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Cultural & Landmark Sites

Wat Phra Thong

Famous half-buried Buddha and historic temple near the airport.

Drive: 15 min About 10 km from HKT
From HKTAbout 15 min
AreaThalang
Time needed30–45 min
Dress codeShoulders & knees covered

About Wat Phra Thong

Wat Phra Thong is one of Phuket's oldest and most-loved temples, in Thalang district just south of the airport. It is famous for its golden Buddha image that rises out of the ground only from the chest up.

Local legend says the statue was found by a boy who tied his buffalo to it, and that every attempt to dig it out failed – so a temple was built around it instead. It makes an easy first or last stop on a rental, as it is only a short drive from the terminal.

Getting there by car

Leave the airport on the airport road and turn south onto Route 402 (Thepkasattri Road). Continue towards Thalang; the temple is signposted on the right-hand side, a short way off the main road.

Highlights

The half-buried golden BuddhaThe temple's centrepiece – only the head and shoulders rise above the floor.
Small temple museumOld household objects, Buddha images and local history from the Thalang area.
Chinese-style shrineShows how Thai and Chinese traditions mix in Phuket.

Parking

Where to leave the carThere is free parking in the temple grounds. Park in the marked area and keep the main gate clear.

Tips before you go

Tip

Dress respectfully

Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off where signs ask.

Tip

Good for flight days

Close enough to the airport to visit before you return the car.

Tip

Go early

Mornings are cooler and quieter than the middle of the day.

Opening hours, entry fees and boat schedules change – please check with the site or your operator before you go.

Questions about visiting Wat Phra Thong

About 15 min (10 km) in light traffic. Leave the airport on the airport road and turn south onto Route 402 (Thepkasattri Road). Continue towards Thalang; the temple is signposted on the right-hand side, a short way off the main road.

There is free parking in the temple grounds. Park in the marked area and keep the main gate clear.

Dress respectfully: Cover shoulders and knees and take your shoes off where signs ask.

The main highlights: The half-buried golden Buddha, Small temple museum and Chinese-style shrine. See the highlights above for details.

Time needed: 30–45 min. Add the drive from Phuket Airport – 15 min each way in light traffic.

Other places in the same area include Heroines Monument, Nai Yang Beach, Mai Khao Beach – easy to combine on a road trip with your rental car.

Yes – with your own car you can arrive early before the crowds, stay as long as you like and combine it with nearby sights, instead of fitting in with a tour schedule. Go early: Mornings are cooler and quieter than the middle of the day.

Nearby

Combine it with

All places to visit
Heroines Monument20 min Important Phuket landmark commemorating two local heroines. How to get there
Nai Yang Beach10 min Relaxed beach close to the airport, ideal for a quick stop. How to get there
Mai Khao Beach10 min Long, quiet beach famous for views of aircraft landing nearby. How to get there

Explore Wat Phra Thong at your own pace

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