Wat Arun [toc] Wat Arun, also known as the temple of Dawn, is a major landmark of Bangkok, built before 1656. It's a lot more modest than Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace or Wat Pho and the Giant Reclining Buddha, but in many ways, its iconic shape is better known. Just look at the back of a 10 Baht coin and you will recognise it instantly. The full
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The Golden Mount [toc] Wat Saket Bangkok, or more officially Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan is a Buddhist temple in Rattanakosin, not very far from the famous Khao San Road. And the famous 'Golden Mount' easily visible from the distance is called Phu Khao Thong, but when asking directions, everyone simply calls it 'Wat Saket'. The golden mount we see today is built on the remains of a previous unsuccessful attempt
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The Temple of the reclining Buddha [toc] Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha, is such an iconic landmark of Bangkok it is on everyone's list of places to visit even on a short trip. Also known as 'the Temple of the reclining Buddha' it is the sanctuary of one of the world's largest Buddha statue, and more than a thousand images. It is also one of the oldest
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Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew [toc] The Grand Palace in Bangkok and Wat Phra Kaew (or Wat Pra Kaew) is without a doubt, the most famous landmark in Thailand and it is also seen in many movies. Despite being such a touristic icon, it is still the number one place to see while in Bangkok, a marvel of delicate and intricate craftwork, architecture, carving and painting. Wat Phra
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How to get to the Big Buddha of Phuket? [toc] Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. It is probably at the top of everyone's 'Must-Do in Phuket', and for a good reason. The views from up there are breathtaking. The statue is built with people's donation and is still under construction. If you feel like doing something to
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When is Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2019? September 28 - October 7 [toc] The Phuket Vegetarian Festival (or Nine Emperor Gods Festival) happens once a year, during the ninth lunar month, and is one of the most auspicious events on the island. For this unique occasion, a crowd of devotees assemble in every Chinese shrine around the island, followed by an even bigger horde of photographers avid to get the shot
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Where is the Shrine of the Serene Light? [toc] The Shrine of the Serene Light (Sang Tham Shrine) used to be 'the little hidden Chinese temple' tucked away right under your nose on Phang Nga road, one of the most famous streets of Phuket Town. While most Thais knew all about it, only a few foreigners would be aware of its existence and proudly whisper its secret location to newbies
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Phuket Reclining Golden Buddha [toc] Wat Sri Sunthon (Wat Srisoonthorn) is known for the immense golden Buddha reclining at the top of a large building in the 'Pang Sai Yat' posture, which corresponds to “Realizing Nirvana” (read more here). The statue seems to be staring endlessly at the frantic traffic on the nearby road to Phuket International Airport. Of course, you already knew that 'Wat' is the Thai word for 'Temple'.
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What is Chalong Temple? [toc] Wat Chalong, the largest, most revered and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket was built at the beginning of the 19th century, 1837 according to some sources. Chalong Temple (officially Wat Chaiyatararam) is one of the Must-See places in Phuket, together with the nearby Big Buddha of Phuket as they are relatively close to each other. The tallest building on the grounds of Wat Chalong is
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Doi Thepnimit Phuket [toc] Doi Thepnimit Phuket is a monastic residence with a fantastic panoramic view over Patong beach. You can see its iconic white pagoda from the beach, if you know in which direction to look, of course, it's pretty tiny. Doi Thepnimit is a small but so beautifully decorated Thai temple, and with such a view, it's worth stopping on your way in or out Patong beach. The
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Wat Suwan Kuha - Buddha Cave in Phang Nga [toc] Wat Suwan Kuha is a surprising cave sheltering an immense reclining golden Buddha. If you feel like a little drive outside Phuket island, this is your chance to explore another side of Phang Nga! This region is not only famous for incredible limestone cliffs plunging straight down into the sea, but also for some unexpected jewels. If you rent a
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What to Do on Sirey Island [toc] Koh Sirey is an island, but you would never guess it from a map and many probably have never heard of it. Connected to Phuket town by a very short bridge, this small piece of land doesn't have many particular signs but this is where you will find the beautiful Westin Siray Bay Resort (Like many words translated from Thai, the spelling often
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Phuket Golden Sitting Buddha [toc] Wat Kao Rang (Kao Rang Temple) is a modest temple in Phuket town that would be somewhat anonymous if it was not for its large golden sitting Buddha. But is the giant Buddha not supposed to be much bigger and made of white marble? True, this one is the golden Buddha of Phuket Town, one of the first sitting Buddha in Phuket, built long ago
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7 Buddha Postures for the 7 Days of the Week [toc] If you have been to a temple (or 'Wat') in Thailand, you might have noticed that the Buddha appears in standing, sitting or reclining postures. In some, you will even see seven (sometimes eight) statues of Buddha aligned next to each other, often with a donation cup in front of it. So what does it mean? Many people see
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Phuket Chinese Temples [toc] Chinese shrines in Phuket offer always an excellent opportunity for some good photo. There are quite a few around, and each of them has its own characters and unique features. The large ones are very popular during Chinese New Year in February, or the Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October, and can get extremely crowded, not to mention very loud from firecrackers. 1. Jui Tui Shrine Best
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Thai Temples of Phuket [toc] Phuket temples 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 few of these magnificent and beautifully ornamented buildings ('Wat' means 'Temple', you guessed it). Phuket does have many temples and one by one we will probably list them all, but many are difficult to find or have
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Wat Phra Nang Sang [toc] Wat Phra Nang Sang was built more than 500 years ago and therefore is the oldest Thai temple in Phuket. This unusual temple was built when Cherngtalay in Thalang was the main city of Phuket Island. Wat Phra Nang Sang is a bit quirky and seems to be permanently under construction. As long as I have lived in Phuket there always have been unfinished buildings
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Wat Prathong in Thalang [toc] Wat Phra Thong (or Wat Prathong) meaning 'Golden Buddha Image Temple' is a very old temple with an incredible legend behind it, 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. So what is this strange legend about a temple located in Thalang, on the
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Shop and Try Local Food at Karon Temple Market [toc] The Karon Temple Market has grown steadily in popularity in the past years, and because it only occurs only twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays), people start to plan their evenings around that event. Night markets have always been popular in Phuket and all over Thailand, but a Temple market sounds so much more exotic. Also, Karon Beach lacks a
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Phuket Vegetarian Festival Typical Schedule and Calendar In case you are coming to Phuket in October, here is a Phuket Vegetarian Festival Schedule and Calendar of each day event, in which temple each events will occur, when and where the famous processions will happen. Remember to bring a mask for the smoke and ear protections as the firecrackers sound will leave you deaf for a day. Read all about Phuket
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