About Wat Chalong
Between Phuket Town and Chalong, about 8 km from the old center, Wat Chalong is dedicated to Luang Pho Chaem, abbot from 1850, who sheltered refugees during the 1876 rebellion and the following year was named ecclesiastical head of Phuket by King Rama V. The monk's wax statue, in the prayer hall, is covered in the gold leaf that worshippers press onto it.
The 60-meter, three-story golden chedi was completed in 2002 and holds at its top a fragment of a Buddha bone, a gift from Sri Lanka to King Rama IX in 1999. If you hear loud bangs, don't be alarmed: in a brick kiln on the grounds, locals set off firecrackers to give thanks when a wish has been granted.
