There are two sides to Phuket: an adventurous side and a cultural side. Oftentimes, they come together to create a soulful travel experience for tourists. Here’s everything you need to know.
Phuket
Phuket is like a dream come true for adventure-seeking travellers. Those looking for a more relaxing and soulful experience aren’t left out either. The island’s rich culture has given rise to a spiritual side, often experienced at its temples. But before you go exploring, here’s some useful information about Phuket:
- Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand.
- The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.
- Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Tuk-tuks are the most common way to get around, but you can also rent scooters. If you do, make sure to wear a helmet at all times.
- Free Wi-Fi is quite common in hotels and some cafés around the island.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples.
Best Time to Visit and Places to Stay
The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for sightseeing and temple hopping. These months bring the best weather, with sunny skies and warm temperatures. The monsoon season runs from May to October. The island experiences a fair amount of rain during this period, but it is usually brief, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
Consider where you want to stay during your time in Phuket. You have a variety of options, including Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, known for its luxury Phuket suites.
With all that in mind, explore these temples and sacred sites, each promising a culturally rich experience.
Wat Chalong
Also called Chalong Temple, Wat Chalong is the most important Buddhist temple in Phuket. Located in the southern part of the island, it has been revered by locals for hundreds of years. Its history dates back to the 1800s when it was first established.
Why should you visit? Well, there’s so much to see here. Be awed by the intricate carvings and stunning murals. The sacred pagoda housing a fragment of Buddha’s bone is another highlight. Plus, visiting the temple is an opportunity to get a feel for the local culture – locals come to make offerings and pray for health, happiness, and good fortune. Bring your camera, would you? You’ll find so many photo opportunities.
Wat Phra Thong
Another stunning temple you should visit, Wat Phra Thong, is located in the northern part of the island. The half-buried golden Buddha statue is the highlight. The story behind the discovery of the statue is quite interesting. It seems that the statue was discovered by a farmer who was ploughing his field. He had no idea there was a golden statue buried beneath the soil.
The discovery was made public, but they decided to leave the statue as it was – partially hidden. This adds a touch of mystery to the atmosphere. Locals believe the temple to be their guardian angel, protecting them from harm. In the morning and evening, residents of the island file into the temple with offerings of flowers and incense to pray for good health and fortune.
Wat Srisoonthorn
Located in Phuket’s Thalang district, Wat Srisoonthorn is home to another stunning statue. It features a reclining Buddha measuring over 20 metres, representing Buddha’s peaceful passing. The temple is much quieter than many other sites on the island, making it perfect if you want some quiet time to yourself. It is also a great place to learn a bit about Buddhist teachings, if that interests you.
Jui Tui Shrine
An important spiritual site for the Chinese community, Jui Tui Shrine is located in Phuket Town. Built in the 19th century, the shrine is dedicated to the Chinese deity Kiu Ong. Locals visit to pray for good health, prosperity, and protection.
The shrine is best experienced during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, a colourful celebration featuring processions, fire-walking, and various other rituals honouring the gods. If you want a deep cultural and spiritual experience while learning about Phuket’s Chinese community, Jui Tui Shrine should be on your list.
An Experience to Remember
Visit Phuket once and explore its temples, and you’ll never forget your experience. What’s more, you’ll want to come back. When you’re not exploring temples, there’s so much more you can do – from water sports to shopping to trying delicious local food. Diving and snorkelling are two of the top water adventures here, so carve out some time for them. Also, give yourself at least five days, if not more, to experience Phuket to your heart’s content.
