Wat Sri Sunthon (Wat Lipon)
Discover Wat Sri Sunthon, a vibrant Buddhist temple in Phuket featuring a colossal golden sleeping Buddha and colorful guardian statues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Wat Sri Sunthon (Wat Lipon)
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Wat Sri Sunthon, a vibrant Buddhist temple in Phuket featuring a colossal golden sleeping Buddha and colorful guardian statues.
"A beautiful, colorful temple with a massive golden reclining Buddha, a peaceful hidden gem."
Free Entry & Parking
:moneywithwings: Entry is free! Plenty of parking available right in front of the temple. :car:
Dress Modestly
:pray: Cover shoulders & knees to show respect at this active Buddhist temple. :womanintunic:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sleeping Buddha
Rooftop of the central building
An enormous, serene golden reclining Buddha sculpture dominates the temple's rooftop, a truly impressive sight.
Colorful Statues & Iconography
Temple grounds
Vibrant statues and mythical Thai figures guard the temple, adding a unique artistic and cultural dimension.
Tuesday Buddha Connection
Central building
Discover the significance of the Tuesday Buddha, a special statue for those born on that day, adding a personal touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Attire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry & Parking
:moneywithwings: Entry is free! Plenty of parking available right in front of the temple. :car:
Dress Modestly
:pray: Cover shoulders & knees to show respect at this active Buddhist temple. :womanintunic:
Hidden Gem
:gem: Tucked away off the main road, it's a peaceful escape from the usual tourist bustle. :leafy_green:
Climb for Views
:arrowup: Stairs on the right lead to the impressive reclining Buddha on the roof. :statueof_liberty:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Parking
:moneywithwings: Entry is free! Plenty of parking available right in front of the temple. :car:
Dress Modestly
:pray: Cover shoulders & knees to show respect at this active Buddhist temple. :womanintunic:
Hidden Gem
:gem: Tucked away off the main road, it's a peaceful escape from the usual tourist bustle. :leafy_green:
Climb for Views
:arrowup: Stairs on the right lead to the impressive reclining Buddha on the roof. :statueof_liberty:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Wat Sri Sunthon to be a beautiful, colorful, and peaceful temple, often described as a hidden gem. The massive golden sleeping Buddha is a major highlight, delighting both adults and children. Its convenient location on the main road with free entry and parking makes it an easy and worthwhile stop.
"Small but beautiful, colorful temple on the main road but hidden in the back. You can quickly visit, a large, golden reclining Buddha is on the roof, the stairs are from the back of the building. Free entry, there is a parking lot in front of the temple."
Lusi Kowa
"Quiet place, few people. Parking is free. To the reclining Buddha, you can climb the stairs on the right side of the temple. The children were delighted with the statue of the reclining Buddha. We did not enter the temple itself, we walked around."
Ossi Mossi
"Temple of the Tuesday Buddha.
Just recently learned that the seven Buddha’s postures and gestures have a corresponding connection to the day of the week and as someone born on a Tuesday, I was thrilled to find a temple near our home that corresponds to my day of birth.
The reclining Buddha or otherwise known as the Tuesday Buddha is the main highlight of Wat Sri Sunthon, a temple quietly tucked right by one of the busiest main thoroughfares of Phuket plied by vehicles going to the airport or leaving the island through Sarasin Bridge. Most locals zoom past through this area that not many even know of its existence. But when you manage to take a chance and explore its surroundings, the reclining Buddha’s presence as it serenely rests with the sky as its backdrop is quite rewarding. Colourful statues and Thai iconographies also dot the area, making it an interesting stop on your way to catch your flight or simply as a visit on its own."
Loven RAMOS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Sri Sunthon (Wat Lipon) is located in Thalang, about 14.5 km north of Phuket Town, easily accessible by car or taxi. It's situated on Thepkasathri Road, often visible from the main thoroughfare, making it a convenient stop on your way to or from the airport or Sarasin Bridge.
Yes, it's on the left-hand side of Thepkasathri Road, about 5 km north of the Phuket Heroine's Monument. While it's on a busy road, the temple itself is a peaceful retreat.
Renting a scooter or hiring a private car with a driver are popular options for exploring Phuket's temples. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Wat Sri Sunthon is completely free. This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly cultural experience for all visitors.
The temple is generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to visit during the day to fully appreciate the colorful statues and the reclining Buddha.
While there are no strict opening hours posted, it's best to visit during daylight to experience the temple's full visual appeal and ensure respectful visiting times.
No booking is required as the temple has free entry. You can visit spontaneously.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the temple grounds. It's a very photogenic spot, especially the golden sleeping Buddha and the colorful guardian statues.
The rooftop golden sleeping Buddha is a must-capture. Also, the vibrant statues of mythical creatures and the main temple building offer great photo opportunities.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of any designated 'no photo' areas inside the main temple building if you choose to enter. Be respectful of worshippers.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. However, the vibrant colors are also striking under the midday sun.
🎫 🙏 Onsite Experience
The most prominent feature is the massive, 29-meter-high golden sleeping Buddha sculpture located on the roof of the central building.
It's important to dress modestly out of respect for this religious site. Cover your shoulders and knees.
It's often described as a quiet place with few visitors, offering a peaceful experience compared to more crowded temples.
The temple grounds are adorned with statues of mythical Thai creatures and lions, believed to act as guardians of the temple.
While the exterior is a major draw, some visitors have noted that the main temple doors might be closed. It's worth checking if accessible, but the grounds offer plenty to see.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since entry is free and parking is readily available, it's an easy addition to any family itinerary. The temple is generally quiet, so kids can explore without being overly disruptive. Remember to dress modestly to ensure everyone is comfortable and respectful.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
The colorful guardian statues and intricate details throughout the temple grounds offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, capturing the essence of Thai artistic expression. While the temple might not be as grand as some of Phuket's larger Wats, its distinct features and less crowded atmosphere make it a rewarding location for capturing unique shots. The contrast between the serene Buddha and the lively guardian figures creates visually interesting compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Sleeping Buddha
Beyond its visual impact, the sleeping Buddha holds specific cultural and religious significance. It's also known as the Tuesday Buddha, a nod to the traditional Thai belief that each day of the week has a corresponding Buddha posture and gesture. For those born on a Tuesday, this particular statue can hold personal meaning and draw them to the temple for spiritual connection.
Visitors often find the presence of the sleeping Buddha to be quite rewarding and a unique aspect of the temple's charm. It offers a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the vibrant surroundings.
Exploring the Temple Grounds and Guardians
These guardian statues, along with other vibrant imagery, create a visually rich environment. They contribute to the temple's aesthetic appeal and offer excellent opportunities for photography.
The combination of religious iconography and mythical figures makes Wat Sri Sunthon a fascinating place to explore, offering a glimpse into various aspects of Thai culture and belief systems. While the main temple building might sometimes have closed doors, the exterior and the surrounding grounds are more than enough to provide a fulfilling visit. The intricate details and the sheer variety of statues make it an engaging experience for those who take the time to wander and observe.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit