Put Jaw Shrine is one of the oldest Chinese shrines in Phuket, located in Phuket Town. It was originally built more than 200 years ago and is dedicated to the Chinese goddess Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy. The shrine plays a significant role in the spiritual life of the local Chinese-Thai community.
The Mai Khao Temple is less known but worth a photo (Wat Mai Khao). The temple itself is tucked away from the road. It doesn’t have any particular architectural interest, but it hides a little treasure: a small bird sanctuary hidden in the park behind it
Wat Baan Kamala is a modest temple near the entrance of town. It is quite modest, but the long lines of small golden Buddhas are worth a photo and a glimpse of real Thai life. Remember that this is a religious site so don’t wear too short clothes.
Wat Suwan Kirikhet is a small but beautiful temple in the back of Karon Beach. You’ll find it by driving inland from the Karon Circle. This temple frequently hosts the popular Karon Temple Market and occasional funfairs, which are always fun to visit.
Wat Suwannakiri Khet, located in Karon Beach, is a temple of the Mahanikaya sect that has been part of the local community since 1909. Originally known as Wat Karon, it was named after the nearby village. On October 24, 1939, the temple received its royal charter, marking its official boundaries at 40 meters wide and 60 meters long.
Wat Ladthi Wanaram, located in Chalong Subdistrict in the south of Phuket, is a temple of the Mahanikaya sect. The temple occupies 26 rai of land and has a rich history. It was founded in 1758 (B.E. 2301) and received its royal charter on February 5, 1957 (B.E. 2500). The temple was later relocated to a new site known as Wat Chaithararam, leaving the original location deserted for a time, and it was used by locals as a cemetery, commonly referred to as Khok Wat.
A tiny but brightly decorated temple on the road between the Heroine monument and Bang Pae waterfalls. It is easy to spot the gate by the roadside.
Beautifully standing on the east coast of Phuket just opposite Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island), Wat Sapam is not often visited as cars usually drive (too) fast in these curves, and the street leading to the temple is hard to locate.
Located on the popular Thalang Road in the heart of Phuket Old Town, the Hainan Shrine is more than just a place of worship. Built in 1910, this beautiful shrine has been a cultural and spiritual centre for over a century, especially for the Hainanese community in Phuket.
Housed in a striking red Sino-Colonial shophouse, the shrine stands out with its vibrant colour, symbolizing good fortune. Step inside, and you’ll be surrounded by antiques that reflect the rich heritage of Hainanese culture — from the ornate altar table to the revered statue of the Goddess of the Sea.
Wat Sawang Arom is a temple of the Mahanikaya sect located in Rawai, south of Phuket Phuket Island. Established in 1942 by Phra Bunrod Thammakamo, the temple covers an area of approximately 9,636 square meters. The temple’s boundaries were officially defined in 1966, and it has been teaching Buddhist scriptures since 1919. Additionally, a primary school was constructed, featuring six school buildings, two teacher residences, a library, and a hospital.
Wat Nakaram (Wat Naka) 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 simultaneously.
Wat Tha Rua is a Mahanikaya sect temple in Tambon Si Sunthon in Thalang, just before the Heroine Circle on the way to Phuket International Airport. Established on April 5, 1787, it was originally called Wat Nok before being renamed after renovations and receiving royal charter recognition in 1981. The temple has been teaching Buddhist scriptures since 1977. The temple is clearly visible from the road but was long neglected and almost seemed abandoned until its recent renovation. It once again stands bright and beautiful, surrounded by tall trees.
Wat Khosit Wiharn is a Mahanikaya sect temple in Talat Yai, Phuket, covering approximately 134,916 square meters.
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 city’s back streets.
Wat Cherngtalay, historically known as Wat Tin Le, is an ancient and revered temple located in Phuket Province. It has served as a spiritual centre for the people of Cherngtalay for generations. One of its most notable figures, Luang Por Plod, served as abbot from 1852 to 1886. Renowned for his strict adherence to Dharma and his mastery of magical knowledge, Luang Por Plod was instrumental in the completion of the temple’s construction. His relics are now enshrined in a lotus-shaped pagoda in front of the chapel, a site of great respect for locals and visitors alike.
Wat Luang Pu Supa is where the oldest monk in Thailand, who is more than 112 years old, lives. Parts of this temple are still under construction. Quite large and built over an artificial pond, the temple grounds include a golden Chedi and a large but unfinished hemispheric Chedi.
Wat Suwannakhiriwong is a Mahanikaya sect temple located in Patong. Spanning 17 rai, the temple is bordered by Phra Barami Road, a canal, and the foot of a mountain, with villagers’ houses nearby. The current abbot is Phra Khru Pothipanyakan. Established in 1769 and originally named Wat Pa Tong, the temple later became Wat Suwannakhiriwong.
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 Nai Harn was once a small and unknown temple surrounded by walls between the beach and the lake. After adding a brand new building, it expanded to become a landmark. Once natural, the lake behind the beach is now a large concrete pond where you can rent some paddle boats, which are fun for the kids.
Adorned with intricate artwork depicting sins and punishments, Sheng Tek Beo in Phuket Town is a shrine that plays a key role in the Por Tor festival, or Hungry Ghost Festival, which occurs every year around September. The central celebrations occur at this shrine dedicated to the Por Tor god, or king of hell.
