10 Must-Visit Temples in Phuket

When you think of Phuket, images of its beautiful beaches like Patong Beach and Promthep Cape frequently come to mind. However, today we’re going to explore a different side of Phuket: its temples. For those who enjoy accumulating merit and seeking spiritual experiences, here are ten temples in Phuket that you should visit.

Phuket is home to many magnificent temples that reflect its rich cultural heritage. After a day of exploring these sacred sites, consider relaxing in one of the luxurious private pool villas in Phuket to complete your serene experience

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History of Temples in Phuket

A large golden Buddha statue sits serenely on a lotus pedestal under a blue sky with scattered clouds, resembling the tranquil scene depicted in shutterstock_751429492. The statue's right hand is raised in a meditative gesture. Surrounding the statue are temple structures, including a golden pagoda. Trees can be seen in the background.

Phuket, an island known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, also boasts a rich cultural and religious heritage. The history of temples in Phuket is deeply intertwined with the island’s history of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Many temples in Phuket date back centuries and reflect the island’s diverse cultural influences, including Thai, Chinese, and Burmese, making them significant Phuket Attractions.

Phuket’s temples were often built as community centers, places of worship, and sites for important local ceremonies. They were also significant during times of conflict, serving as sanctuaries and strategic locations. Over the years, these temples have been maintained and restored, preserving their historical and cultural significance. Today, they stand as testaments to the island’s rich heritage and continue to be important spiritual centers for both locals and visitors. To complement your spiritual journey, consider staying at a comfortable Phuket Airport Hotel for easy access to and from the island.

1. Wat Chalong (Wat Chaiyathararam)

A grand Thai Buddhist Temples in Phuket with ornate gold and red detailing stands under a bright blue sky. The Temples in Phuket features intricate carvings and pointed roofs adorned with elaborate patterns. Lush green shrubs and trees line the pathway leading to the main entrance, enhancing its majestic appearance, much like the luxurious hotels in Phuket nearby.

Wat Chalong Phuket is one of Phuket’s most revered temples. For years, it has served as a spiritual center for both locals and visitors. Many devotees visit the temple to see the statue of Luang Por Cham, who is well-known for his healing powers. This temple is frequently busy with people coming to pray and seek blessings, making it a key highlight in any Phuket temple recommendations.

If you need a place to stay, check out the best Hotels in Phuket.

The image shows a stunning temple with intricate architecture at sunset. The sky behind the temple is filled with vibrant colors, ranging from soft pinks to rich purples. Surrounding the temple are lush green trees and neatly maintained gardens, adding to the serene atmosphere similar to Temples in Phuket.

Aside from its religious significance, Wat Chalong is a peaceful retreat ideal for meditation and reflection, much like the tranquil setting at Laem Phromthep Sunset Viewpoint, where visitors can experience the beauty of Phuket’s natural landscapes. The temple grounds are tranquil, making them an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Phuket’s tourist areas.

Google maps: Wat Chalong
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

2. Wat Phra Thong

Close-up of a golden Buddha statue in a Thai Temples in Phuket, partially obscured by a white blurry object in the foreground. Thai text is visible on the right side of the image, set against a dark background. The scene is softly lit with warm, ambient light, reminiscent of serene evenings in hotels in Phuket.

A golden Buddha head statue is prominently displayed in a serene, indoor Temples in Phuket setting reminiscent of the spiritual tranquility often found in high-end hotels in Phuket. The statue is enclosed by a metal barrier adorned with yellow fabric and vibrant floral arrangements, with intricate gold structures and two elaborately decorated doors visible in the background.

Wat Phra Thong is famous for its partially buried golden Buddha statue. It is one of Phuket’s oldest temples and an important religious site. Visitors come to see the unique Buddha image and to explore the temple’s museum, which contains a variety of ancient artifacts.

A vibrant Temples in Phuket with intricate golden details and red accents stands against a bright blue sky, surrounded by lush green trees. The temple features ornate pillars and a tiered roof with pointed gables. Lantern-like structures are evenly spaced along the pathway leading to the nearby hotels in Phuket.

The temple’s historical and spiritual importance makes it a must-see for anyone interested in Phuket’s cultural heritage. The half-buried Buddha is considered sacred, and many people come to seek blessings and good fortune.

Google maps: Wat Phra Thong
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

3. Big Buddha (Phra Phutthamingmongkhol Akenakkiri)

Aerial view of the Big Buddha statue in Phuket, Thailand, with lush green hills in the foreground and turquoise ocean waters in the background. The statue is a large, seated white Buddha overlooking the coastal town's scattered buildings and roads amid the verdant landscape near numerous temples in Phuket.

The Big Buddha, located atop Nakkerd Hill, is a must-see landmark in Phuket. This massive white marble statue symbolizes peace and serenity. It overlooks the island and offers breathtaking panoramic views. For all who visit, the temple represents hope and calm, making it one of the must-visit temples in Phuket.

Aerial view of the Big Buddha statue in Phuket, Thailand. The massive white marble statue sits atop Nakkerd Hill, surrounded by lush greenery with a view of the ocean and scattered clouds in the blue sky. A few people are seen at the base of the statue, with nearby hotels in Phuket offering stunning vistas.

Smaller statues representing the days of the week surround the statue, allowing visitors to pay their respects. The site is a popular destination for both tourists and locals looking for spiritual peace and breathtaking scenery.

Google maps: Big Buddha
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM

4. Wat Mongkol Nimit

Wat Mongkol Nimit, or Phuket’s central temple, is located in the heart of the city, close to some of the best Phuket Town hotels, making it an ideal spot for visitors who want to stay near the island’s cultural attractions. It is an important religious and royal ceremony site. This temple’s beautiful architecture attracts both locals and tourists, making it a significant spot in any Phuket temple guide.

Branches of a frangipani tree with pink blossoms are in the foreground, framing part of a traditional Thai temple with intricate red, gold, and blue details and a multi-tiered roof. The clear, light blue sky mirrors the serene atmosphere found at some of the finest hotels in Phuket.

The temple is not only a place to earn merit, but it is also a popular location for photography. Its elegant design and cultural significance make it an essential stop for anyone exploring the city.

Google maps: Wat Mongkol Nimit
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM

5. Wat Si Sunthon (Wat Lipon)

Traditional Thai temple with ornate gold carvings and red roofs gleams under the sunlight. The main worship hall, adorned with intricate artwork, stands beside a smaller pavilion. Bright blue sky with fluffy clouds adds a serene backdrop, while greenery surrounds the structure, akin to hotels in Phuket.

Wat Si Sunthon, also known as Wat Lipon, is famous for its massive reclining Buddha statue, which can be seen from a distance. The temple belongs to the Mahanikaya sect of Thai Buddhism and is known for its peaceful surroundings and spiritual atmosphere.

This temple is frequently visited by locals and tourists seeking blessings and peace. The reclining Buddha is a sight to behold and represents the Buddha’s transition into Nirvana, making it an important spiritual destination.

Google maps: Wat Si Sunthon
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

6. Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham

People stand in front of a colorful temple adorned with intricate statues and vibrant decorations. A prominent, ornate dragon statue with red, green, and gold details takes center stage. Surrounded by lush greenery, this traditional temple is a serene escape for visitors staying at hotels in Phuket.

Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham, located on Rang Hill, is a well-known temple with colorful decorations and a large golden Buddha statue in a meditative pose. It is a popular destination for Buddhist practice and meditation in Phuket, making it a noteworthy entry in any Phuket temple recommendations.

A colorful temple entrance featuring ornate statues and intricate carvings welcomes visitors. A large staircase leads up to a decorated gate, flanked by statues of warriors and mythical creatures with multiple heads and arms. Lush greenery surrounds the area, with signs providing information about nearby hotels in Phuket.

The temple also houses the Ten Kingdoms Buddhist Art Museum, which collects and exhibits Buddha images from various eras. The vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking views from the temple make it a popular destination for both worship and tourism.

Google maps: Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

7. Wat Muang Komaraphat

A large statue of a seated Buddha is situated in a lush, green park. Positioned on an elevated white platform adorned with smaller statues and decorations, it creates a serene atmosphere that travelers to the nearby hotels in Phuket often visit. Street lamps and dense trees complete the peaceful setting.

Wat Muang Komaraphat, also known as Wat Muang, is located in the Ban Reang community and managed by Wat Phra Nang Sang. The temple is famous for its sculptures of Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn, local heroines who defended Phuket from Burmese invaders.

The temple’s serene setting and unique sculptures entice visitors looking to learn about Phuket’s rich history and culture. It is a place of reverence and reflection for both residents and visitors, solidifying its place among must-visit temples in Phuket.

Google maps: Wat Muang Komaraphat
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

8. Wat Ko Sirey

Aerial view of a Buddhist temple with an orange roof, nestled among dense green trees on a hilltop. A large golden Buddha statue is prominent in the foreground. Surrounding the temple, numerous houses and buildings extend towards forested mountains, reminiscent of the tranquil setting found at hotels in Phuket.

Wat Ko Sirey is located on Sirey Island and has a replica of Myanmar’s Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock Pagoda) at the top of the hill. The pagoda provides a panoramic view of the surroundings, resulting in a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere, perfect for those seeking unique Phuket religious sites.

The temple grounds bear Burmese influence with signs and decorations in Burmese script. It is a unique cultural destination where visitors can experience a taste of Myanmar without leaving Thailand.

Google maps: Wat Ko Sirey
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

9. Wat Phra Nang Sang

Aerial view of a Thai temple complex featuring intricate, colorful roof architecture and statues across the grounds. The ornate main building has a gabled roof with detailed carvings and figures. Trees, a golden stupa, and other small structures are set against a backdrop of distant hills and hotels in Phuket.

Wat Phra Nang Sang is Phuket’s oldest temple, located 20 kilometers from the city center. It has great historical significance for the locals. The temple is associated with the legend of Phra Nang Mahsuri, also known as Phra Nang Leuat Khao, whose white blood flowed during her execution, surprising the villagers and giving her name. Previously, this temple served as a strategic location for Burmese troops.

A vibrant temple corridor with a reflective tiled floor leads to a distant exit. The ceiling and columns are adorned with intricate red and gold decorations. Statues and ornate designs line both sides of the corridor, creating a symmetrical and colorful pathway reminiscent of the luxurious hotels in Phuket. Sunlight filters into the space.

The temple complex is serene and exudes an air of ancient mystery. Visitors come to pay their respects and learn about the rich history that spans centuries. It’s a place where you can connect with Phuket’s rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit on any Phuket temple guide.

Google maps: Wat Phra Nang Sang
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

10. Wat Nai Harn

Aerial view of a beautifully ornate Buddhist temple with a red and gold roof, set against a backdrop of a vibrant sunset. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and other smaller structures. Palm trees and a forested area are visible in the background. The temple grounds, much like the exquisite temples in Phuket, are paved with patterned tiles.

Wat Nai Harn is located near Nai Harn Beach and Ao Yon Beach Phuket, two of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. This temple is a peaceful retreat away from the busy tourist spots. It offers a serene environment for meditation and reflection. The temple complex is relatively modern, with beautiful architecture and a calm atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors.

Aerial view of a picturesque Buddhist temple at sunset, featuring ornate golden and red roof structures and intricate architectural details. Nestled among lush greenery and tall palm trees, this gem, one of the renowned temples in Phuket, basks under a vibrant sky showcasing hues of purple, orange, and pink.

The temple is not only a place of worship but also serves as a community center where local festivals and events are held. Its proximity to Nai Harn Beach makes it a perfect spot to visit after enjoying a day at the beach, adding a spiritual dimension to your Phuket trip.

Google maps: Wat Nai Harn
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Phuket’s temples offer a unique glimpse into the island’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Whether you are seeking spiritual fulfillment or simply exploring the island’s history, these temples are a must-visit on your Phuket itinerary, making them essential entries in any Phuket temple recommendations.

10 Must-Visit Temples in Phuket – Explore the Sacred Serenity

History of Temples in Phuket