Wat Chalong Visitor Guide (2026)

Why Visit Wat Chalong?

This is not just another temple photo op. Wat Chalong (officially Wat Chaiyathararam) is where Phuket locals come to pray, make merit, and ask blessings from the statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. These two monks are folk heroes here. During the Ang Yi Rebellion in 1876, they turned the temple into a field hospital and rallied the community.

The main draw is the Phra Mahathat Chedi, a three-story golden pagoda completed in 2001. Climb to the top floor to see the Buddha bone relic brought from Sri Lanka. Each level has golden Buddha statues and murals depicting Siddhartha’s life, from birth to enlightenment. The artwork is detailed, not the faded stuff you see in older temples.

Visitor Rules & Etiquette

Dress code is enforced. Cover shoulders and knees. No tank tops, no shorts, no see-through clothes. They have sarongs at the entrance if you forget, but don’t count on it during busy hours. Remove shoes before entering any building with a raised threshold.

Photography is allowed in most areas. No flash inside the Chedi or main sermon hall. Do not pose in front of Buddha statues like you are at a theme park. Point your camera at the architecture, not at people praying.

Keep voices low inside buildings. Monks chant at 6 AM if you arrive early. Don’t point your feet at Buddha images when sitting. Basic temple manners apply.

Highlights Inside Wat Chalong

1. Phra Mahathat Chedi: The 60-meter golden tower dominates the complex. Three floors open to visitors. Ground floor has large golden Buddhas and donation boxes. Second floor displays murals of Buddha’s life, painted in vivid reds and golds. Top floor holds the bone relic in a glass case. Steep stairs, no elevator.

2. Statues of Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang: Located in the main sermon hall (Ubosot). Locals place gold leaf on the statues and light incense. You will see people kneeling and praying here. This is the spiritual core of the temple, not a tourist attraction.

3. Wall Murals and Paintings: Every building has detailed murals. The sermon hall ceiling shows celestial beings and Jataka tales. The Chedi interior walls depict scenes from Buddha’s teachings. If you want context, a guided tour from Viator explains the symbolism, otherwise it is just pretty art.

Getting There

Wat Chalong sits 9 km south of Phuket Town in Chalong subdistrict. No public buses run directly here. Your options: songthaew (shared pickup truck) from Phuket Town for 30-50 baht, Grab/Bolt taxi (150-200 baht from Patong), or rent a scooter.

If you are staying in Patong, check routes like Patong to Phuket Town then transfer. Coming from the airport? See Phuket International Airport to Patong for connections. Heading to other islands after? Routes like Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Krabi start from town.

No official bike racks, but locals lean scooters along the perimeter wall. Helmet theft is rare here.

Visitor Info

Opening Hours: Daily 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Last entry around 5:30 PM. Gates close promptly at 6.

Ticket Price: Free entrance for everyone. No foreigner markup. Donations optional at offering tables inside.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-5:30 PM). Avoid weekends and Thai public holidays when local families visit. Tour buses flood the place 10 AM to 2 PM. If you want to climb the Chedi without a crowd, go right at opening.

How Long to Spend: 45 minutes if you just walk through. 90 minutes if you climb the Chedi and read the murals. Two hours if you sit and observe the rituals.

Bring water. No cafes inside, just a small drink stall near the parking lot. Restrooms are basic but clean, located behind the main hall.