WAT CHALONG

About Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is officially known as Wat Chaiyathararam. This is Phuket’s largest, most visited and most important Buddhist temple.
It is an active Buddhist monastery as well as one of Phuket’s most popular cultural attractions. Thai residents come here to pray, make merit and pay their respects to revered former abbots.The large temple complex contains several ornate buildings decorated in white, red and gold. Its most prominent structure is the 60 metre high Phra Mahathat Chedi. This three storey chedi contains numerous Buddha images, detailed murals illustrating episodes from the Buddha’s life and a sacred fragment believed to be part of the Buddha’s bone.Another important building contains statues of three respected monks associated with the temple: Luang Pho Chaem, Luang Pho Chuang and Luang Pho Gluem. Worshippers place small squares of gold leaf on the statues as an expression of respect.

Interesting History of Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is believed to have been established during the early 19th century. The temple became closely associated with Luang Pho Chaem, a highly respected monk known for meditation, traditional herbal medicine and service to the local community.During the 1876 Ang Yi rebellion involving Chinese tin-mine workers, frightened residents sought refuge at the temple. Luang Pho Chaem reportedly treated injured people with herbal remedies, encouraged the local community and distributed blessed cloth headbands to those defending their villages.King Rama V later honoured Luang Pho Chaem with a royal monastic title. The monk remains deeply respected in Phuket, and residents continue to pray before his image for protection, healing and good fortune.The present Phra Mahathat Chedi was constructed during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Its upper chamber contains a fragment believed to be part of the Buddha’s bone, presented by Sri Lanka to King Rama IX in 1999. The relic helped establish Wat Chalong as an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims as well as tourists.

What to See at Wat Chalong

You can visit inside the main prayer hall and see the respected statues of Luang Pho Chaem, Luang Pho Chuang and Luang Pho Gluem.
There is also the lifelike wax figures of the same three monks which are displayed separately in the reconstructed traditional wooden residence of Luang Pho Chaem.Enter the Phra Mahathat Chedi to view the murals illustrating the Buddha’s life.
You can climb to the upper level of the chedi to see the sacred relic chamber and views across the temple complex.Opposite the main worship hall is the freestanding brick firecracker kiln. Firecrackers can be bought from the vendor nearby. Temple attendants manage the firecrackers, so you should never attempt to light them yourself. They will set off the firecrackers inside the chamber as offerings of thanks for answered prayers.

What to wear at Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is a sacred religious site, not just a tourist destination. Dress modestly with shirts or tops covering the chest and shoulders. Trousers or long shorts or skirts should cover the knees. Lightweight and loose fitting clothing suitable will be more comfortable for you to cope with Phuket’s heat and humidity.
Wear shoes that can be removed easily for entering temple buildings. Hats and sunglasses should also be removed inside religious halls.

How to explore Wat Chalong

See the temple grounds photograph below to become familiar with the layout. Not every building is open to tourists, and monks’ residences and working areas should be treated as private.
Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent, particularly around people praying.

Do not point your feet towards Buddha images, monks or religious objects. When sitting on the floor, place your legs to the side or sit with your feet behind you. Avoid touching Buddha images, murals, relics or ceremonial objects. Do not stand directly in front of people praying.

Do not use flash near Buddha images, murals or people praying, or deliberately take close-up photos of monks or other people.
Drone photography is forbidden without a license and permission.

How to get to Wat Chalong

From Phuket Old Town

The journey from Phuket Old Town normally takes about 15 to 25 minutes by taxi, Grab ride-hailing car or your own hire vehicle, depending on traffic.
Local blue songthaews operate from the Ranong Road market area in Phuket Town towards Chalong, Kata and Karon. Ask the driver whether the vehicle passes Wat Chalong before boarding. Services are inexpensive but slower and less predictable than a taxi. Fares are generally around 30 to 50 baht, with journeys taking about 40 to 60 minutes.

From Patong Beach

Wat Chalong is about 16 to 18 kilometres from Patong. Allow around 30 to 45 minutes by car, although heavy traffic can considerably increase the journey time.
A ride booked through Grab or Bolt may cost approximately 300 to 500 baht each way, depending on demand, vehicle type and pickup location. Street taxis and tuk-tuks may charge more, so agree on the total fare before leaving.

From Kata or Karon

The temple is about 8 to 12 kilometres from Kata and Karon, and a taxi or ride-hailing car usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Some blue songthaews travelling between the beaches and Phuket Town pass the Wat Chalong area, but confirm the route with the driver.

By car or motorbike

Driving from Phuket Town, you follow Chao Fa West Road south towards Chalong. Wat Chalong will appear on the left before Chalong Circle. See the interactive map below if you are driving
Motorbikes are quicker and easier to park, but you should be an experienced rider because Phuket’s traffic can be demanding. Only ride if you hold the appropriate licence and international driving permit, wear a helmet and have insurance that covers motorcycle use.

Wat Chalong opening times and entry fees

Wat Chalong is normally open daily from about 7:00am until 5:00pm. Individual halls may open later, close earlier or become temporarily unavailable during ceremonies.
There is no admission fee and tickets are not required. A contribution is welcome and can be placed in one of the donation boxes in the halls. You can also purchase flowers, incense, candles, gold leaf and other offerings from stalls around the temple. Simply follow one of the locals to see how they do it if it's your first time "making merit".

Best time to visit Wat Chalong

The best time to visit is between 7:00am and 9:00am on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. Temperatures are cooler, the grounds are quieter and the morning light brings out the white, red and gold details of the buildings.
Choose a clear day so that your photos pick up the colorLate afternoon can give a softer light, but you need to allow enough time to see the interiors before they begin closing.
The busiest period is generally from approximately 10:00am until 2:00pm, when sightseeing tours commonly arrive. Weekends and Buddhist holy days attract more local worshippers.
Phuket’s dry season from November through to March will offer the most reliable good weather. You can also visit Wat Chalong during the rainy season because much of the visit takes place inside covered buildings.
The annual Wat Chalong Fair is normally held around Chinese New Year. It brings food stalls, entertainment, market shopping and large local crowds. The fair offers a very different, livelier experience from an ordinary temple visit.

Is parking available at Wat Chalong?

Free parking is available within the temple grounds for cars, motorbikes and minibuses. See the photo above that shows the temple grounds and carpark area. The parking areas are generally large enough for normal visitor numbers.
Spaces can become difficult to find during weekends, Buddhist holidays and the annual Wat Chalong Fair.
Arriving early is advisable during these periods. Park only in marked areas and avoid blocking entrances, monks’ residences or ceremonial routes.

How long to spend at Wat Chalong

Allow about one hour for a quick visit. This gives you enough time to see the temple halls and climb the chedi.
A two hour visit would be best to see everything including the murals, spend time taking photographs, make an offering and explore at a relaxed pace.

Where is Wat Chalong located?

The temple is located between Phuket Town and Chalong which makes it easy to include in a sightseeing trip around southern Phuket.
Wat Chalong is on Chao Fa West Road, also known as Route 4021, approximately nine kilometres south of Phuket Old Town. The entrance is clearly signposted from the main road.
The address is 70 Moo 6, Chao Fa West Road, Chalong, Phuket.