
Wat Khao Rang
Phuket Town
Wat Khao Rang (Kao Rang Temple) is a modest temple in Phuket town that would be somewhat anonymous if it was not for its large and majestic golden sitting Buddha. But is the giant Buddha not supposed to be much bigger and made of white marble? True, this one is the golden Buddha of Phuket Town, one of the first sitting Buddha in Phuket, built long ago on the hillside of the famous Khao Rang Hill. Read More
Wat Phra Nang Sang
Thalang
Wat Phra Nang Sang, originally known as Wat Takian, was built more than 200 years ago and is one of the oldest Thai temples in Phuket. This unusual temple was built when Thalang was the main city of Phuket Island and even was the scene of a battlefield during the Burma War in 1785. Read More
Wat Thepnimit Phuket near Patong Beach
Patong Beach
Wat Thepnimit Phuket is a monastic residence with a fantastic panoramic view over Patong beach. You can see its iconic white pagoda from the beach, if you know in which direction to look, of course, it's pretty tiny. Read More
Wat Kathu
Kathu
Wat Kathu, or Kathu temple, is a not very well-known landmark among tourists, but local photographers know how beautiful it is. This Buddhist temple is on the way to Phuket Town and not far from Patong, but because it stands away from the main road, most people don't even consider visiting it. Read More
Bang Neow Shrine
Phuket Town
Bang Neow Shrine in Phuket Town is one of Phuket's oldest and most revered Chinese shrines. It’s one of the main shrines taking part in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival It is a place of worship and merit-making activity for the local Chinese-Thai community throughout the year. Read More
Wat Charoen Samanakij
Phuket Town
Wat Charoen Samanakij, also known as Wat Lang San, is a beautiful and serene temple nestled on the slopes of Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town, behind the old Phuket Prison which has since moved to the north of the island. It is a relatively new temple, having been built in 2012, but it has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Read More
Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang)
Nai Yang Beach
The Mongkhon Wararam Temple (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. Read More
Wat Koh Siray
Koh Sirey
Built atop a hill on Koh Sirey, a small island only 20 km square next to Phuket Town, Wat Koh Siray is visible from quite far away. Driving up to the temple is easy, and a small road surrounds it, surrounded by many small shrines dedicated to people who passed away. The temple also shelters a golden reclining Buddha, which, without being impressive is still as big as the temple. Read More
Wat Nai Harn
Nai Harn Beach
Wat Nai Harn was once a small and unknown temple surrounded by walls between the beach and the lake. After adding a brand new building, it expanded to become a landmark. Once natural, the lake behind the beach is now a large concrete pond where you can rent some paddle boats, which are fun for the kids. Read More
Wat Suwan Khiri Wong (Patong Temple)
Patong Beach
Wat Suwannakhiriwong is a Mahanikaya sect temple located in Patong. Spanning 17 rai, the temple is bordered by Phra Barami Road, a canal, and the foot of a mountain, with villagers' houses nearby. The current abbot is Phra Khru Pothipanyakan. Established in 1769 and originally named Wat Pa Tong, the temple later became Wat Suwannakhiriwong. Read More
Wat Luang Pu Supha (Wat Si Supharam)
Chalong
Wat Luang Pu Supa is where the oldest monk in Thailand, who is more than 112 years old, lives. Parts of this temple are still under construction. Quite large and built over an artificial pond, the temple grounds include a golden Chedi and a large but unfinished hemispheric Chedi. Read More
Wat Cherngtalay
Cherngtalay
Wat Cherngtalay, historically known as Wat Tin Le, is an ancient and revered temple located in Phuket Province. It has served as a spiritual centre for the people of Cherngtalay for generations. One of its most notable figures, Luang Por Plod, served as abbot from 1852 to 1886. Read More
Wat Wichit Sangkharam (Wat Kuan)
Phuket Town
This vast and beautiful temple on the fringe of Phuket town also plays a significant role for Phuket citizens but is rarely visited by tourists because of its location in the city’s back streets. Read More
Wat Khosit Wiharn
Phuket Town
Wat Khosit Wiharn is a Mahanikaya sect temple in Talat Yai, Phuket, covering approximately 134,916 square meters. Read More
Wat Tha Rua
Thalang
Wat Tha Rua is a Mahanikaya sect temple in Tambon Si Sunthon in Thalang, just before the Heroine Circle on the way to Phuket International Airport. Read More
Wat Nakaram (Wat Naka)
Phuket Town
Wat Nakaram (Wat Naka) only main characteristic is the golden Chedi standing next to the main temple. Located just across the road from the famous Phuket Weekend Market, it’s an excellent opportunity to visit both simultaneously. Read More
Wat Sawang Arom
Rawai Beach
Wat Sawang Arom is a temple of the Mahanikaya sect located in Rawai, south of Phuket Phuket Island. Established in 1942 by Phra Bunrod Thammakamo, the temple covers an area of approximately 9,636 square meters. Read More
Wat Thepnimit
Phuket Town
Wat Thepnimit has no real particular signs except for a small golden Chedi. Read More
Wat Sophon Wanaram
Thalang
A tiny but brightly decorated temple on the road between the Heroine monument and Bang Pae waterfalls. It is easy to spot the gate by the roadside. Read More
Wat Ladthi Wanaram (Wat Tai)
Chalong
