Wat Chalong is the most important of the 29 temples that are housed in Thailand. It is also the biggest and most ornately decorated of all the temples in Thailand. These temples are an important symbol of Thailand because the majority of Thai people are Buddhist and secondly because the structures themselves are extremely magnificent. There is a saying among Thai tourists that if you are in Phuket but have not visited Wat Chalong then you have not really visited Phuket at all.

The temple is associated with two Luang Pro Chaem monks who were specialists in herbal medicines and the resetting of bones. These monks assisted the people of Thailand during a time of foreign rebellion. During the reign of King Rama V a large mob of immigrant Chinese workers went rioting through the island of Phuket. Local inhabitants were terrified and indecisive. They were not sure if they should run or stay and fight.

Eventually the people turned to Luang Pho Chaem, the Abbot of Wat Chalong. The abbot decided that he was not leaving, and as a result the people rallied behind him and fought off the mob. The battle was eventually won with the aid of soldiers that were rushed in from Bangkok, but the King did not forget Luang Pho Chaem’s actions. Because of this the king bestowed a higher title on the abbot and today practically everyone in Thailand knows the story of this remarkable monk.

Visitors to the temple today can find statues of these monks and others who served their time throughout the temple and they are generally enshrined and worshipped by the people of Thailand. In addition numerous depictions of the Buddha including statues and pieces of art can be found throughout the temple.

One occurrence in the temple that might surprise guests is the sound of firecrackers going off at regular intervals, which might seem somewhat out of place in a holy temple. Though not even practiced in the others Wats in Thailand, in Wat Chalong it is not unusual to see many standing around the bee shaped ovens setting off firecrackers. This unusual custom is done to show gratitude for prayers that have been answered.

Visitors to the temple can also indulge in some of the practices that are carried out by local visitors as well. Just inside the main hall on the floor are two can shaped objects that contain several bamboo stick pieces. Visitors should pick this up and shake the item rhythmically back and forth until one of the bamboo pieces falls out. This stick contains a number and visitors should head to the nearby wooden cabinet that contains a range of different drawers with numbers and open the corresponding drawer. Take one piece of paper as all the ones that are contained inside are identical to each other. This contains a message that will have to be translated.

In the same area are several pairs of red wooden blocks that are shaped like twin halves of a mango. These help visitors to make decisions for yes or no questions. Pick up the two objects and pose a question. Upon doing so guests should throw the blocks in to the air and observe how they fall upon the ground. Should they both fall facing the same direction then it signifies a no. If they fall in different directions this signifies a yes.

Once a week there is a holy day, and visiting the temple on this day will allow guests to be privy to more of the wondrous sights and sounds that are on offer at this temple. Guests should also always remember to remove their shoes before entering the temple as is the general custom in Thailand.

Travellers will discover the rich heritage of Thai Buddhist practice when visiting this Phuket temple. Hotels that are located close by such as Millennium Resort Patong provide guests with easy access to this spiritual and holy destination.