Temple : Wat Chalong, Phukat Thailand

The most famous and most beautiful of the 29 temples in Phuket is Wat Chalong, or Chai Tarara. If you like to visit temples, then this one is a must. It is said that if you haven't seen Wat Chalong, you haven't seen Phuket.

In the Sermon Hall there are statues of Luang Po Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, two highly revered monks who, in 1876 led the people of Phuket to fight against the influx of immigrant Chinese who came to take the city and the island's tin mining until the government sent troops to defeat them.

The King then bestowed Luang Po Chaem the ecclesiastical title of Phra Kru Wisit Wongsacharn. This temple also houses a tooth of a Buddha which came from Sri Lanka. You will find it inside a large glass balloon which sits on a base of marble, shaped like a Lotus flower. For some further information on Wat Chalong, see my Local Customs tips to read about my experience of giving thanks to Spirit for some traditional medicine.

When visiting the temple, please be sure to observe the rules of dress and behaviour. Dress: No bare shoulders, stomachs or legs. Remove your shoes before entering any of the buildings. Behaviour: Do not pose with Buddha. Do not shout or swear. Do not point at anything with your feet, particularly towards any statues of Buddha. Be respectful at all times, this is a sacred place.