The most important of the 29 buddhist temples of Phuket is Wat Chalong or. as is is formally knows, Wat Chaiyathararam. It is located in the Chalong Subdistrict, and is just five minutes from my home.

Wat Chalong is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who led the citizens of Chalong in fighting against the Chinese rebellion in 1876 and with their knowledge of herbal medicine helped the injured.

Towering over the temple grounds is a 60-meter-tall ‘Chedi’ that houses a precious relic—a splinter of bone from Buddha himself. 

A yearly festival take over the entire complex with markets selling everything from flowers and plants, to clothing, even electronics. There are live shows on a large (and very loud) stage, carnival rides and games. 

All photos and video
©Tony Edwards Photo 2024.

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