Ban Phon Temple

Home Si Sunthon Temples Ban Phon Temple
4,7 (115)
Buddhist temple Si Sunthon
Working hours: Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 09:30

A famous temple in Phuket where Buddha is depicted in a reclining pose. The golden statue impresses with its size – it stretches 29 meters in length! The temple was founded in 1792 by Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty, and has long been one of the island’s iconic landmarks, attracting both tourists and pilgrims.

The reclining Buddha pose, portraying the moment of his Parinirvana, symbolizes the Buddha’s final moment of life when he achieved ultimate liberation from the cycle of rebirth. In Buddhism, Parinirvana is the state of complete cessation of suffering, an eternal release from samsara, when one attains enlightenment and is no longer subject to birth and death.

This pose shows the Buddha lying on his right side, with his head facing north, in a relaxed yet noble position. It expresses peace and the final triumph over suffering and illusion.

Remarkably, the Buddha statue is not located inside the temple (as is common in most Buddhist structures) but on its roof. Therefore, the statue can be admired from afar, but visiting the temple itself is also quite fascinating.

Visitors are welcomed by majestic gates adorned with intricate carvings and symbols. Throughout the temple grounds, one can find sculptures of various animals from Thai mythology – lions, monkeys, and elephants. The temple is single-story, with a staircase on the side leading to the roof, which offers a panoramic view of the surroundings. On the ground level, there is a prayer hall with several small Buddha statues in different poses nearby.

Don’t forget the rules for visiting sacred places in Thailand: remove your shoes before entering the temple, cover your shoulders and knees, and maintain a calm and respectful demeanor.

Entrance to the temple is free, but you may leave a donation if you wish – it will go toward the temple’s upkeep. Additionally, local monks may tie a thin thread, called sai sin, around your wrist for a small donation. This thread is a symbol of blessing and protection.

Other notable temples on the island can be found in the article Historic Temples of Phuket. And if you’re looking for a place to stroll (temples are sometimes chosen for this), check out the article Walking Spots in Phuket.

Popular places
  • Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen is not just a stadium but a true Muay Thai hub in Phuket. Spectacular fights are regularly held here, attracting both locals and tourists. The atmosphere on fight nights is electrifying, from the passionate cheers of the crowd to the powerful strikes of the fighters. Ticket...
    Rating: 4.5
    Patong
  • A world full of adventure lurking in the rainforest. Ride the ziplines at altitude among the trees and experience the real feeling of flying. A unique feature of the Hanuman World park is the roller ziplane, which is a monorail on which guests go down with steep turns, like a...
    Rating: 4.7
    Phuket Town
  • Thailand has a true cult of martial arts. This stadium brings together fighters from all over the world for spectacular competitions, and spectators flock here to witness incredible matchups. It’s located right in the heart of the action on Bangla Road. You can purchase discounted tickets to Bangla Boxing Stadium...
    Rating: 4
    Patong
  • A place that offers truly unforgettable experiences. Just imagine: you’re lifted 50 meters above the ground🏗, and a breathtaking 360-degree view unfolds before your eyes. There’s nothing like it in any other restaurant. You can book a dinner at Dinner in the Sky Phuket with a 10% discount from us...
    Rating: 4.9
    Karon
  • Diving in Phuket is a wonderful opportunity to diversify your vacation or acquire an exciting new hobby. The underwater world of the Andaman Sea is stunning and diverse: you can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs, encounter fascinating marine creatures, and admire picturesque underwater landscapes. Sometimes, intriguing art installations are...
    Rating: 4.70
  • Cheow Lan Lake is the jewel of Khao Sok National Park in Thailand. A tour to Cheow Lan Lake offers the chance to immerse yourself in a world of stunning landscapes with emerald lakes, majestic limestone cliffs, and lush tropical vegetation. The journey to Cheow Lan Lake begins with an...
    Rating: 4.75
  • One of the most popular shows in Phuket, where theatrical performance blends with music and dance. Audiences can expect a burst of vibrant emotions, fun, and visual delight. This show is also one of the leading performances in all of Southeast Asia, drawing visitors from around the world every night....
    Rating: 4
    Patong
  • A tour to the Similan Islands from Phuket is an adventure for nature and marine life enthusiasts. The Similans are known for their crystal-clear waters and are among the best spots for snorkeling and diving in Thailand. The tour begins with an early transfer from your hotel in Phuket, followed...
    Rating: 4.85
  • Want to see Phuket from a bird’s eye view? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a luxurious adventure – a flight over the island! You just need to come to the airfield, receive a brief instruction, and voila… you’re in the sky! 💵 Price:Two-seater plane (pilot + 1 passenger):10...
    Rating: 4.73
  • An aquarium that can be explored in just a couple of hours — which is actually a plus for young visitors who won’t have time to get too tired or cranky like they might in an overcrowded entertainment center. You can purchase discounted tickets to Aquaria Phuket from us via...
    Rating: 4.4
    Phuket Town
    Join Insider on Social Media
    We share the best places in Phuket and provide useful tips to make your stay on the island brighter and your life more comfortable. Subscribe to stay updated.