Wat Suwan Khiri Wong, Phuket

In the boisterous, overcrowded city of Patong, one of the largest tourist spots in Thailand, the Wat Suwan Khiri Wong, or the Patong temple as it is popularly called, is a peaceful Thai-Buddhist monastery. Situated at the base of the hilly road that leads to Phuket city, it exists from a time when Patong was just a small village.

The Wat Suwan Khiri Wong is located on a large piece of land, off a busy road. Yet, this Theravada temple is quiet and serene. It has many beautiful features including the main chapel, the pagoda and many statues of Lord Buddha. Around the temple is a housing quarter for the monks along with a dining hall. There is also a large bell tower. Nearby is a small market that sells fresh vegetables and meat every morning. The local people have built a community around the temple, far away from the tourists that swarm the beaches and the main city.

The temple is reminiscent of a time before Patong became the touristy hot spot it now is. It is a welcome break from the noise and crowd of the beaches and night life and a must see site if you are ever in the city!