Phuket Town's Most Beautiful Temples

Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island, is resplendent with sacred religious sites that honor Buddhist, Taoist, and Chinese folk traditions. These landmark attractions draw worshippers with their decorative architecture, landscaped grounds, and beautiful altars where one can leave offerings.

While iconic temples, like Wat Chalong, are found in Phuket’s hinterland, the island’s Old Town district is home to its very own collection of temples and shrines that are as equally enthralling. Drop by for their sculptural dragon pillars, historic Buddha statues, and hand-carved stone elephants that are dotted around the gardens. Keep your eyes peeled for annual festivities.

What are Phuket Town’s most beautiful temples?

Old Phuket Town Hotels

1. Jui Tui Chinese Temple

Plays a pivotal part in the Phuket Vegetarian Festival

Good for: History, Photo

Jui Tui Shrine is a popular Chinese temple that plays an important role in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Located on Soi Phuthorn, not far from Phuket’s main market, it’s a must-visit for all newcomers as it’s one of the oldest and the most respected spiritual centres around. Jui Tui’s main building has undergone a number of renovations, resulting in an attractive exterior and an interior with three large altars featuring statues of Chinese gods.

Its principal deity is Tean Hu Huan Soy, the god associated with performing artists and dancers (The Chinese Opera regards him as their patron). His image is set in the highest position on the main altar, accompanied by a statue of a dog and a chicken. They are said to have been his favorite pets since childhood. Photography is allowed inside the hall. Read more

Location: 283 Soi Phutorn, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Open: Daily from 8 am to 8.30 pm

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2. Bang Neow Shrine

Historic Chinese shrine featuring beautiful dragon pillars

Good for: History, Photo, Unusual

The Bang Neow Shrine (also known as Bang Niew, Tao Buang Keng, and the Thep Rasi Foundation Shrine) is a sacred place of worship. Founded in 1904, it was originally part of another shrine on Soi Romanee in the Old Town. It has moved a few times; strangely enough, always because of fire.

Looking in from the road, you’ll notice that the shrine is unusually long and has many doors. This is because it houses a number of shrines (10 of them) that sit immediately next to each other. The most important shrine is the one in the middle, where the main deity is. You can find the site on Phuket Road at the Bang Neow intersection.

Location: Am Bang Neow, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Open: Daily from 6 am to 7 pm

3. Hok Nguan Kung Shrine

A religious centre for local families

Good for: History, Photo, Unusual

Hok Nguan Kung Shrine, at the Surin Circle Clock Tower near The Metropole Hotel Phuket, has long been a sacred site for many Phuket families since it was founded more than 80 years ago. It’s very brightly colored and features ornate sculptural dragon pillars, as well as illuminations at night.

The most important ritual object here is the crafted image of the deity Ju Su Kong (which explains why locals refer to this shrine as Ju Su Kong Shrine). His statue is made from sandalwood and is black from head to toe, so it’s not difficult to recognize him.

Location: San Chao Hok Nguan Kong, Mueang Phuket, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm

4. Kiew Tien Keng Shrine

One of the most-important Taoist shrines in Old Town Phuket

Good for: History, Photo

Kiew Tien Keng (also called Kio Thian Keng Saphan Hin Shrine) is a stunning religious site set in a scenic location at Saphan Hin Park in Phuket. Some consider it among the most beautiful places of worship on the island.

It’s the only shrine that’s located near the seashore and is considered the departure spot to send all gods/deities back to heaven on the final night of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. It’s where the colorful parades of each shrine officially come to an end before a normal diet can resume.

Location: San Chao Kiew Tien Keng, Saphan Hin Park, Soi Bang Yai, Wichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand

5. Put Cho Shrine

The oldest Taoist temple in Phuket Town

Good for: History, Photo

Put Cho Shrine (also known as Put Jaw Chinese Temple) is the oldest Chinese temple in Phuket. The original was built about 200 years ago and underwent a major renovation in 1908. Some locals refer to the temple as Kwan Im Teng as it was built in honor of Kwan Im, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy.

Many locals come here to seek help when they have health issues. They shake a box full of bamboo sticks until one falls out, then use the number written on the stick to get a medication prescription from the temple and take it to a Chinese herbal medicine shop. Parents of Chinese heritage also come here to get names for their newborns to ensure they have a good, long life.

Location: 289 Soi Phutorn, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

Open: Daily from 6.30 am to 8 pm

Phone: +66 (0)76 213 190

6. Shrine of the Serene Light

Historic hidden-gem temple

Good for: History, Photo

The Shrine of the Serene Light is a landmark temple that was built in 1889 by a local Chinese family. It’s relatively unknown due to its concealed location on Yaowarat Road, near the Amulet Market in Phuket.

Founded in 1891 by the Hokkien Chinese descendants of the Tan Luan Jae family, the Shrine of the Serene Light (also known as Sang Tham Shrine) is modest in size, but extravagant in appearance. It clearly shows its heritage in its distinct architectural design with common Hokkien Chinese features such as a terracotta-tiled roof, colorful sculptural dragons, and single-storey construction. Read more

Location: San Chao Saengtham, Phangnga Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Phone: +66 (0)76 354 536

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7. Wat Kajonrangsan

Peaceful Buddhist enclave with curious architectural traits

Good for: Budget, History, Photo

Wat Kajonrangsan, or Wat Kajon for short, is an unusual Buddhist temple in terms of its design. The main building (or pra u-bosod) features Roman-style architecture which is unique in Phuket. It also boasts a beautiful set of Thai-style pagodas and several golden Buddha statues.

If you visit between 7 am and 8 am, you’ll come across quite a busy place. This is because the Wat Kajonrangsan School is located within the same compound. Arrive early to observe the traditional Thai way of life, where the temple is at the heart of everything including education.

Location: Wat Kajonrangsan, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Open: Daily from 7 am to 5.30 pm

8. Wat Khao Rang

Brightly painted hillside temple with a giant golden Buddha

Good for: History, Photo

Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham, also known as Sumnak Song Khao Rang, is a Buddhist temple that enjoys a great location in Phuket Town. It sits on the slope of the popular Khao Rang (Rang Hill).

This is where visitors can discover a large golden sitting Buddha which is the first of its kind on the island, as well as carved naga snakes. This aesthetically-pleasing temple is busy at weekends when locals pay a visit. To get there, take the road Soi Vachira, leading from the Vachira Hospital. The temple is a few hundred meters up on the right. Read more

Location: Wat Khao Rung Samukkheethum Temple, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Open: Daily from 8 am to late afternoon

Phone: +66 (0)76 222 520

9. Yok Ke Keng Shrine

Taoist treasure on the north side of town

Good for: History, Photo

The original Yok Ke Keng Shrine was located on a watery rice field in front of its current location on Soi Phanieng in the Samkong area, and access used to be difficult, especially during the monsoon season. As a result of donations from locals, and a strong will to improve its condition and access, many renovation works were done over the years.

A pair of lions guard the entrance and there’s a joss paper stove nearby. Inside, you’ll find a main hall, two small side wings, and a large collection of deity images. It’s become a key part of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and hosts ceremonies and parades during the annual event.

Location: San Chao Yok Ke Keng, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

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