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26 Thai Temples to Visit in Phuket

Amazing Buddhist temples of Phuket

Phuket temples, or Wats, are always worth a visit; from the temple hidden inside a cave to the famous Wat Chalong, a visit to Thailand would not be complete without exploring a few of these magnificent and beautifully ornamented buildings (‘Wat’ means ‘Temple’, you guessed it).

Phuket has many temples; we will probably list them one by one, but many are difficult to find or have very little touristic interest unless you are a Buddhist. Of course, you already know that you have to remove your shoes (and cap) before stepping in and making a donation; even if small, it is a nice gesture, and ultimately, it is right for you. Here are 24 temples in Phuket, but we counted more than 30, so we will add temples as we visit them. See also our page about the Chinese Shrines of Phuket, which are entirely different.

Chalong Temple

Chalong Temple

Chalong Temple, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is the largest and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. Its real name is Wat Chaitararam, but you probably won’t hear it or see it on any road signs. It’s not my favourite temple to photograph, but it is almost a must to visit.

Location: Chalong

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Phuket Big Buddha

Phuket Big Buddha

Phuket Big Buddha, a 45-meter tall marble statue, is visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. The immense Buddha is the main reason to drive up there, but the panoramic views from up there are breathtaking too.

Location: near Chalong

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Wat Mongkol Nimit or Wat Putta Mongkon

Wat Putta Mongkon

Wat Mongkol Nimit or Wat Putta Mongkon is not the most impressive temple in Phuket, but this one means a lot to the locals of Phuket Town. All temples are, of course, worth visiting, but since this temple is close to Thalang Road, the historical streets of Phuket Town would complete your visit perfectly.

Location: Phuket Town

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Doi Thepnimit

Doi Thepnimit Patong Phuket

Doi Thepnimit is a monastic residence with a superb panoramic bird-view of Patong Bay. You can spot the new iconic white pagoda if you stand on the beach of Patong.

Location: Patong Beach

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Wat Khao Rang

Phuket Town

Wat Kao Rang

Despite being considered big (at the time), many travellers miss Khao Rang Temple because the road leading to it is not so easy to locate, you have to try hard to deserve it. It is certainly not as grand as the Big Buddha in Chalong, but it has a discreet charm. To me, it also feels a lot more real, and not so much a tourist attraction. Mostly locals go there to do merit and pray on weekends.

Location: Phuket Town

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Wat Phra Thong

Wat Phra Thong

Wat Phra Thong, which means ‘Golden Buddha Image Temple’ is an ancient temple with a big legend, the kind of story that irresistibly attracts people. It’s not very big or impressive, but the first thing everyone wants to see is the famous half-buried golden Buddha.

Location: Thalang

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Wat Sri Sunthon

Wat Sri Sunthon Phuket

(On the way to the airport) Wat Sri Sunthon sounds like any other temple, and since there are so many of them in Phuket, you might ask what can be different about this one?

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Wat Suwan Kirikhet (Karon Temple)

Karon Temple

(Karon Beach) A small but beautiful temple in the back on Karon Beach. You’ll find it by driving inland from the Karon circle. This temple frequently hosts markets and funfairs, always fun to visit.

Location: Karon Beach

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Wat Sirey

wat koh sirey e1569083113992

(Koh Sirey) This small island is only 20 km square and is visible from quite far with its Thai temple built at the top of a hill. Driving up there is easy, and a small road drives around the temple, surrounded by many small shrines dedicated to people who passed away. The temple also shelters a golden reclining Buddha which without being impressive (like the one at Wat Sri Sunthron), is still as big as the temple.

Location: Koh Sirey

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Wat Phra Nang Sang

Wat Phra Nang Sang

This unusual wat is 200 years old, the oldest in Phuket, built when Phuket’s main town was located in Thalang. It seems to be permanently under construction. Each of the many buildings features a multitude of intricate ornaments, then surrounded by many statues of diverse origins, from an armless cop standing next to a lion to the more logical Buddha images. Everything was designed with mixed Chinese and Thai mythology influence, largely influenced by the day’s mood.

Location: Thalang

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Wat Nai Harn

Wat Nai Harn

Recently rebuilt, this temple was hidden and somewhat unknown despite being so near the top-rated beach of Nai Harn. In recent years, the temple has been beautifully restored and is now an excellent occasion to stop for a photo and pay respect.

Location: Nai Harn Beach

Wat Suwan Kiriwong (Patong Temple)

Wat Suwan Kiriwong (Patong Temple)

You cannot miss the Patong as you will drive by when arriving from the airport. It’s a beautiful temple but surprisingly not very popular with locals who prefer another temple less visible, not far from the north end of Patong Beach.

Location: Patong Beach

Wat Kathu

Wat Kathu Temple

This small but beautifully decorated set of temples is rarely visited as it is inside Kathu, a village located a bit away from the main Phuket Town – Patong road. Not many travellers take the time to drive around this area. The monks at Wat Kathu are very friendly; some even speak English and will be happy to chat with you about any questions you may have.

Location: Kathu

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Wat Luang Pu Supha

Wat Luang Pu Supha

Wat Luang Pu Supa is where the oldest monk in Thailand lives, more than 112 years old. Parts of this temple are still under construction. Quite large and built over the waters of an artificial pond, the temple grounds also include a golden Chedi and a large but unfinished hemispheric Chedi.

Location: Chalong

Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang)

Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang)

Wat Mongkhon Wararam (Wat Nai Yang) is located in Nai Yang Village, just 500 metres from the superb beach of Nai Yang, and just next to the Proud Hotel. It is an ancient temple that serves as a spiritual centre and a focal point for the faith of the people of the Sakhu Subdistrict (which is north of Phuket).

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Wat Cherngtalay

Wat Cherngtalay

People often miss this magnificent temple not far from Cherngtalay village on Bangtao beach. You will see it when driving from the heroines’ monument toward Bangtao beach. By the time you notice it, it probably will be too late.

Location: Cherngtalay

Wat Wichit Sangkaram

Wat Wichit Sangkaram

This vast and beautiful temple on the fringe of Phuket town also plays a significant role for Phuket citizens but is rarely visited by tourists because of its location in the back street of the city.

Location: Phuket Town

Wat Khosit Wiharn

Wat Khosit Wiharn

Tourists do not often visit this beautiful temple built on top of a flight of stairs as the gate leading to it is barely visible between two shophouses. This temple seems to face Wat Khao Rang, set on a hill on the other side of town.

Location: Phuket Town

Wat Tha Rua

Wat Tha Rua

Wat Tha Ruan is an anonymous white-walled temple on the way to the airport. Whenever saw anyone while visiting it.

Wat Nakaram (Wat Naka)

Wat Naka

This temple’s only main characteristic is the golden Chedi standing next to the main temple. Located just across the road from the famous Phuket Weekend Market, it’s an excellent opportunity to visit both at once.

Location: Phuket Town

Wat Thepnimit

Wat Thepnimit

Wat Thepnimit has no real particular signs except for a small golden Chedi.

Location: Phuket Town

Wat Sapum

wat-laem-hin

(Thepkasatri Road, outside Phuket Town on the way to the airport) Beautifully standing on the east coast of Phuket just opposite Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) this temple is not often visited as cars usually drive (too) fast in these curves and the street leading to the temple is hard to locate.

Wat Sophon Wanaram

wat-sophon-wanaram

A tiny but brightly decorated temple on the road between the Heroine monument and Bang Pae waterfalls. Easy to spot the gate by the roadside.

Wat Sawang Arom

Wat Sawang Arom

Wat Ladthi Wanaram (Wat Tai)

Wat Ladthi Wanaram

Other Temples on the island

25 Wat Thepkassatri
26 Wat Mai Khao
27 Wat Kittisankaram
28 Wat Tha Chat Chai
29 Wat Pa Aram Wattanaram
30 Wat Samkong

Temples Outside Phuket


Wat Suwan Khua

(Temple of the Reclining Buddha in a Cave)

wat tham suwan e1570888819740

A faded decorated gate opens at the feet of a cliff onto a large cavern with high ceilings, about forty meters long and twenty meters wide. This surprising temple shelters an impressive fifteen meters long golden reclining Buddha and several other large standing Buddha images.

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Map of Phuket Temples

See all Phuket Maps!

More Temples in Phuket

FAQs about Phuket Temples

  1. Q. How many Buddhist temples are there in Phuket?

    a. There are more than 30 Buddhist temples in Phuket.

  2. Q. What are the most beautiful temples?

    a. All temples are beautiful, but some are worth stopping by for a photo:
    Wat Chalong
    Big Buddha Temple
    Wat Khao Rang
    Doi Thepnimit
    Wat Kathu
    Wat Koh Sirey
    Wat Sri Sunthon

  3. Q. What are the most significant temples?

    a. These temples may not be as impressive as others, but they play an important part in Thai daily life of Phuket history:
    Wat Chalong
    Wat Phra Thong
    Wat Mongkol Nimit
    Wat Phra Nang Sang

  4. Q. Is there a dress code when visiting a temple?

    a. Please dress politely when entering a temple. Do not wear too short pants or skirts, and no sleeveless shirts on the temple grounds. Remove your shoes and caps before entering any of the buildings.

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