Wat Mongkol Nimit in Phuket Town
Wat Mongkol Nimit or Wat Putta Mongkon might not be the most impressive temple in Phuket, but this one means a lot to people living around Phuket Town. All temples are, of course, worth visiting, but since Wat Mongkol Nimit is close to Thalang Road, the historical streets of Phuket Town, it would complete your visit perfectly.
Wat Mongkol Nimit is very large and very easy to find: it’s the temple roof everyone can see and often photographs at the end of Soi Romanee just across Dibuk Road.
Not many take the time to walk there. The temple grounds are very large and, in most temples, very peaceful despite being in the centre of town, and this is probably the only place where monks live in one of those beautiful Sino-Portuguese houses everybody is so fascinated with. Take the time to walk around the garden, each tree holds a simple but meaningful Buddhist principle written both in Thai and English. Once you reach the back of the temple, you will find a nice tall chedi that most people miss.
The temple is also a school for monks, young and old, and you might get a chance to witness the first days of a monk’s life, just as I did the day teachers were demonstrating the proper way to wear the orange robe… not as easy as it looks!
Thai ceremonies are often held in this temple, including funerals, which are not as sad events as they appear in occidental countries. Funerals are gatherings of relatives and friends sharing a dinner together.
Monk ceremonies are held on one of the two large and exquisitely decorated temples, but funerals are usually set in a smaller and anonymous-looking building in the back, probably because it allows people to have dinner all together under a large tent set just next to it. As usual, I would strongly recommend making a donation, even a small one, as it will make you feel good for the day 🙂
From Wikipedia
Wat Mongkhon Nimit, located in Phuket Town, is a third-class royal temple of the Mahanikaya sect with deep historical and religious significance. Originally known as Wat Klang due to its central location, the temple was built around 1880, and by 1885, it received a royal charter. The temple played an important role in hosting royal and state ceremonies, including the annual sacred oath-taking ritual. Its name was changed to Wat Mongkhon Nimit in 1953 when it was elevated to a royal temple.
The architecture is fascinating, with a cluster of 11 pagodas gracing the grounds, centred by a larger pagoda. This sacred site is said to house relics from the Lord Buddha, brought from Sri Lanka. The ordination hall and the vihara were built around the early 1900s and showcased traditional Thai style, with intricate carvings and lacquer work.
One of the temple’s most unique features is the golden Buddha image, hidden under cement for years to prevent theft. Discovered by chance during restorations, this Sukhothai-period relic is now fully revealed, and its beauty has been restored. The temple also houses Luang Pho Khao, a large Buddha image in the ordination hall, revered by locals for its historical and spiritual significance. Additionally, there is a stunning walking Buddha statue crafted from gold, silver, and nacre, along with a carved marble replica of Buddha’s footprint.
More Photos
Wat Mongkol Nimit Info
Location: Phuket Town
Address: Address: 8/1 Moo 2, Soi Mongkulnimit, Talat Yai, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand
Dress Code: No short skirts or short pants, no sleeveless T-shirts
Price: Free
Highlights: a Sino-Portuguese house and a golden chedi in the back
Wat Mongkol Nimit Map
More Temples in Phuket
