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A hidden temple in Phuket Town
Wat Charoen Samanakij (วัดเจริญสมณกิจ) is a beautiful and serene temple nestled on the slopes of Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town, behind the old Phuket Prison, which has since moved to the north of the island. It is a relatively new temple, having been built in 2012, but it has quickly become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Most people call it Wat Lang San, which means “temple behind the court”.
The temple is built on nine levels, each of which represents a different step on the path to enlightenment. The main building on the top level is the ordination hall, which is home to a large Buddha statue. The other levels of the temple are filled with smaller shrines, pavilions, and gardens.
Wat Charoen Samanakij is a great place to escape busy Phuket Town and find some peace and quiet. The temple is also a beautiful place to take photos, and there are often monks around who are happy to pose for pictures.
Inside Wat Charoen Samanakij
Ubosot Wat Charoen Samanakij อุโบสถ วัดเจริญสมณกิจ
The ubosot of Wat Charoen Samanakij is hidden about 300 meters east of the main temple complex, reached only by a narrow street through dense vegetation. This original ordination hall, built in 1968, appears almost abandoned and neglected compared to the modern temple nearby. The traditional three-tiered roof structure measures 7 by 21.75 meters and features faded, colourful glass decorations that once caught sunlight brilliantly. Weeds grow around the weathered concrete base, and the ornate wooden details show signs of age and minimal maintenance. Despite its deteriorated appearance, the ubosot represents the spiritual heart of the original temple founded in 1951, predating the newer nine-level complex by decades. The building’s isolation and overgrown surroundings create an atmosphere of forgotten reverence, where only the most determined visitors discover this piece of Phuket’s religious heritage tucked away in the hills.
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