We love architectures, primarily churches, temples and tall skyscrapers. While in Phuket we visited Wat Chalong or Wat Chaitharam, the most revered and the most visited temple in Phuket. It is located 8 kilometers south of Phuket and it is accessible via Songthaew ride from Phuket town.According to thai's, that if you are visiting Phuket but have not yet set foot in Wat Chalong, then you have not really arrived on the island.
The Entrance from the road
You can easily spot the entrance either from car or Songtheaw along Chao fa road. The structure is easy to notice and very visible along the road. It's around 5-10 min walk from the main road to the main entrance. There are few stalls on the left where you can buy souvenirs and bottled water.
The Temples
Poh Than Jao Wat is one of the more important Buddhist statues in Wat Chalong. It is located in the westerly old hall of the temple, with two statues of an elderly gentleman called Ta Khee-lek (grandpa Khee-lek), a famous local who won many lotteries after consulting the Poh Than Jao Wat statue. Another statue in this hall is called Nonsi. One of the temple's halls features a gilt-covered statue of Luang Poh Cham and this busy hall also contains statues of Luang Poh Chuang and Luang Poh Gleum, all ex-abbots of the temple.
Wat Chalong was built during the reign of King Rama II (1809-1842)
Phra Borom Sareerikatat
The Phra Borom Sareerikatat is the most recent addition to the wat. Standing at 61.39 meters high and Cost around 66 million baht. Phra Borom Sareerikatat is constructed to house a fragment of bone from Lord Buddha. The fragment was brought from Sri Lanka last 1999. When visiting these temples as a tourist, it is important to observe proper etiquette so as not to offend Thai people.
You need to take off your shoes when visiting a Thai wat temple. Don't wear expensive shoes as you will need to take them off before you enter the temple. Hubby was tying his shoe lace to my sandals to secure it.
Inside the Temple
Spectacular place to visit. The temple is amazingly serene and there are a lot of photo opportunities inside.
The second level of the temple. Lots of tourists wandering through and tourist shop.
Firecrackers go off intermittently for good luck. Elephants are an important part of Thai culture and the Thai way of life. They are a traditional symbol of royal power, an essential feature of Buddhist art and architecture, an a spiritual mentor for people of all walks of life.
Taking the quick stroll under the elephant's belly for good luck.
Getting Here
Private car
Wat Chalong is about 8 km south of Phuket City. Travel along Chao Fah Nok Rd (Chao Fa West Rd) from the Central Festival mall, and you will see the temple on the left side of the road. If you are coming from Chalong Circle, take the same road heading towards town, and you will see the temple on your right.
Songtheaw
There are Songtheaws waiting from Central Phuket-town market. Songtheaw with Kata- Karon beach route will pass along chao fa west road and the temple marker is on the right side of the road. (first picture above)
Tuklasera Tips
• Observe proper etiquette so as not to offend Thai people, remove your shoes when visiting temples or other houses.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• keep yourself hydrated.
Rundown of Expenses
• Songtheaw ride from Phuket Central town to Wat Chalong - 15-30 baht (one way)
• Bottled water - 20 baht
Post a Comment