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Wat Chalong, Big Buddha and Temple Visits in Phuket: Hours, Dress Code and Tips
Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha are the two religious sites most visitors and new residents see first. This page covers the practical details and where sources disagree. Opening hours differ between listings, so allow some flexibility. Reviewed in November 2026.
Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong, officially Wat Chai Thararam, is described as Phuket's most revered temple, about 8 to 9 km south of Phuket Town. Entry is free with donations welcome, and the buildings are reported open from about 7am to 5pm, although one listing says 9am and the grounds can be walked at other times. A 60-metre chedi holds a relic. Free parking is available for cars and motorbikes.
Big Buddha
The Big Buddha sits on a hilltop near Chalong, with free entry and donation-based upkeep. Hours differ by source, from around 6am or 8am to 5pm or 7.30pm, so check before a late-afternoon trip. There is free parking at the top, and guides note no public bus goes directly there. Early morning and late afternoon are cooler and less crowded.
Dress code and behaviour
Both sites expect shoulders and knees covered, with no sleeveless tops, short skirts or shorts, and shoes off before entering temple buildings. Sarongs can be borrowed at the entrance. Speak quietly and do not touch statues. See the etiquette guide and the religion guide.
Planning
The two sites are about 10 minutes apart, so many visitors combine them with a viewpoint stop. See the viewpoints guide and the traffic guide for timing, and the festivals guide for events at Wat Chalong.
This is general information, not medical, legal or insurance advice. Rules and conditions change, so check current official guidance for your situation.
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