Faith, devotion and inspiration. Beyond the beaches of Phuket are several sacred landmarks and places of worship that offer some insight into the island’s soul.

The loftiest of all of Phuket’s sacred sites is the Big Buddha. This serene-faced white marble statue on top of the highest hill in Chalong is 45 metres high and visible from many areas in the south end of the island. Equally impressive as the gigantic statue are the sweeping views across the island from Phuket City to Chalong Bay to Kata and Karon beaches, and over the Andaman Sea to islands offshore.

A lesser-known hilltop temple is Wat Siray on Phuket’s east coast Koh Siray area. This sparkling temple has a golden reclining Buddha statue inside and vivid Naga serpent images undulating along its steep staircase. With few visitors and superb sea views, this is a truly tranquil place for reflection.

Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest temple, has been at the heart of the local Buddhist community since its construction in the early 1800s. A lively place busy with worshippers and curious tourists alike, the temple’s most prominent feature is its 60-metre-tall chedi spire.

Many Taoist shrines are found around the island and especially in Phuket Town, the centre for the island’s sizeable Chinese community. Jui Tui shrine is one of the main sites for the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival, while the colourful Sang Tham shrine – also known as Shrine of the Serene Light – is tucked away down a small alley off one of the Old Town streets. Step inside the shrine for a glimpse of the beautifully restored wall mural paintings of some fierce Chinese god warriors.

Phuket’s diversity is reflected in its many houses of faith, which include several mosques around the island and nearby including a newly-built golden-domed mosque on the Koh Panyee floating village in Phang Nga Bay. Stroll down one street in Phuket Town and you’ll see a mosque, a Chinese shrine and a Catholic church within steps of one another.

Though Phuket’s temples and shrines have been built for its local community, visitors of all faiths and nationalities are welcome to visit. Just be sure to dress in a respectful manner, and don’t forget your camera!

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