Wat Naka is a modest local temple just across the road from the busy Naka Weekend Market in Phuket Town. Most people pass by on their way to the market without noticing it, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to step inside and take a look.
The temple’s most notable feature is its golden and white marble chedi, known as the “Crystal Lotus Pagoda,” which houses a bone fragment relic of the Lord Buddha.
The rest of the temple is simple and quiet. There’s a main prayer hall, a collection of Buddha images, and memorial photos of local residents who’ve passed away. The grounds are clean and well cared for, and the atmosphere feels very local and relaxed.
Historically, the land where Wat Nakaram stands was once used for tin mining by the Anuphas Phuket Company. In 1967, Mr. Wirat Hongyok donated the land for the establishment of the temple. Initially, only a sermon hall was constructed in 1964. The Ministry of Education officially recognised the temple on April 23, 1976. The golden chedi, Phra That Chedi Si Soras, was built to enshrine relics of the Buddha and revered monks, granted by the Supreme Patriarch. Over the years, the temple has become a centre for religious activities and community gatherings in the area.
Wat Nakaram Info
Location: Phuket Town Address: 45/84 Soi Mu Ban Thaweetrap Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000 Price: free Dress Code: No short skirts or short pants, no sleeveless T-shirts
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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
