Phuket s big buddha is one of the islands most important and revered landmarks on the island. Built in the 1800s, wat chalong is one of phuket s 29 temples with a rich history. These beautiful and richly decorated temples are known as wats in thai and are a potent symbol of the. The big buddha the famous big buddha of phuket can be seen on top. Phuket, thailands largest island enjoys a rich and colourful history, but it is even. It is regarded as the most important buddhist temple in phuket. Chalong bay offers numerous activities and sights, such as the big buddha, wat chalong and chalong pier, bars, restaurants, cafes, zoo, elephanttrekking, gokarting, shooting ranch, wellness spas and much more.
Wat chalong chalong temple is the largest of phuket s temples, and the most visited. It just goes to show what an international tourist destination phuket has become. Even though youre not a buddhist, witnessing the architectural beauty of these wats and learning some history is an experience you dont want to miss. Phuket town brief history and architecture and places of interest. Locals and many thai tourists come to pray and pay respects to several. Wat chalong is a historical landmark and buddhist temple in phukets. The main temple is a giant 3 floors structure and we climbed stairs to watch the beautiful idols of golden colored lord buddha in different postures. This beach has restricted access, and most boats from the pier at chalong stop here to let you enjoy some snorkelling, diving and swimming with the cuttlefish, turtles amid the marine coral reef off the islands beach. For centuries, locals come to pray almost every day while westerners learn about buddhism during their vacation. Wat chalong is about 8 km southwest of phuket town.
The most important of the 29 buddhist temples of phuket is wat chalong thai. It is dedicated to two monks, luang pho chaem and luang pho chuang, who with their knowledge of herbal medicine helped the injured of a tin miners rebellion in 1876. It is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, luang pho chaem and luang pho chuang, who led the citizens of chalong subdistrict fighting against the chinese. Private phuket city tour half day sightseeing tour around. Phuket travel guide phuket trip planner places to visit in phuket. Many people visit this temple not for touristic purposes but for praying. During our holidays in phuket we had visited the beautiful wat chalong temple complex which is one of the prime tourist attractions in phuket. Take in the history of the place and take your time going round. Think of it as a shortened form of the name wat chaiyathararam.
It is dedicated to two venerated monks, luang pho chaem and luang pho chuang, who, with their knowledge of herbal medicine, helped those injured in a tin miners. Find out more about our services and book your flights today. Wat chalong travel guidebook must visit attractions in phuket. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Phukets rich natural reserves have long made it a strategic location, bringing foreigners from a far to reap. The lofty site offers panoramic views of the island, with sweeping vistas of phuket town, kata, karon beaches, and chalong bay. One of the temples in the complex wat chalong is a big place, with several buildings including the main temple, containing statues of the revered monks where people can pray, apply gold leaf to the statues. Locals come to pray and westerners come to learn about buddhism.
The monks, paticularly luang pho chae, helped the people of phuket put down the ahngyee chinese coolie rebellion in 1876 during the reign of rama v. As the most significant of phukets 29 buddhist temples, wat chalong attracts hundreds. King chulalongkorn, rama v, sent an army south to expel the encroachers. Valid for stays between 1 february 2020 to 23 december 2021. Book your wat chalong tickets online and skiptheline.
The temple is located on chao fa west road in the northern part of. Dec 15, 2014 there are about 40 buddhist temples or wat in the thai language around the island of phuket. This temple has a sharp and tall roof and typical thai buddhist architecture. Tesco lotus at park rawai is within walking distance of this venue. Wat chalong is not only the biggest, it is also the most beautiful temple on the island. Wat chalong phukets most important temple by phuket 101. Royally named wat chaitarara, the temple is said to have been built during the reign of king rama ii, although it has gone through numerous renovations since then. One of the pillars of phukets wealth in previous centuries was the tin mining industry.
North of tambol chalong, this buddhist temple is a historical landmark that the thai people. If you want to skip the hassle of public transport and the expense of taxis, consider visiting wat chalong as part of a sightseeing tour that includes roundtrip transport. Wat chalong, chalong, phuket town, phuket 83000 thailand. Phuket, as far as we know it, was first inhabited by an ethnic group known as the negriots. Wat chalong temple, phuket ticket price timings address.
A mountain backdrop emphasizes a golden spire, while wall paintings inside each temple depict vibrant buddhist images. There are also 2 statues of an old man known as ta kheelek. Historical places in phuket province phuket province. Luang cho chuang and luang pho chaem, both tended to the wounded during the rebellion against the chinese tin miners.
Of the 29 buddhist temples in phuket, wat chalong is the most wellknown due to its history and that the fact that it is the most ornately decorated. Then, the locals headed to wat chalong in order to get sheltered by two prominent monks. Welcome to one of the magnificent buddhist temples, wat chalong temple in thailand. The absolute holiday destination our pool villas are in a prime location and quiet area.
