Chalong
Temple
 Wat
Chalong, situated approximately eight kms southeast of Phuket town, with its typical
architecture found throughout Thailand, is not known for its artistic merit.But the temple still remains
the biggest and the most beautifully ornamented of Phuket's 29 Buddhist monasteries.
The Chalong Temple is associated with three revered monks of Luang Pro Chaem, renowned
herbal doctors and setters of bones, who helped the people of Phuket put down the Ahngyee
-- Chinese Coolie, Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V.
Statues of Luang Por
Chuang and Luang Por Gluam, other monks who were abbots of the temple during later times,
and who are the objects of respect and recipients of offerings by Phuket people generally,
are enshrined at the Temple.
 Actually entering into the
temple you are not charged any admission fees but a small donation of 10 baht to
contribute to maintenance or restoration costs is appreciated.
 Remember - remove your shoes
before entering any temple building.
Do not treat the
Buddha images disrespectfully, however, you may photograph monks (importantly, women
should remember not to touch them), temples or images and all Buddhist ceremonies.
For the most
memorable visit try to time your trip for the weekly holy day when the monks chant
Buddhist scriptures in the mornings. The holy days are based on a lunar calendar, so check
with the locals to plan your excursion.
How to get there: Wat Chalong is about 8 km outside town. Take Vichit
Songkram Road to the Bypass Road and turn left, and drive for about 10 mins. Wat Chalong
is on the left.
Photo
Gallery : Wat Chalong
| Travel Tips This tour is
best done in the afternoon, so that you can watch the famous sunset at Promthep Cape.
Promthep Cape is the most southern tip of Phuket Island and offers beautiful views of the
sea and the southern coast of Phuket. On the way you can visit Wat Chalong, one of the
most important temples of the island, and Rawai Beach.
Wat Chalong
Your starting point is Wat Chalong. It is located three kilometers before the Chalong
junction on the left side of the road (see our small map)Wat Chalong is the most important
buddhist temple of the island.
Although
from the point of view of architecture it cannot be compared with the beautiful temples of
Chiang Mai or Bangkok it is a pretty enough sight with its three connected roofs and the
golden chofahs that sparkle in the sun.
The
entrance of the Viharn is flanked by two stone elephants and inside are several statues
that are covered with so many flecks of gold leaf that their features are almost
unrecognizable. The Wat is connected with the memory of two revered monks who lived during
the time of the tin miner`s rebellion and were famous for their medical skills. Opposite
the temple`s Viharn is a lovely teakwood building that houses statues of the monks and
also relics, like their robes.
Promthep Cape
When you have finished y our visit to Wat Chalong, just follow the road along the
coast to the Chalong junction and on to Rawai Beach. Rawai is very famous for its shells.
It has a rocky foreshore and is at low tide a veritable eldorado for shell seekers (for
swimming Rawai is less suitable).
A lot
of small open air seafood restaurants are located along the beach promenade. Rawai also
has a shell museum (located opposite the beach) that is worth a visit.
If you drive on in southern direction you will finally arrive at Promthep Cape.
Enjoy
the scenic drive along Phuket`s southern coast! Promthep Cape itself is essentially just a
rocky hill (steps have been built that lead to the top) but you have a very beautiful view
of the perfect half-moon bay of Nai Harn Beach and of the little islands in front of the
cape. There is also a lighthouse with a sightseeing platform; the view from the top is
superb. If you have enough time it is a good idea to stay until sunset; Promthep Cape is
famous for its spectacular sunsets.
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Note:
For
more information or Booking Tour please contact Travel Agent or info@phukettourism.com
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