Wat Chalong

Phuket is home to over 30 Buddhist temples, but this particular one is the most famous and one of the most revered and majestic. Founded in the early 19th century, Wat Chalong was built in honor of two respected monks, Luang Phor Chaem and Luang Phor Chuang, known for their knowledge of herbs and medicine. During the uprising of Chinese miners, locals were forced to hide behind the temple walls. The aforementioned monks treated the warriors who took part in the uprising and mediated between the protesters and the Thais. For their services, the monks were sung in this temple.

The temple territory is very beautiful and includes a manicured garden as well as several significant structures:

🔸 Chedi (stupa) Phra Mahathat: a building built specifically to hold a piece of Buddha’s bone.

🔸 Ubosot: the main building of the complex, where all the main services and rituals take place.

🔸 Viharn: The building is accessible to tourists (don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering). Inside, you will see three statues of monks covered in gold foil. The place is interesting because here you can try to predict your future. For this purpose at the altar with monks there are special cups with sticks, which you need to shake and take out one of the sticks with a number. The number corresponds to a card stored in a special box, on which your near future is described (though all predictions are in Thai).

🔸 Ceramic kiln: located opposite the Viharn. Firecrackers explode in the kiln from time to time with a deafening sound; this is believed to mean that prayers have been answered.

🔸 Monk’s House: According to legend, one of the founders of the temple lived in this building.

Wat Chalong Temple is a must-see for those interested in Thai history and spirituality. Entrance is free, but take care of the appropriate dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered.