Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong, officially Wat Chaiyathararam, is the largest and most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket, located in Chalong Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District. Built in the early 19th century, it is dedicated to two highly venerated monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. The temple complex is known for its Grand Pagoda housing a relic of the Buddha, ornate halls, and its role as a center for merit-making and cultural visits.

Visitors can expect a large, active temple complex with multiple decorated buildings set in landscaped grounds. The central feature is the 60-meter tall Grand Pagoda (Phra Mahathat Chedi) with three floors, wall paintings depicting the life of the Buddha, and a terrace with views. Other halls house statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, gilded Buddha images, and areas for offering lotus flowers and incense. The grounds include smaller shrines, souvenir and amulet stalls, and open courtyards used for prayer and merit-making.

Constructed in the early 19th century, Wat Chalong gained prominence through abbots Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who were known for their knowledge of herbal medicine and for providing aid and leadership to locals during the Ang Yee Chinese coolie rebellion in 1876. The temple has since been the most important Buddhist temple in Phuket.

Wat Chalong is the most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket and a major center for religious practice and merit-making for locals and visitors. It enshrines a relic of the Buddha in its Grand Pagoda and honors highly respected monks, serving as a focal point for Buddhist festivals, ceremonies and daily worship.