EN
Temple of the Protruding Buddha (Wat Phra Thong)
Temple of the Protruding Buddha (Wat Phra Thong) is most famous for the half-buried golden Buddha statue—only the head and shoulders are visible—found on its grounds. The temple, believed to be one of the island’s oldest, holds special significance to the local Thai-Chinese population, who often visit during the Chinese New Year.
The Basics
While not the most visually impressive of Phuket’s temples, Temple of the Protruding Buddha (Wat Phra Thong) is one of the more interesting. Thanks to its position away from the beach, it’s also one of the island’s quietest. The temple grounds are also home to a museum with historical items from around the region.
Things to Know Before You Go
Temple of the Protruding Buddha (Wat Phra Thong) is a must-see for history buffs and spiritual travelers.
The temple is free to enter but donations are expected.
Wat Phra Temple is an active place of worship, so dress respectfully.
How to Get There
The temple is located in the middle of Phuket along the road leading from Phuket Town toward the airport. The easiest way to get there is to drive or hire a taxi.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The temple is open daily throughout the year, and often presents a peaceful escape from the busy beaches of Phuket. If you want to see the temple in full swing, visit during the Lunar New Year when Thai-Chinese pilgrims come from surrounding islands to worship.
The Legend of the Half-Buried Buddha
According to local lore, the Buddha statue was discovered after a farmer boy tied his buffalo to a small part that was protruding from the ground. They both fell ill and died, but the boy appeared to his father in a dream. The father discovered the top of the statue, but all subsequent attempts to excavate it ended in failure, or—according to some accounts—death.
- Things to do in Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast
- Things to do in Ko Yao Yai
- Things to do in Ko Phi Phi Don
- Things to do in Khao Lak
- Things to do in Krabi
- Things to do in Ko Lanta
- Things to do in Surat Thani
- Things to do in Ko Lipe
- Things to do in Langkawi
- Things to do in Koh Samui
- Things to do in Penang
- Things to do in Pattaya
- Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
- Things to do in Kedah
- Things to do in Gulf of Thailand
- Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
- Splash Jungle Water Park
- Phuket FantaSea
- Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market)
- Upside Down House Phuket (Baan Teelanka)
- A-Maze Garden
- Siam Niramit Phuket
- Patong Boxing Stadium
- Patong Beach
- Bangla Road (Patong)
- Phuket Old Town
- Trickeye Museum
- Koh Yao Noi (Ko Yao Noi)
- Phuket Simon Cabaret Show
- Phuket Bird Park