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Phuket has long figured large in Thai history, from early times
to tin mining to the present. Throughout the centuries Phuket has
played host to many different nationalities.
Foreign influences may come and go but Phuket's temples represent
a touchstone, both religiously and culturally. Locals frequent them
to maintain ties with their past as each of the island's temples
has a story to tell about Phuket's history. For visitors to
the island, to learn more about Buddhism by visiting these places
of worship is a positive, uplifting experience.
Chalong temple is the pride of Phuket. A long legendary history
is still told to hundred thousands of visitors invited to the temple
all year-round along with the Phuket locals' courage in the war
of Phuket Angyee (Chinese Secret Society) delivered among generations
of the locals. These have been spreading news of Chalong temple's
goodness during the late 18th through 19th centuries till today.
(Read more...)
Wat Prathong (Thalang Area) 
Wat Prathong (Wat Pra Phud) is famous for a half-buried golden
Buddha statue called Luang Poh Prathong (Golden Buddha) in
its grounds. The temple's other moniker, Wat Pra Phud, means 'Temple
of the protruding Buddha'. It was built in the 1750s and received
a visit from King Rama V in 1909, who gave it its name. Not a very
big temple, but agreable to visit with its several buildings and
colorful features.
Where is it
Wat Prathong is 20kms north of Phuket Town and is located near
the Thalang District Office. On the way to airport, the street leading
to the temple will be on the right hand side (you might have to
do a U-turn if driving). Look for a small sign before reaching Thalang
town. Once you enter the street, driving few kilometres will lead
you to a large parking.
What to see
The main attraction at Wat Prathong is the half-buried golden Buddha
image which is said to be 'untouchable' in that every person who
has tried to dig it out is reported to have been cursed. There is
also a reclining gilded Buddha that is listed as one of the attractions
in the Tourism Authority of Thailand's 'Unseen Thailand' programs.
The current explanation as to why there is a half-buried Buddha
image at Wat Prathong is that a canal changed direction and flooded
the area, leaving it under a layer of silt.
The temple also houses a museum, founded by the current abbot.
The museum features historical items donated by locals such as tin
mining paraphernalia, a Chinese dowry basket, Chinese 'Teen-tuk'
(feet reducing) shoes and many Javanese daggers. Open: 00:08 - 17:30 Daily
Wat Suwan Khiri Khet (Karon Beach)
Wat Suwan Khiri Khet (Wat Karon), the only temple in Karon Beach,
was founded in 1895 and has been recently renovated. Small but attractive,
it is easily accessible from Karon by walk and worth a visit, and
a photo.
Where is it
Wat Suwan Khiri Khet (Wat Karon) is located on Patak Road in Karon
and can be reached from Patong by taking the road south and turning
left at Karon Traffic Circle. The Wat is in the crook of
the bend up Patak Rd.
What to see
The main building is 'guarded by two large, emerald green nagas
(serpents) and the interior of the building's walls, doors and window
panels depict the life of Buddha, including his 'Ten Lives' and
him struggling with evil prior to his enlightenment.
The smaller building houses two Ramayana images 'guarding' a beautiful
black sapphire Buddha image. A similar Buddha image can be seen
at Latthiwanaram Temple (Wat Tai) in Chalong. The temple is open for public daily by request.
Wat Phranang Sang (Thalang Town)
Meaning 'Temple built by a queen,' Wat Pra-nang Sang was built
some 545 years ago, making it the oldest temple in Phuket.
There are very old tin Buddha statues, wrought when tin was considered
a semiprecious metal. Each of the images contains a smaller Buddha
image.
Where is it
The temple located in Thalang on Thepkasattri Road, at the Baan
Kian intersection: on the way to airport, at the traffic light,
the entrance is located right on the side of the road. You will
be able to recognize the entrance by the two pairs of large colourful
statues holding the gates.
What to see
In the yard just outside the Wat, there is a monument to the first
abbot. Not so far from there is a mummy of former abbot Luang Poh
Bai (or Ziang). There are also statues of Phuket's 'two heroines'
Lady Chan and Lady Mook, as well as a large reclining Buddha. The Wat itself has a wonderful interior, featuring murals of the
Lord Buddha's life and pictures of important historical events.
In 1973, the then-Governor of Phuket was officiating over a ceremony
at the Wat. At this 'uncovering' ceremony, a head of a Buddha image
made of tin was discovered inside the stomach of one of the large
Buddha images.
About two weeks later, they found one more head inside
a second Buddha image. These are the world largest tin Buddha heads.
It was presumed that in the past, with the imminent invasion by
Burmese troops, town members built the tin Buddha images in which
to hide the heads to save them from the enemy.
Historic events: The Assembly Place in 1785
The ground in front of the wat was where locals gathered to fight
with the invading Burmese troops. It was also the place where Lady
Chan and Lady Mook, after they were assigned the royal titles of
Thao Thepkrasatri and Thao Srisunthorn, paid respect to the temple's
principle Buddha image. |
