Walailak University
9 AMAZING TEMPLES IN SOUTHERN THAILAND
Kanokon Poungboon & Chutikan Tamrongboon bangkokair.com
MAP OF SOUTHERN THAILAND
NARATIWAT
9Â AMAZING TEMPLES IN SOUTHERN THAILAND
"A traveler without observation is a bird without wings" - Moslih Eddin Saadi
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INTRODUCTION Current, temples or religious places have become a tourist attraction that people more interested and causing some temples or religious places to rearrange their roles from the past which had been restricted to ecclesiastical activities and ordinances of the villagers. The southern of Thailand has cultural religious places in many provinces, since Chumphon – Narathiwat. In which each religious place has become a cultural heritage of each province.
Author Kanokon Poungboon Chutikan Tamrongrak
9 TEMPLES WAT PHRA MAHATHAT WORAMAHAWIHAN Nakhon Si Thammarat
6
WAT THAT NOI
14
WAT CHEDI AI KHAI
22
WAT PATTANARAM
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Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Surat Thani
WAT BOROMMATHAT CHAIYA WORAWIHAN 38 Surat Thani
WAT MAHATHAT WACHIRAMONGKHON
48
WAT THAM SEUA
54
WAT CHALONG
66
WAT PHRA NANG SANG
72
Krabi
Krabi
Phuket
Phuket
Matichon online
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NAKHON SI THAMMARAT
travel.kapook.com
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Nakhon Si Thammarat is a province in Thailand. It has the largest population in the southern region and is the 2nd largest area in the south (after Surat Thani), about 780 kilometers from Bangkok. There are adjacent provinces such as Songkhla, Phatthalung, Trang, Krabi and Surat Thani. Flower of province: Cassia Fistula
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Nakhon Si Thammarat
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Gettng To Know
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Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
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WAT PHRA MAHATHAT WORAMAHAWIHAN Nai Mueang, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat
History Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
It’s a major pilgrimage site for Thai
is the main Buddhist temple of Nakhon
Buddhists, an important place of
Si Thammarat Province in southern
study for scholars of Southeast Asian
Thailand. The main stupa of the temple,
history and a must-see attraction for
Phra Borommathat Chedi (great noble
travelers. Recognizing this important
relic's stupa), was built by King Sri
contribution in 2012, UNESCO placed
Dhammasokaraja in the early-13th
the temple on a tentative list of world
century CE to establish a symbol for the
heritage sites.
Theravada Buddhism sect in the province. The temple is believed to house a tooth of Gautama Buddha.
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footprints of
buddha mock
Page 10 Architecture Surrounding the chedi are 22 stucco elephants at the base, while eight walking Buddha images represent the Noble Eightfold Path. There are also 173 smaller chedis, including scaled-down replicas of the main chedi standing in four corners of the square-shaped complex. The 78-metre-high central chedi is also the spiritual heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Local beliefs Phar At “พระแอด” is a glittering golden Buddha image, full body shape, complete with no smile that has attracted the attention of people in the popular area. Help aspire to heal from ovarian pain, especially aches, abdominal pain, back pain. Another supernatural apparition is the “beg the child” which is believed to have compassion for those who have difficult children. The success on request was measured by a large glass cabinet located in the Phra At Temple. Which is packed with pictures of cute baby boys and girls by children's photos these are the pictures that the parents brought after asking the children from Phra At and the son of the woman who fulfilled his wishes.
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" HAE PHA KHUEN THAT " Special activity Hae Pha Khuen That (แห่ ผ้า ขึน ธาตุ) is the annual temple festival held on the occasion of Magha Puja, which is celebrated on the full moon day in February. The celebrations are marked by a procession with a robe, known as Phra Bot, joined in a single piece to wrap around the bell shaped body of the main stupa and chedi. Traditionally white robes painted with scenes from the life of Buddha are used, but sometimes plain white, red, or yellow robes are also used. The festival is believed to have started in 1230 when the main stupa was completed.
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CONTACT Address: 435 Ratchadamnoen Rd, Nai Mueang, Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat District, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000
Phone: 075 - 343411
Time: 10A.M. - 5P.M.
Wat That Noi
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Wat That Noi Chang Klang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat
History Wat That Noi (วัดธาตุน้อย), which housed a big reclining Buddha statue (Phra Non) but more importantly, the mortal remains of Phor Tan Klai, a famous monk from a decade ago (1876-1970). This used to be the temple where he lived. Started by the love of Phor Than Klai (Provost Phisit Atthakan), a monk who has been worshiped. Phor Than Klai trusted the sacred words. He always blesses everyone. It is known as the God of Meung Khon, which people believe in, and will make people pour in. The people came to worship each other even more.
