Mention Phuket, Thailand, and what comes to mind are beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and a vibrant (and interesting?) nightlife. But dig a little deeper into the island and you will find culture dating back hundreds of years. One such find is the Wat Chalong, a Buddhist temple with a political and social history.

A Glimpse into History

Wat Chalong, also known as Wat Chaiyathararam, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Steeped in history, this temple played a pivotal role during the Phuket rebellion of the chinese laborers against the Siam (Thailand) government in the 19th century over excessive taxation of the Chinese-owned tin mining companies. It served as a sanctuary for the local Siamese during the rebellion. Today, it stands as a symbol of spiritual resilience and unity. The history of this rebellion is best researched and described in the book A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region by Colin MacKay.

The Architecture

As you approach Wat Chalong, its grandeur becomes evident. The temple complex is an architectural marvel, characterized by intricate designs, ornate gilded embellishments, and a vibrant color palette. The soaring pagodas and meticulous craftsmanship display the dedication and skill of the craftsmen who brought this sacred place to life. There are several buildings of interest besides the main temple.

The Main Temple at Wat Chalong

Upon entering the temple, you are greeted by a sense of tranquility and reverence. The aroma of incense fills the air, and the gentle sounds of prayers and chanting create a meditative atmosphere. The main hall houses several stunning Buddha statues, including the largest and most revered, the Phra Mahathat Chedi. Its golden presence exudes a sense of serenity and awe-inspiring spirituality. There are three floors which are all accessible by stairs. On the second floor you’ll find additional Buddha statues. Go up one more level to the see the room with the relic of Buddha (supposedly a bone fragment) that is incased in a glass bubble. Go out to the third floor veranda for a great view of the temple complex and the surrounding city. In the distance, high on a mountain, you can catch a glimpse of the giant Buddha statue sitting quietly in its white splendor.

Firecrackers and Offerings

Throughout your visit you will hear firecrackers. These are offerings made by devotees in a large conical-shaped brick structure just outside the first temple of the complex. Someone is always standing by to light your strings of firecrackers. It can also be used to burn the traditional paper offerings shaped like everyday objects as a way to send them to the deceased. People buy everything from TV’s to clock radios, paper money, furniture, etc., all in paper-doll form, for this purpose at special shops just outside of the temple complex.

Walk Inside a Traditional Thai House

Off to one side of the temple complex you’ll see a dark wooden building on stilts. This is a traditional southern Thai house. This is a classic architectural example of houses from before the 20^th century. Built on stilts, the house was protected both from night predators and from the dampness of the soil due to the monsoonal rains.  It houses artifacts from the past 150 years, cloisonne vases with images of the king, porcelain teapots and tea sets, and ceremonial objects in ornately carved wooden display cases with inlaid nacre. Look up and see some incredible wood-carved ceiling panels. Thai craftsmen are renowned for their wood-carving abilities.

Spiritual Practices and Rituals

More than a tourist attraction, Wat Chalong is an active place of Buddhist worship. During our visit and amongst the tourists were locals who had come to offer their prayers. This took the form of kneeling, burning incense and setting out offerings. When you visit, please respect their beliefs, keep the noise down, and don’t disturb them. This is, after all, their place. We are just visitors trying to learn more about a culture and people, because this is just one small planet in the cosmos that we share.

To plan your visit you can check out their website here.