Open the appWat Phra Thong
Buddhist Temple · Thalang, Phuket
Temple built around a golden Buddha half-buried in the ground, surrounded by curse legends that have deterred anyone from excavating it. A surprising and little-visited stop on the way to the airport.
Wat Phra Thong is famous for its golden Buddha of which only the head and shoulders protrude from the ground. According to legend, all those who attempted to excavate it, including Burmese soldiers, were prevented by misfortunes or swarms of hornets, and the temple was eventually built around the statue in the 18th century. The site includes several buildings and a small museum of objects related to the island's mining history. An original and peaceful stop, perfect for those curious about history and legends, on the way to the airport.
Our local tip
No shorts, short skirts or sleeveless tops; easy to combine with the Heroines Monument and Thalang National Museum on the same morning.
Practical info
- Address: 170 Thep Krasattri, Thalang
- Opening hours: 8am–5:30pm daily
- Area: Thalang
- Temples & culture in Thalang (8)
- Free temples & cultural sites in Thalang
- Directions on Google Maps
More to see in Thalang
- Wat Phra Nang Sang · Temple & culture
- Wat Sri Sunthon · Temple & culture
- Wat Kanan · Temple & culture
- Musée national de Thalang · Temple & culture
- Peranakan Phuket Museum · Temple & culture
- Heroines Monument (Thao Thep Kasattri & Thao Si Sunthon) · Temple & culture
- Tha Rua Shrine · Temple & culture
- Phuket Elephant Sanctuary · Attraction