Page 16 Architecture The remains are Phor Than Klai's bones only. It's on the top part of the chedi and may people visit. It's a big temple and you can wander around a bit, there's plenty to see and everywhere are small buildings, pavilions or even entries in the main chedi where you can find more statues of either Phor Than Klai or other deities. Above is a big statue of Phor Than Klai's head with two 'Saam Ma Nen', the small statues had boxes in their hands and when you put some money inside, a tape played, praying for you. Inside the shrine you can find the skeletal Bodhisattva, the 5 ascetics, Phra Indra playing the lute (to remind the Bodhisattva of the Middle Way) as well as the lady Sujata (on the right, unfortunately not on the picture) who offered milk rice to him before his final struggle towards Enlightenment.
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" Por Than Klai " " Golden Mouth Master " Local beliefs Phor Than Klai was named the “Golden Mouth Master” because he kept a vow of silence for many years. He didn't want to speak because whatever he said came true, and he felt sad for the bad things that happened if he predicted them. Although he did not speak, followers found ways to get around his vow, they got him to nod or shake his head in response to their queries on various matters.
Special activity “Hae Pha Khuen That Noi Bhucha Phor Than Klai” (แห่ผา้ ห่ม ธาตุนอ ้ ยบูชาพระคุณพ่อท่านคล้าย) In that procession consisting of grandeur, beauty of Tari Kipas, Manohra, Marching Band with the villagers following the procession raising the yellow robes (yellow robes of Buddha) raised above the head many kilometers with faith and determination.
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CONTACT Address: Lak Chang, Chang Klang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80250
Phone: 075 - 486576
Time: 8A.M. - 6P.M.
Wat Chedi Ai Khai
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Wat Chedi Ai Khai Chalong Sichon Nakhon Si Thammarat
History Luang Phu Thuad, the famous teacher in the southern area had traveled back from Krung Si Ayutthaya and stayed overnight in this area. Ai Khai was about 9-10 years old. He was the disciple that pursued Luang Phu Thuad. When Luang Phu Thuad arrived at this place, he had found many treasures. The religious place was an important place. He had asked Ai Khai to dwell here to watch over these treasures and the place. The name of the village was later changed to “Moo Ban Pho Sadet” until the present. Wat Chedi used to be an abandoned temple for more than 1,000 years. It was renovated in the year 1957. The area of Ubosot used to be an abandoned Chedi where villagers would not dare to enter.
Architecture Ai Khai Wat Chedi is a wood carving in the shape of a child aged about 9-10 years old, wearing camouflage clothes and black glasses with the age of more than a thousand years.
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" Ai Khai "
thairath.co.th Local beliefs According to the tale, it had emphasized that the word “Satha” was very important that was ever experienced and seen. When making any vows, bring that thing to fulfill the vow according to the statement of “Kho Dai Wai Rup”.
Special activity “Pid Thong Fạng Luk Nimit” (ปดทองฝงลูกนิมต ิ ) in general, a total of 9 Luk Nimits had been buried in various directions. Around the chapel in all 8 directions, 1 ball in each direction and buried in the middle of the chapel, another 1 ball is the main ball. The Luk Nimits that were buried in these directions were compared to the Lord Buddha. And the great saint which was known as the person who knew the night for a long time, that is, a lot of knowledge through the world.
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CONTACT Address: Chalong Sichon Nakhon Si Thammarat 80120
Phone: 075 - 845142
Time: 8A.M. - 5P.M.
Website: http://www.chalong.go.th/index.php
nakhonsidee.com
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SURAT THANI
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Gettng To Know
Flower of province : Rafflesia arnoldii
rd.go.th
Surat Thani is a province in the upper southern region. Has the largest area in the south and is the 6th place in Thailand and the 59th most densely populated country in the country, considered as one province with a long history. There is evidence of both history and archeology and there are also many tourist attractions and national parks. There are adjacent provinces such as Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phang Nga and Ranong.
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Surat Thani
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Wat Pattanaram
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Wat Pattanaram Mueang District Surat Thani History According to the tale, it had emphasized that the word “Satha” was very important that was ever experienced and Wat Pattanaram (วัดพัฒนาราม) — just 500 meters away from the site of the night market. Wat Pattanaram was declared such a protected historical site by the Fine Arts Department (Gazette). Wat Pattanaram or Wat Mai has interesting history. The name of the temple had always been “Wat Mai” during the time of Luang Phor Pat, it was changed to Wat Pattanaram later to commemorate the patron of the temple. Pay homage to the body of Luang Phor Pat Narto which has not been decomposed; he died in a meditative position and his corpse looks similar to a dried rock.
