Exploring Phuket’s Cultural Gems – The Island’s Top 5 Temples

Phuket is situated in the south of Thailand which is mainly associated with beaches and parties, but the island also has plenty of cultural temples that you can explore, and these are important symbols of Thailand. Brightsun Travel offers cheap air tickets to Phuket, allowing you to visit this stunning island and its colourful temples. Below we have listed Phuket’s top 5 temple sites that are definitely worth adding to your Thailand itinerary.

1.Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is Phuket’s largest and most important Buddhist temple, renowned by locals as a place of healing. The temple was built in the 19th century and founded by some of the most revered monks in Phuket, and there are statues of these monks in the temple’s prayer hall. The latest expansion of Wat Chalong and the highlight of the complex is the 60m tall Chedi which contains a splinter of Lord Buddha’s bone, donated golden statues and paintings that illustrate the life of Lord Buddha.

2.Wat Phranang Sang

Wat Phranang Sang is one of the island’s oldest temples which was built to honour a legend of a white blooded lady. Because of this legend and because the Battle of Thalang took place on the temple grounds back in 1785, there is a lot of history associated with Wat Phranang Sang. This sacred temple complex has many buildings which display ancient Buddha images and statues, and there’s also an old chapel which houses the world’s oldest tin Buddha statues named the Three Kings.

3.Wat Suwan Khiri Khet Karon

Situated on Karon Beach, the colourful Wat Suwan Khiri Khet Karon features stunning architecture, ornate carvings, sculptures, structures and images that illustrate scenes from the life of the Buddha. The main temple building is guarded by turquoise Naga snakes, and another is guarded by Buddhist Yak creatures, supposedly scaring off unwanted spirits. Traditional Thai coffee is available upon entrance to the temple, and there is a local night market here on Tuesdays and Fridays.

4.Big Buddha

Big Buddha is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Phuket, situated atop the Nagakerd Mountain with breath-taking views of the island. This impressive cultural site consists of a giant 45m concrete Buddha statue layered with white jade marble, a smaller brass Buddha statue and several other sculptures of Buddha and monks, as well as exhibition space and a meditation hall. Big Buddha is free to visit and there are donation boxes throughout the complex, as well as a café and souvenir vendors.

5.Wat Khao Rang

Wat Khao Rang is situated on a slope of Khao Rang Hill, which is one of the most renowned viewpoints in Phuket. This tranquil temple was established by a famous Thai monk and features a large sitting golden Buddha, as well as ornate statues of mystical giants and religious images. Wat Khao Rang is perhaps not as grand as the Big Buddha monument, but there is something really charming and authentic about it. Naga snakes and a Yaksha statue guard the temple entrance.

Flights

Brightsun Travel has a fantastic range of cheap flight offers to Phuket, helping you to secure the perfect Thailand trip. This stunning island is accessible from many airports throughout the UK including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle.

Author Bio:

Brightsun Travel can arrange all of your travel needs, from flights, short haul to long haul holidays, world tours and memorable life adventures! For more information on cheap tickets to Phuket, please visit us at brightsun.co.uk

Brightsun Travel has a wide range of cheap airfares to Far East so that you can take a city break with a difference this holiday.