Big Buddha & Chalong Temple Phuket - Spiritual Landmark Guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Booking through them supports sawadee.guide at no extra cost to you.

What to Expect

The "Big Buddha" typically refers to the magnificent 70-tonne bronze Reclining Buddha statue found in the serene grounds of Wat Chalong. This is one of Phuket's most significant religious sites and a major attraction for tourists seeking cultural understanding or simply iconic imagery. You'll find the reclining figure positioned on an ornate couch, surrounded by intricate details including smaller Buddha images integrated into its base. While stunning to behold from afar (especially through the temple's offering boxes), respectfully approaching it involves removing your hat and shoes before entering the main prayer hall (the Wihan) where it resides. The highlight is undoubtedly the Wat Chalong itself, a large complex housing this revered image within its sanctuary.

Practical Information

Wat Traimit (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is located on Phetchaburi Road in the vicinity of Sino-Port Thai Hospital and opens daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The entrance fee for visiting the main temple hall containing the Big Buddha statue is THB 20 (approx. USD $0.64) for adults, payable via an offering box before seeing the statue up close. Inside Wat Chalong, modest dress is required – shoulders and knees should be covered at all times during prayer or interaction with monks/sacred areas. The best time to visit depends on your preference; morning visits (before 10 AM) offer a more tranquil atmosphere despite potentially opening early, while afternoon can be busier, especially near the souvenir shops outside the temple complex. Be prepared for crowds – these sites are hugely popular and expect queues at the entrance hall leading up to the main Buddha statue.

Getting There

Wat Chalong is easily accessible from Phuket's city centre via road transport. Head north on Phetchaburi Road, a short drive (around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic) will take you directly there. It sits prominently near the intersection with Phisai Lane and Sino-Port Thai Hospital.

Nearby Attractions

Wat Chalong is conveniently located within walking distance of its surroundings in Bangkok Subdistrict (Mueang Bangkaew). The nearby Wat Traimit complex itself houses other interesting structures, including a smaller seated Buddha statue. For cultural exploration focused on Buddhism, you could visit the adjacent Wat Sino-Port Thai temple and monastery grounds, dedicated to spreading Buddhist teachings among Chinese communities. Just over 2 kilometers east towards Phuket Town is Old Phuket Town's vibrant street art scene along Bangkaen Road.

Plan Your Phuket Trip

Ready to book? Compare Big Buddha and Chalong Temple tours on GetYourGuide and KKday, then use Sawadee to plan your complete Phuket itinerary.

---

Part of the Phuket Destination Guide. Plan your full Thailand trip in seconds →