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Wat Pattanaram was built in 1896 by Luang Phor Phat, who was truly knowledgeable for incantation. He was born in March 1862 during the reign of King Rama IV. He was ordained when he was 25 years old at Wat Pra Yok. While he was staying at Wat Pra Yok, he intended to practice the Dharma several times until enlightenment. Later , he pioneered the building of this temple as he was a young man. It was well known that he could build the temple. So, people in that time called this temple “Wat Mai”. It means the new temple. The name was changed after he passed away to commemorate him who built this temple in the name of “Wat Pattanaram”.
Architecture A Phra Ubosot or short Bot is a building in a Buddhist temple. It is the holiest prayer room, also called the “ordination hall” as it is where ordinations take place. An ubosot stands within a boundary formed by Sema stones which separate the sacred from the profane. The Sema stones actually stand above and mark the Luk Nimit. It is a stone sphere buried at the cardinal points of the compass denoting the sacred area. Ubosot typically house Buddha images. Across from the entrance door at the end of the interior is the Ubosot's largest Buddha statue.
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" Luang Phor Phat "
Local beliefs Wat Pattanaram or local people called it Wat Mai or Wat Luang Phor Phat. It is one of the temples located close to the city center. This temple is known as a center of faith. Every day, many people visit here for worship and blessing “Luang Phor Phat”. Luang Phor Phat passed away on July 11th, 1942 in the meditative position. His body didn’t decay although for a long time. Thereafter, the incorruptible body was hard as stone as was kept in a pavilion built at the time he was alive.
Special activity “Raise elephants to gamble” (ยกช้าง เสียงทาย) Raising an elephant to pray is a risk to success. Which has the following methods: First, kneeling close to the elephant and always at the front of the elephant on the right side Intend to firmly remember the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha (พระพุ ทธ พระธรรม พระสงฆ์) with a man lifting it with a little finger Woman lifting with middle finger.
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CONTACT Address: 87/1 Na-Mueang Rd.Talad Sub-District Mueang District Surat Thani Province 84000
Phone: 077 - 214845
Time: 8A.M. - 6P.M.
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratcha Worawihan
Page 39 Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratcha Worawihan Wiang Chaiya Surat Thani
History Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratcha Worawihan is the place containing the relics of the Lord Buddha considered to be an important place of worship of Surat Thani Province and is one third of sacred ancient sacred sites of the southern region includes the Phra Mahathat Chedi, Nakhon Sri Thammarat and the reclining Buddha image at Khuha Phimuk Cave, Yala Province. This pagoda is a symbol in the provincial emblem and also a symbol in the pennant and scout scarf as well Which is considered that if anyone goes to Surat Thani If not going to worship the Buddha's relics then It's like not reaching Surat Thani Province.
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180 Buddha Statue Architecture Chedi Phra Borommathat Chaiya is the only Sriwichai architecture in the best condition. It is assumed that it was built around the 13th-14th century. There is no history of the creation and the creator. Understand that building in period, Srivijaya period is the most prosperous. Crooked balcony or chapel is a terrace surrounded by the relics in a square-shaped plan, 38 meters wide, 4 meters high, within the enshrined 180 different Buddha images, including a total of 180 people. Most have been revered. The red sandstone Buddha statue Ayutthaya art, Chaiya artisan remained in the same condition. Inside the crooked terrace is also the enshrined 4-way Chedi of the royal bell tower and the Chaya Phiwat statue. Who presided over the restoration of the Prasit Sangkhan Chedi at the reign of King Rama V.
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Local beliefs Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratcha Worawihan is not the history of the creator. The villagers understand that it was built while the town of Chaiya during the Srivijaya period was the most prosperous. This pagoda is a symbol in the provincial emblem. And is also a symbol in the pennant and scout scarf as well Which is considered that if anyone goes to Surat Thani If not going to worship the Buddha's relics then It's like not reaching Surat Thani Province.
Special activity The interesting things of Wat Phra Borom That Chaiya that people have to go to worship for self-blessing are Phra Viharnhod (พระวิหารคด), Phra Viharn Luang (พระวิหารหลวง), 3 red sandstone Buddha statues, Viharn Luang Pho To, Statue of Chaya Phiwat and Buddhist temple.
