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Wat Chalong, or by its official name Wat Chaiyataram, is the biggest Buddhist temple in Phuket. It is located 8 km outside Phuket Town. It is not known for sure when Wat Chalong was first built. Existing records trace the temple's history to 1837, the date it was rebuilt. The temple covers an area of over 500 rai. (Rai, a Thai land measurement, approximates 1600 square meters. Another Thai land measurement is Talang Wah, which is about 4 square meters. 1 rai = 400 talang wah.) Evidence indicates that the original temple structure of Wat Chalong is located on the northern corner of the present temple compound. The only thing that remains from that original temple is a Buddha statue, the Luang Pho Chao Wat image, which is housed in a viharn (assembly hall) between the stupa and the main viharn.
Buddha image in Wat Chalong (12 July 2004)
© Timothy Tye
In 1846, Wat Chalong was accorded royal status, and was given the name Wat Chaiyataram. However, the fame of Wat Chalong came about because of its resident monk, Luang Pho Saem (also written Luang Pro Chaem), who was attributed with great healing powers. He served at the abbot of Wat Chalong until his death in 1908. The abbots who succeeded Luang Pho Saem continued to practise healing, upholding the status and fame of the temple.
In the temple today are three wax models of their revered monks. One of these is Luang Pho Saem, the renowned doctor and setters of bones. The monk helped the people of Phuket put down the rebellion of the Angyee (Chinese coolies) in 1876, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The other two wax models are that of Luang Por Chuang and Luang Por Gluam.
Elephant statues at Wat Chalong (12 July 2004)
© Timothy Tye
The buildings in the Wat Chalong complex includes viharn (assembly hall), ubosot (ordination hall), monthop (pavilion) and sala (hall). Most of these were the work of Phra Maha Fuang Suchanonatho, a skilled draftsman who also became an abbot of Wat Chalong in 1978.
A sacred relic of the Buddha is also kept in Wat Chalong. It is housed at a repository beneath the stupa of Phramahathat Chedi (mahathat means "great relic stupa"). The Phramahathat Chedi was built between 1998 and 2001, and follow the architectural style of the famous Tat Phanom stupa of Nakhon Phanom Province.
Wat Chalong can be particularly busy and crowded during feast days which usually take place in mid December. For a period of one week, the temple is transformed into a fair ground.
Wax model of past Wat Chalong abbot (12 July 2004)
© Timothy Tye
Getting there
Coming from the north / Phuket City, use Route 4022 followed by Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road, then turn in to Luang Pho Chaem Road. You might need to ask the locals if unsure of direction. Note that three roads surrounding Wat Chalong is numbered Route 4021, which can be rather confusing.Wat Chalong Location Map
Wax model of past Wat Chalong abbot (12 July 2004)
© Timothy Tye
Wax model of past Wat Chalong abbot (12 July 2004)
© Timothy Tye
Sights in South East Phuket
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