Wat Ladthi Wanaram, located in Chalong Subdistrict in the south of Phuket, is a temple of the Mahanikaya sect. The temple occupies 26 rai of land and has a rich history. It was founded in 1758 (B.E. 2301) and received its royal charter on February 5, 1957 (B.E. 2500). The temple was later relocated to a new site known as Wat Chaithararam, leaving the original location deserted for a time, and it was used by locals as a cemetery, commonly referred to as Khok Wat. Read More
Wat Suwan Kirikhet (Karon Temple)
Karon Beach
Wat Suwan Kirikhet is a small but beautiful temple in the back of Karon Beach. You’ll find it by driving inland from the Karon Circle. This temple frequently hosts the popular Karon Temple Market and occasional funfairs, which are always fun to visit. Wat Suwannakiri Khet, located in Karon Beach, is a temple of the Mahanikaya sect that has been part of the local community since 1909. Originally known as Wat Karon, it was named after the nearby village. On October 24, 1939, the temple received its royal charter, marking its official boundaries at 40 meters wide and 60 meters long. Read More
Wat Baan Kamala
Kamala Beach
Wat Baan Kamala is a modest temple near the entrance of town. It is quite modest, but the long lines of small golden Buddhas are worth a photo and a glimpse of real Thai life. Remember that this is a religious site so don't wear too short clothes. Read More
Wat Mai Khao
Mai Khao Beach
The Mai Khao Temple is less known but worth a photo (Wat Mai Khao). The temple itself is tucked away from the road. It doesn’t have any particular architectural interest, but it hides a little treasure: a small bird sanctuary hidden in the park behind it Read More
Put Jaw Shrine (Kuan Im Teng)
Phuket Town
Put Jaw Shrine is one of the oldest Chinese shrines in Phuket, located in Phuket Town. It was originally built more than 200 years ago and is dedicated to the Chinese goddess Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy. The shrine plays a significant role in the spiritual life of the local Chinese-Thai community. Read More
Lord Shrimant Ganpati Bappa Devalai
Rawai Beach
Lord Shrimant Ganpati Bappa Devalai is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha set in Rawai Beach near Rawai Park. This intricately designed Phuket temple is a replica of the century-old Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune, India Read More
Phuket Big Buddha Video
near Chalong
This Phuket Big Buddha Video takes you to one of the island’s most famous landmarks. Sitting on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata, the 45-metre-tall statue can be seen from many parts of southern Phuket. Read More
Wat Chalong Video
near Chalong
This Wat Chalong Video takes you to Phuket’s most important and largest temple. Located in Chalong, this beautifully decorated temple has been a spiritual centre for locals for over a century. Read More
Wat Kom Niya Khet (Wat Khuek Khak)
Khao Lak
Wat Kom Nai Khet, also known as Wat Khuek Khak, is a serene Buddhist temple in the Khao Lak area about 5km north of Bang Niang Beach Read More
Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave)
Krabi
Wat Tham Seua, also known as the Tiger Cave Temple, is nestled in a jungle setting about 9km north of Krabi Town. The temple grounds feature glittering caves and archaeological treasures, including stone tools and pottery remains Read More
Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan
Chinatown
The striking spire of Wat Trai Mit protects a 5-metre-tall seated Buddha statue made of solid gold. Weighing in at 5.5 tonnes, the statue dates back to the 13th century and was originally covered in plaster Read More
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
Chinatown
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is the best of the cultural things to do in Chinatown, Bangkok’s largest Chinese Buddhist temple. Built in 1846, the temple’s design is unmistakably Chinese. The statues of the Four Heavenly Kings at the entrance are particularly impressive, though the main Buddha statue in the ordination hall is also impressive. Read More
Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan
Chinatown
Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan earned its nickname from the resident population of large reptiles. The legend goes that an especially belligerent man-eating croc with a missing eye, going by the nickname Ai-bod, was being hunted by angry locals and took refuge beneath a monk’s house in the temple. Read More
Wat Suthat Thepwararam (Giant Swing)
Bangkok Old Town
Wat Suthat (Giant Swing) is a famous Buddhist temple dating back to the late 18th century. It’s mostly known for its towering red teak swing standing at 21 m. Due to its towering height, it can be seen from other areas in Bangkok Old Town. Originally used in a Brahminic ritual to celebrate the rice harvest, the swing was later incorporated into Buddhist ceremonies. Read More
Wat Arun – The temple of Dawn Video
Thonburi Riverside
This video of Wat Arun takes you to one of Bangkok’s most iconic and visually striking temples. Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, with its towering central prang decorated in colourful porcelain and seashells. Read More
Wat Khosit Wiharn
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.
Location: Phuket Town
Wat Nakaram (Wat Naka)
This temple’s only main characteristic is the golden Chedi standing next to the main temple. Located just across the road from the famous Phuket Weekend Market, it’s an excellent opportunity to visit both simultaneously.
Location: Phuket Town
Wat Thepnimit
Wat Thepnimit has no real particular signs except for a small golden Chedi.
Location: Phuket Town
Other Temples on the island
25 Wat Thepkassatri
26 Wat Mai Khao
27 Wat Kittisankaram
28 Wat Tha Chat Chai
29 Wat Pa Aram Wattanaram
30 Wat Samkong
Map of Phuket Temples
Phuket Attractions Directory
FAQs 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.
