Wat Phra Thong: Location, Timings, Things to See & Do

The Temple of the Golden Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Thong Temple, is one of Phuket’s most sacred and mysterious Buddhist sites. This temple is in the Thep Krasattri sub-district of Thailand. It is known for its half-buried Buddha statue, which is a golden figure that seems to come out of the ground. Wat Phra Thong is full of myths, beliefs, and stories from the area. It gives visitors a deep spiritual experience and a look into the heart of Phuket’s old cultural and religious traditions.

Visitors from all over Thailand and beyond come to see the temple, which is called Phra Thong, which means “Golden Buddha.” The image here is only half visible, from the chest up. The rest of the statue is firmly planted in the ground, unlike the shiny, fully seated Buddha statues that are common across the country. This very mystery is what has made Wat Phra Thong a lasting symbol of awe and devotion for many years. Not only is Wat Phra Thong Temple a place of worship, but it is also a living storybook that connects local identity with myth and history. The bricks, murals, and golden surfaces in the complex all seem to tell stories of faith, strength, and the unseen forces that shape what people believe. 

History of Wat Phra Thong

The story of Wat Phra Thong is full of myths, faith, and a little bit of mystery that still fascinates people. The story goes that a young boy tied his buffalo to what looked like a small golden pole sticking out of the ground. Sadly, the boy and his animal both died soon after, which made the villagers think that the “pole” was something special. When they tried to dig it up, strange things happened to the people involved, like getting sick, having accidents, and dying for no apparent reason. In the end, the people who lived there figured out that it was a holy relic: the top of a Buddha statue that had been buried in the ground.

People have tried to completely dig up the statue throughout history, but every time they did, they ran into strange problems that made it seem like the earth was protecting the image. The upper half that could be seen was then enshrined, and a temple was built around it. This temple became known as Wat Phra Thong. The temple has been around since the 18th century. During the Burmese invasion of 1785, it was also very important. It served as a safe haven and a place to fight back during the heroic stand led by Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon, two famous sisters who defended Phuket. Their bravery became an important part of the temple’s story, making Wat Phra Thong both a holy place and a symbol of local bravery.

Location, Directions & Timings

It is about 20 kilometres north of Phuket Town and 8 kilometres south of Phuket International Airport. Because of its strategic location, it’s easy to get to from most places on the island, like Patong, Kata, or the airport. The temple is in a quiet area of the countryside, which is a nice change of pace from Phuket’s busier tourist areas.

From the airport, take Highway 402 south for about 10 minutes until you see signs pointing to Wat Phra Thong. It opens every day from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is soft and the mood is calm.

Things to See and Do in the Wat Phra Thong

• The Golden Buddha that is Half-Buried: Phra Phut, the half-buried golden Buddha statue, is the most famous part of the temple. The only part of it that can be seen above ground is the top half, from the chest up. It shines with an otherworldly glow, especially in the morning sun, because it is covered in gold leaf. 
• Art and murals: The temple’s inside walls are covered with beautiful murals that show Jataka tales, which are stories about the Buddha’s past lives. These bright paintings show lessons about kindness, giving up something for someone else, and gaining knowledge. 
• The Wat Phra Thong Museum: This small but interesting museum is on the temple grounds and shows artefacts and relics that tell the story of Phuket’s early days. Some of the exhibits are mining tools, religious objects, traditional clothing, and protective gear that tin miners wore during Phuket’s mining era. 
• Link to Thalang Heroes: Statues and memorials in the temple grounds honour the temple’s historical ties to Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon. 
• Prayer and Meditation: The Wat Phra Thong Temple is very peaceful. This is a great place to meditate or think quietly because it is in the shade of Bodhi trees and the sound of monks chanting in a steady rhythm. 
• The Temple’s Gardens and Courtyard: There are lots of plants, blooming lotus ponds, and quiet paths around the temple. There are smaller Buddha statues, spirit houses, and guardian figures all over the place. 
• Local rituals and religious ceremonies: You can see real Thai religious culture in action if you go during Buddhist holidays or local merit-making ceremonies. People from the area come to give flowers, candles, and incense, and monks chant prayers and bless people with holy water. 
• Looking into the Smaller Shrines: There are also smaller shrines for other gods and spirits next to the main temple. There are statues of Phra Mae Thorani (Earth Goddess) and guardian spirits that protect the temple. 
• Talking to Monks and People Who Live There: People who come to the temple often find monks or local guides who are happy to tell them stories about its history or legends. 

Tips before you visit the Wat Phra Thong

• Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
• Don’t wear beachwear, sleeveless tops, or short skirts.
• Take off your shoes before you go into any hall or shrine.
• Before taking pictures of monks or religious ceremonies, ask first.
• Do not use flash in the main prayer hall.
• Inside the temple, speak softly.
• Don’t touch statues or other holy things.
• Donations are welcome and help keep the temple clean.

FAQs about Wat Phra Thong