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CONTACT Address: Wiang Chaiya Surat Thani 84110
Phone: 077 - 431090, 077 - 431402
Time:
8A.M. - 4P.M.
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KRABI
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Gettng To Know Krabi is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. There are many tourist attractions such as white sand beaches, clear water, coral reefs, caves and more than 100 islands.
Flower of province : Alstonia Macrophylla
dnp.go.th krabiall.com
Krabi
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Wat Mahathat Watchira mongkhon
Wat Mahathat Watchiramongkhon or Wat Bang Thong Ao Luk District, Krabi
History
Wat Bang Thong is a new temple in Ao Luek, Krabi, and a few kilometers from Phang Nga called Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol under development. Wat Bang Thong was funded almost entirely by donations from locals who wanted to have a beautiful temple of art in their backyard. There were also donations from Bangkok which helped construction but the vast majority came for locals. The total cost was estimated at around 100 million THB.
Architecture This Putthakaya-style temple is said to be one of the highest golden pagodas in Thailand. The temple is located inside a walled rectangular-shaped area of 12.750 m2 with entrances on each side and golden Buddha statues all the way around. Wat Bang Thong is no exception. Standing at an impressive 70 meters in height it’s central tower can see for hundreds of meters in all directions. It’s a testament to the reverence and devotion humans have to build stunning works of art in the name of a belief. The inside offers stunning artwork with a Buddha statue sitting in the center with the animals of the Thai lunar calendar decorated around. Wat Bang Thong resembles a Putthakaya style temple; some similarities can be drawn between these styles and also of the Aztecs of Mexico. Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol Wat Bang Thong is a famous temple in Krabi Province, Thailand. It is a beautiful Buddhist temple. And a lot of Visitors come to visit the temple.
Local beliefs Wat Bang Thong traveled to an important point in 2002 when people and agencies from various sectors in Krabi province together, create “Project to build a Buddhist temple and Phra Mahathat Chedi In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Maha Vajiralongkorn” at this temple with the objective of commemorating the King.
Special activity Phra Mahathat Chedi Wat Mahathat Wachira Mongkhon, this pagoda is golden with a height of 95 meters, is the tallest pagoda in the south. The people can admire the beauty of Thai craftsmanship that has elaborately patterned. While inside the Maha That Chedi, there will be a large Buddha image in the center, prominent and elegant. This is believed by both villagers and tourists.
CONTACT Address: Wat Bang Thong, Na Nuea, Ao Luk District, Krabi, 81180, Thailand
Phone: 093 - 6476063
Time: 8A.M. - 6P.M.
Wat Tham Sua
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Wat Tham Sua Mueang Krabi District, Krabi
History Krabi Tiger Cave offers a genuine spiritual experience in stunning natural surroundings. Tiger Cave Temple or Wat Tham Sua sits 5 km northeast from Krabi Town center. It is one of Thailand’s finest natural wonders, and it's definitely worth a visit. The temple here is a warren of natural limestone caves formed inside at the foot of an impressive cliff. There are beautiful icons in the main temple cave, but the real attraction here is the ‘footprint of the Buddha’.
Architecture To get to this historic site you need to hike 1,237 steps up the limestone tower. Krabi Tiger Cave offers you a challenging climb, especially in the Thai climate. Those who make it to the top are compensated with panoramic 360 degree views. The panorama encompasses the Andaman Sea, dramatic limestone cliff formations, and verdant rainforests. You'll also discover ‘the Buddha’s footprint’ that lies on the terrace. The vistas are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset. It's also the best time to climb up and avoid the heat. Thereafter, take one of the two staircases up to the top. The one which is located close to the Chinese fertility goddess statue is slightly easier. Either way the climb is strenuous and should not be taken lightly. The steps are uneven and steep jutting up the mountain. You should allow up to one hour making the climb, enjoying the rest stops and vantage points on the way up.
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Local beliefs Arriving at Krabi Tiger Cave, spend some time exploring the lower levels before taking the challenging climb up. Legend has it that a tiger once made the main cave his home. This gave the temple its name, Wat (temple) Tham (cave) Sua (tiger). There are still tiger footprints on the floor of the lower temple. You might want to purchase some bananas by the entrance to feed the many monkey occupants. Just remember that they can bite and scratches so don’t get too close.
Special activity Phra That Chedi, big bells on the hill total number of steps 1,237 steps walking up the path, you will find a beautiful view of Krabi and top viewpoint can see 360 degrees view.
