Wat Chalong

Phuket

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Dating back 150 years, Wat Chalong is Phuket's busiest Buddhist temple. Its three-tiered, salmon-pink, 61m-high chedi (a later addition) has 36 golden Buddhas seated, reclining and meditating around its elaborate exterior; green-and-gold naga line the banisters and the lotus ponds behind, while at the top sits what is said to be a fragment of Buddha's bone. Busloads of visitors pour in, so swing by in the early morning for any chance of some tranquillity. It's 7km northeast of central Rawai.

Dress respectfully: skirts and shawls are provided for those needing to cover up.

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