After seeing so many temples while in bangkok, this was really the only temple we saw while in phuket. Chalong, also known as chalong pier or chalong bay, is islands greatest bay with a port, shopping, and residential area, located on the eastcentral part of phuket. Phuket best time to visit top things to do book your. Chalong temple or wat chaiyatararam is one of the most revered temples in phuket history because one of the abbots in the past named luang por chaem was the leader and the one who encouraged local people to fight against the chinese secret society called angyi during the tinmining period. Phuket is widely known as the pearl or the jewel of the andaman sea. In 2004 a group of friends were walking through the forest in the nakkerd hills between chalong and kata when they stumbled upon a place with stunning vistas of both sides of the island chalong bay lay in one direction while on the other they looked down over kata and the andaman sea. One can now find a temple dedicated to these monks in wat chalong. Chalong bay places to visit, what to eat, how to reach. It is thought that the original wat chalong was built during the reign of king rama ii 18091842. Some of them have a long history more than 100 years ago or even longer.
At wat chalong, six km south of phuket town on vichit road, history was made when local people fought against gangs of chinese who came from malaysia to seize the area with its highyielding tin mines. The wat chalong is a very beautiful temple of this sort and is considered to be the most important of the 29 that exist in phuket. Wat chalong promthep cape phang nga bay national parkjames bond island elephant trekking khao phra taew national park snorkel aqua adventure. Wyndham grand phuket kalim bay ihc by club wyndham. Wat chalong is a historical landmark and buddhist temple in phuket s chalong bay. As the most significant of phuket s 29 buddhist temples, wat chalong attracts hundreds of visitors daily. Here you can buy souvenirs and take perfect photos. Wat chalong chalong temple is the largest of phukets. Phiphitthaphan rup muean chaoathikan wat chalong 2021 all. There are paintings inside the pagoda that tells the story of lord buddha.
Book a phuket gastronomy tour with best viewpoint, wat chalong visit. Phuket s most important buddhist temple, wat chalong is the biggest and most ornate of phuket s 29 buddhist monasteries. Many major phuket attractions like wat chalong and the big buddha are located in the area along with entertainment activities like phunaka golf course and phuket bird park. Sep 30, 2020 if you book a halfday city tour from any of the local travel agents around, wat chalong is almost definitely included in the itinerary. Located between phuket town and chalong bay, wat chalong is one of phuket s most wellknown temples. Free cancellation on most hotels our price guarantee find out more. Wat chalong chalong temple is the largest of phukets temples, and the most visited. Plenty of bars and restaurants around will guarantee you a blistering evening.
Baan kanom and fattys await guests in about 5 minutes walk away from the property. Phuket big buddha is the place you should visit for sure. In 1933, phuket gained provincial status, and since then, it has been administered by an interior ministryappointed governor. Trust us if you would like to be in elysium while being shuttled to anywhere around phuket. Highlights include the revered temple wat chalong, old phuket town, the viewpoint at khao rang hill, phraya ratsada statue and gardens, and other places of interest. The huge image sits on top of the nakkerd hills between chalong and kata. The temple was built early 19 th century, as some sources say, it was built in 1837 precisely. Chalong subdistrict, mueang phuket district thailand. Finnair flies to phuket several times a week from helsinki airport. For the local thai people the temple is the most important one.
It is three stories high and offers beautiful panoramic views of phuket and the surrounding bays. Wat chalong is apparently the most important of the 29 buddhist temples found on phuket. Youll save time booking transport with hotel pickup and d. Built during the 19th century, wat chalong was erected and housed two monks. Dec 08, 2020 it was built at the beginning of the 19th century, 1837, according to some sources. Youll save time booking transport with hotel pickup and dropoff included. Find inner peace and enlightenment when visiting wat chalong phuket. Wat chalong, or chalong temples, is the largest and most important of phuket s temples, visited by thousands of people every year.
Visiting wat chalong temple phuket thailand vacation days. Wat chalong in phuket buddhist temple in chalong bay go. One of the stories evolves around the chinese coolie rebellion of 1876. Top tourist attractions in phuket province, thailand the. The most important of the 29 buddhist temples of phuket is wat chalong. Thailand, the land of smiles, is also sometimes referred to as the land. We continue heading north and deeper into the past, coming to the grandest of phuket s numerous buddhist temples wat chalong.
Dec 12, 20 phuket has a history dating back as far as a. The spectacular main building is adorned with gold leaf and gives off a beautiful glitter in the sunlight. Wat chalong explore phukets most revered temple ithaka. Wats are sacred places for buddhists and most thai people follow this religion. The beauty of wat chalong temple the boathouse phuket. Of course, you will never get outrageously high price when making phuket taxi reservation with us since we aim to quote a very reasonable fare to satisfy all special clients and super. Many thais come here to be blessed by the monks and receive a good luck charm. The ultimate guide to phuket thailand travel notes and. Wat chalong is 5 miles 8 kilometers outside of phuket city and is accessible by car or taxi.