CONTACT Address: Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000
Phone: 084 - 0684664
Time: 8A.M. - 5P.M.
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PHUKET
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Gettng To Know
Flower of province : Bougainvillea
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Phuket is the one of the southern provinces of Thailand and is the largest island in Thailand. The travelling to Phuket aside from boat and can be reached by car, which has only one route though Phang Nga province by crossing the Sarasin Bridge and the Double Bridge.
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Phuket
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Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket History Wat Chalong is a historical landmark and Buddhist temple in Phuket's Chalong Bay. For centuries, locals come to pray almost every day while westerners learn about Buddhism during their holiday. While it's officially called Wat Chaitararam, most people refer to it by Wat Chalong. The temple is located on Chao Fa West Road in the northern part of Chalong Road. Many locals claim that the temple often experiences many miracles. It's also known for its pivotal and healing role in the fighting between Chinese secret societies (Angyee) in 1876.
Architectures One of the Wat Chalong's halls displays a gilt-covered statue of Luang Phor Cham. It also contains the statues of Luang Phor Chuang and Luang Phor Gleum, who were the temple's ex-abbots. You can find an air-conditioned exhibition hall of Luang Phor Cham. It displays life-like wax models of Luang Phor Cham, Luang Phor Chuang, Luang Phor Gleum, and Luang Pu Thuad, along with antique Thai furniture and Benjarong porcelain.
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The grand pagoda dominating Wat Chalong contains a splinter of Lord Buddha's bone. Take your time exploring the pagoda, which has intricate wall paintings depicting Buddha's life story and various images.
" Luang Poh Cham "
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Local beliefs Worship Luang Phor Cham commonly known which has matters including holiness. The story about his staff that pokes a mole or birthmark will cause it to fade by itself. In addition, Luang Phor Cham is a very respected of the villager. In which he is a famous for herbal remedies and treatment of diseases, although today he will pass away but there are still people who are suffering and people go to pay respect.
Special activity The interesting things of Wat Chalong that people have to go to worship for self-blessing are Worship Luang Phor Cham, Phra Maha Chedi Phra Chom Thai, Than Jao Wat and Buddha amulet, Luang Phor Than.
CONTACT Address: 70 M. 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Time: 8AM–5PM
Phone: 076 - 381226
Wat Phra Nang Sang
Wat Phra Nang Sang Thep Krasatti, Thalang District, Phuket
History Wat Phra Nang Sang was built more than 500 years ago and therefore is the oldest Thai temple in Phuket. This unusual temple was built when Cherngtalay in Thalang was the main city of Phuket Island. Wat Phra Nang Sang is a bit quirky and seems to be permanently under construction. The compound was once used as a Burmese military camp in 1785. The ubosot is where the three oldest and biggest tin Buddha images are enshrined. They are called the Three Kings and are positioned in between three other large statues.
Page 74 Architecture Each of the many buildings is decorated with a multitude of intricate ornaments, and then surrounded by a multitude of statues of diverse origins, often not in the same style or not with a big picture in mind. The front area of the temple, very visible from the road as your drive to Phuket Airport, appears to be half under construction and half abandoned. Next to an immense and severe dark statue stands a tall unfinished concrete pagoda surrounded but derelict buffaloes forever pulling broken carriages. Everything was designed with mixed Chinese and Thai. The grounds consist of several main building. The central one is more classic in style but of course extremely ornamented with gold and red main colors and a lot of paintings inside featuring Lord Buddha’s life and other significant historical events.
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" Phra Nang Lewd Khao " Local beliefs This historic temple involves a legend of Phra Nang Lewd Khao (a lady with white blood). The legend was told that there was a wife of a cities ruler who was a devoted Buddhist. She was calumniated she had an affair with another guy. Before getting punished, she asked to travel to Lanka to pray towards the Buddhas relics. On her way back she stopped at Thalang (Phukets former name) and built this temple. She later traveled back home and received a death sentence. But as she was innocent, it’s shown that her blood became white. The temple was later named Wat Phra Nang Sang (A temple built by the lady) and has later become a sacred temple among locals. Enshrined inside the old chapel are the worlds three oldest and largest Buddha statues made of tin.
CONTACT Address: 330 Nam Tok Tone Sai Rd. Thep Krasatti, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Phone: 076 - 311084
Time: 7A.M. - 6P.M.
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9 AMAZING TEMPLES IN SOUTHERN THAILAND
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