Wat Ban Koh Siray is a temple many people miss, even though it’s just a short drive from Phuket Town. It sits on a hill at the eastern edge of Koh Siray, a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. From the top, there’s a clear view over the sea, with fishing boats, the harbour, and the surrounding coastline.
The temple is best known for its large reclining Buddha, lying quietly inside the ordination hall. The statue stretches almost 19 metres long and has been there for decades. There’s no barrier or ticket—just a peaceful space where locals often stop to pay respect, light incense, or sit quietly for a moment.
One unique feature of the temple is the golden rock replica, inspired by the famous Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Myanmar. It was built with help from local Mon artisans who settled in the area. The rock sits near the edge of the hill, painted gold and balanced just like the one in Myanmar. It’s not large, but it has meaning, especially for the Mon community nearby.
The road up to the temple is steep but short, and the grounds are calm. It’s a simple temple, still used daily—not built for tourists, but always open.
The small island is only 20 km square, and Wat Koh Siray is visible far away. Driving up there is easy, and a small road drives around the temple, surrounded by many small shrines dedicated to people who have passed away. Park where you can and walk to the temple to enjoy a beautiful bird’s-eye view of Phuket town.
Note: an old guy standing by inside the temple will request a donation if you want to take a photo of the reclining Buddha. This is most unusual, and he is pretty grumpy, so you’d better drop a small note in the donation box (It’s a nice gesture anyway).
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Willy Thuan is the founder of Phuket 101. After travelling through 40+ countries and working with Club Med and Expedia, he settled in Phuket in 1994. He shares real travel insights and original photography from across Thailand.View Author posts
