Ban Phon Temple

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.