Guests may find surf house phuket within 3 miles and snake farm within 3 miles of the hotel. For centuries, locals come to pray almost every day while westerners learn about buddhism during their holiday. Save time and money with our best price guarantee make the most of your visit to phuket. Private phuket city tour half day sightseeing tour. The ultimate guide to phuket thailand travel notes and guides. Phuket has many buddhist temples and if you want to see more than just a beach, get a taste of local life, a temple is a good place to start. The main stupa, known as the grand pagoda, is said to harbor a splinter of the buddhas bone. Big buddha phuket chalong 2021 what to know before you.
Wat chalong phukets largest and most revered temple. Best things to do in phuket, thailand the planet d. While wat chalong is the name most will call the temple, it isnt the real name. As history goes, ta kheelek was a famous local who was famous for winning many lotteries after he consulted the statue of poh than jao wat. Chalong temple is one of the mustsee places in phuket, together with the nearby big buddha of phuket, as they are relatively close to each other.
The wat chalong temple is an inspiring cultural site. Wat mai luang pu supha wat sila suparam in chalong is famous mainly because of its founder, luang pu supha, one of the most respected and longlived monks in modern thai history. Youll also have time to shop for souvenirs and taste local cuisine on this tour, which includes transportation, and. It is a gorgeous site but entering it will make you realize its importance as a religious place. Its officially called wat chaitararam, but most people refer to it by wat chalong. Each year, sea turtles leave their andaman sea home to lay eggs on mai khao beach, in. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century, 1837, according to some sources. Many of these beautifullydesigned buildings survive, particularly along thalang road, where you will learn more about phuket s colourful history. Do you need to book in advance to visit chaithararam temple wat chalong. In the 20th century, phuket was stated a monthon, and was given control of areas such as ranong, krabi, takuapah phang nga, satun, and trang.
Fullday tours often combine a visit to the temple with stops at old phuket town, a cultural melting pot of malay and singaporean architecture, and wang talang, where you can shop for artisan crafts. These two monks later convinced the laborers and eventually the place again gained its passivity. Due to its great religious significance, wat chalong is an integral part of most phuket sightseeing tours. Book direct exclusive the boathouse phuket kata beach resort. Big buddha phuket chalong 2021 what to know before you go. Most of the people employed in the mines were chinese immigrants. Where to go for offbeat family fun in phuket jetstar. If you are the kind of person who travels just to enjoy the history and culture of various places, then you will love the wat chalong temple when in phuket. Wat chalong is associated with three revered monks of luang pro chaem and luang pho chuang who were herbal doctors and setters of bones. The most important of the 29 buddhist temples on phuket is wat chalong. Set in central of phu, 1 km from chalong temple and 3 km from chalong pier, wanawalai luxury villa offers.
Wat chalong is an ancient and wellknown temple in phuket with a history going back more. The main stupa, known as the grand pagoda, is said to. Save more and enjoy benefits when you book direct with us. Follow the link to book tickets on the phuket airport bus. Book your tickets online for chaithararam temple wat chalong, chalong. Find out what your future holds at wat chalong destination. Luang pho chae encouraged the people to stay and fight and subsequently put down the rebellion. Its a 45metertall statue on the top of the highest peak between chalong and kata.
However, as you book tickets for wat chalong temple with our tours, you will be enlightened on the history. Phuket town brief history and architecture and places of. One of the most important budhist statues within the temple is poh than jao wat. The largest is wat chalong, which can be quite busy with locals and tourists, but every area has its own small temple if you want more of a local flavour and a bit of history. Wat chalong in phuket is the most popular thai temple on the island and is one of the culture highlights on a phuket sightseeing tour. Book direct exclusive the boathouse phuket kata beach. Originally named thung kha, it was renamed mueang phuket on 14 november 1938. Wat chalong, phuket wat chalong is apparently the most imp. There is the restaurant nearby serving european and german cuisine. With attentive driver, you will safely arrive at a first destination by hiring phuket airport transfers. Book direct exclusive 1st feb 2020 23rd dec 2021 book it now.
Story of phuket old town rich history the slate phuket. Phuket bird park and phuket zoo can be reached by car in a couple of minutes. Since it is a religious site, there are no tickets for wat chalong temple. Jul 14, 2019 visiting wat chalong temple phuket thailand vacation days the most important of the 29 buddhist temples of phuket is wat chalong thai. All you need to know about wat chalong simbaseatrips. It enshrines the gilt statues of monkhero luang pho chaem and his assistant luang pho chuang, both much revered by local people because of their roles in quelling the miner rebellion in 1876. Phuket, thailands largest island enjoys a rich and colourful history, but it is. As the most significant of phukets 29 buddhist temples, wat chalong attracts hundreds of visitors daily. See what phuket has to offer with the thai airways phuket travel guide. Brimming with history, the beautiful, ornate construction, wat chalong was formally known as wat chaiyathararam. It takes 35 minutes by car from the accommodation to phuket airport. In 1876, a group of chinese laborers, discontented with their salary and working conditions, began a bloody riot of theft and murder in the island. Luang cho chuang and luang pho chaem, both tended to the wounded during the. Wat chalong is the largest phuket temple and the most important symbol of the island.
1383 883 1397 610 1013 1172 260 1029 1403 53 1072 1344 301 1132 538 6 818 1 1368 103 413 790