Kata Beach’s Historic Buddhist Temple
Wat Kitti Sangkharam stands quietly in the eastern part of Kata Beach, tucked away from the tourist crowds. This Buddhist temple has been part of the local community since 1832, making it almost 200 years old. Most visitors know it simply as “Kata Temple,” though locals use its full name.
The temple sits about one kilometre inland from Kata Beach on Patak Road. You won’t find big tour groups here; many people drive past the entrance hundreds of times without stopping to look inside.
Recent Changes and Fresh Paint
Walking through the temple grounds today, you’ll notice fresh paint and new construction everywhere. The monks and workers have rebuilt much of the main complex recently. Bright red, yellow, and orange colours now shine brilliantly in the tropical sun. The renovation included better parking and visitor facilities.
The temple grounds include several important buildings. There’s an ordination hall with a Buddha statue, monks’ living quarters, and a school for local children. One small building sits higher up the hill, requiring a climb up stone steps to reach it.
Daily Life at the Temple
Buddhist monks live here year-round, maintaining the buildings and grounds. They keep everything looking perfect through constant care and attention. The temple serves as more than just a place of worship; it’s a true community centre.
Local families bring their children to the temple school, which has also been rebuilt recently. This gives kids in the Kata area access to education right in their neighbourhood. The temple follows the traditional Thai model where religious sites provide both spiritual guidance and practical community services.
The Big Buddha Connection
One of the temple’s most important projects sits on nearby Nakkerd Hill. Wat Kitti Sangkharam manages Phuket’s famous Big Buddha statue. This 45-meter white marble Buddha began construction in 2004 and represents the temple’s most visible contribution to Phuket’s landscape.
Animals and Community Service
The temple grounds house many dogs that local animal welfare groups help feed and care for. PAWS, a Phuket-based charity, regularly sends volunteers to provide food and medical attention to these temple dogs. This shows how the temple connects with modern community service efforts.
Families often come here for quiet moments away from the busy beaches. Parents bring their children to make merit and learn about Thai Buddhist traditions. The peaceful atmosphere contrasts sharply with the commercial energy of nearby Kata Beach.
Visiting Wat Kitti Sangkharam
Getting to the temple takes just a few minutes from Kata Beach centre. Look for signs along the back road between Kata and Karon. Free parking is available, though you should make a small donation to help with temple upkeep and monk support.
Like all Thai Buddhist temples, proper dress codes apply. Cover your shoulders, chest, stomach, and knees before entering any buildings. Remove shoes before going inside temple halls and maintain quiet, respectful behaviour throughout your visit.
Wat Kitti Sangkharam Info
Location: Kata Beach
Address: 44 Kata Rd, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Phone: 098 690 3469
Wat Kitti Sangkharam Map
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