Wat Chalong (Chalong Temple), Phuket (must see)

Chalong Temple, is a renowned Buddhist temple that holds great significance both for the locals and visitors. It was constructed in the early 19th century.

As the largest and most visited temple in Phuket, Wat Chalong attracts a steady stream of visitors, including both Thai tourists and residents who come to pray and pay their respects. The temple holds deep historical and cultural importance due to the revered monks who played significant roles in its establishment. Notably, Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang were two prominent monks who led the citizens of Chalong Subdistrict in battling against the Chinese rebellion in 1876. Additionally, they were skilled in herbal medicine and provided aid to the injured during that time.

One of the notable structures within the temple grounds is a 60-meter-tall chedi, a stupa-like monument, which houses a fragment of bone believed to be from the Buddha. This chedi is the most recent addition to Wat Chalong and offers a significant spiritual focal point for visitors. Its three floors can be explored, and ascending to the top floor terrace provides a magnificent bird's-eye view of the entire temple complex.

Inside Wat Chalong, visitors will be captivated by the intricate and beautiful paintings adorning the walls and ceilings. These paintings depict various scenes from the life of Buddha and contribute to the temple's overall serene and spiritual ambiance. Furthermore, the temple houses numerous golden statues donated by devotees, adding to the opulence and sacredness of the surroundings.

For those interested in further observing the relic, a few steps beyond the chedi lead to a glass display where the fragment of bone attributed to the Buddha can be contemplated. This display allows visitors to pay homage and reflect upon the significance of the relic within the context of their spiritual journey.