The Chalong Temple
Considered one of the most popular historical sites of Thailand, the Chalong Temple is the largest and the most beautifully created Buddhist monastery of Phuket. The Temple is connected with three respected monks of Luang Poh Cham; who were famous herbal doctors and setters of bones who helped the people of Phuket during the 1876 rebellion.Although the Chalong temple is not the epitome of great architecture, it is an appealing sight with its three connected roofs and the golden chofahs that gleam against the rays of the sun. The entrance of the temple is flanked by two stone elephants and the several statues inside are covered with flakes of gold leaf.
Opposite the templeтЂ™s Viharan is a beautiful teakwood building that holds statues of monks and relics along with personal belongings like their robes.
The Grand Pagoda located in Chalong Temple is a must visit while visiting as it is said to contain a sliver of Lord BuddhaтЂ™s bone. The Pagoda is also painstakingly detailed with exquisite wall paintings re-telling the life story of Lord Buddha. It also features various images of Buddha.
Also visit the home of Luang Poh Cham the famous abbot of this monastery who fought long and hard against Chinese invasion. Within the model house you can also find human-sized wax models of other famous monks like Luang Poh Gleum, Luang Poh Cham, Luang Poh Chuang, and Luang Pu Thuad.
Once you finish visiting the Chalong Temple, take a stroll down Rawai Beach and Promthep Cape and take in the scenic beauty of Phuket.
A Phuket Hotel such as the Phuket Resort provides great accommodation while visiting the Chalong Temple and exploring the rest of the city.