Wat Phra Thong (Half-Buried Buddha) Phuket
Discover the legend of the half-buried golden Buddha at this ornate Phuket temple, a unique spiritual and cultural landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Wat Phra Thong (Half-Buried Buddha) Phuket
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the legend of the half-buried golden Buddha at this ornate Phuket temple, a unique spiritual and cultural landmark.
"A must-visit for its unique half-buried Buddha and rich local legends!"
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees before entering. Many visitors forget this crucial temple etiquette! :pray:
🚗 Return Trip Planning
Drivers may refuse pickups from the top. Book a round trip or arrange a specific pickup time. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Half-Buried Buddha
Main temple hall
The iconic golden statue, partially submerged, is the temple's namesake and a must-see spiritual icon.
Temple Museum
Adjacent building
Explore local history and religious artifacts in the museum, offering a deeper understanding of the temple's significance.
Ornate Architecture
Temple grounds
Admire the intricate details and vibrant colors of the temple's traditional Thai Buddhist architecture.
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code Matters
Getting There & Back
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees before entering. Many visitors forget this crucial temple etiquette! :pray:
🚗 Return Trip Planning
Drivers may refuse pickups from the top. Book a round trip or arrange a specific pickup time. :car:
How to get to Big Buddha?
💰 Small Donations Welcome
Consider a small donation to help maintain this beautiful temple. :moneybag:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the unique Buddha statue and intricate temple details. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees before entering. Many visitors forget this crucial temple etiquette! :pray:
🚗 Return Trip Planning
Drivers may refuse pickups from the top. Book a round trip or arrange a specific pickup time. :car:
💰 Small Donations Welcome
Consider a small donation to help maintain this beautiful temple. :moneybag:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the unique Buddha statue and intricate temple details. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are drawn to Wat Phra Thong for its unique half-buried Buddha statue and the intriguing legends surrounding it. The temple's ornate architecture and museum also receive praise. However, some travelers find the transportation logistics for returning from the temple to be challenging.
"A large, historical and religious Buddhist center, surrounded by large, massive trees and jungle.
The colors of this building play beautifully with gold in the sun, the harmony of its beauty is added by the sems (special stones that fence the sacred territory) placed on the sides and beautifully trimmed bushes.
Full information with video and easy navigation - in the application 👉 PHUKETON"
Igor Dvorov (PhuketON)
"Great temple to look at. A local told us this was the first temple built in Phuket. Please leave a small donation when you’re there :)"
Janina Kluczyk
"Large Temple site with many buildings, but only one was open when I visited and a large group of children were "making merit" at the Buddhist Shrines; lighting incense sticks, put gold leaf onto the statues etc. There is a small caffe on-site where you can buy refreshments. The site is equipped for large gatherings of people with big space for dining."
Miles Macdonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk from Patong to Wat Phra Thong. Using ride-sharing apps like Grab or Bolt is also an option, but be aware that drivers might be hesitant to pick you up from the temple for the return journey, especially from the very top.
Yes, Wat Phra Thong is a well-known landmark. You can easily find it using Google Maps or by asking your driver for 'Wat Phra Thong' or the 'Half-Buried Buddha'.
Public bus routes might not go directly to Wat Phra Thong. It's generally more convenient to use a taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing service for direct access.
This can be challenging as drivers may refuse to pick up passengers from the top. It's advisable to arrange a round trip with your driver or pre-book your return journey.
Tuk-tuks might be available near the base of the temple, but availability can vary. Pre-arranging your return is the most reliable method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to visit Wat Phra Thong. However, donations are greatly appreciated to help with the temple's upkeep and preservation.
The temple is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site.
No, tickets are not required. Wat Phra Thong is a functioning temple, and visitors are welcome to enter freely. Donations are encouraged.
Visitors must dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing.
Photography is generally allowed within the temple grounds, but be respectful of worshippers and avoid taking photos during prayer times or in restricted areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The main hall with the half-buried Buddha statue is the primary photo opportunity. The intricate details of the temple architecture and the surrounding grounds also offer great shots.
It's best to ask for permission before taking photos of monks. Always be respectful and avoid intrusive photography.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Late afternoons can also provide beautiful lighting as the sun begins to set.
While generally permitted, avoid flash photography inside the main shrine and be mindful of worshippers. Some specific areas might have 'no photography' signs.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both the overall temple architecture and closer details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the main hall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, consider the heat and bring plenty of water. The journey to and from the temple might require some patience, especially if relying on taxis or ride-shares due to potential return trip challenges.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Consider making a small donation to support the temple's preservation efforts. Engaging with the local culture and understanding the significance of the relics can deepen your spiritual experience. Remember to dress modestly and behave respectfully, as you would in any place of worship.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Half-Buried Buddha
The statue itself is believed to be ancient, though its exact origins are debated. The temple complex has grown around this central relic, with various structures built over time to honor and protect it. Visitors often marvel at the sheer presence of the statue, even in its partially submerged state, and reflect on the stories and beliefs associated with it. It's a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions in Thailand.
Navigating Transportation and Logistics
If you're relying on taxis or tuk-tuks, negotiate your fare beforehand. For those who prefer more independence, renting a scooter can be an option, but be aware of Phuket's sometimes chaotic traffic. Regardless of your chosen method, always have a backup plan for your return to avoid getting stranded. Understanding these logistical nuances can significantly enhance your visit and reduce potential stress.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit