Wats — or Buddhist temples — are important symbols of Thailand, not only because the majority of Thais are Buddhist but also because of their elegant architecture and historical significance.

Phuket boasts 29 Buddhist temples including the popular Wat Chalong, welcoming visitors for more than a century. In the west old hall stands the statue of Poh Than Jao Wat, one of the more important Buddhist icons in the temple. It shares the hall with the statue of an elderly gentleman called Ta Khee-lek (grandpa Khee-lek), a famous local who won many lotteries after consulting the Poh Than Jao Wat statue. The Grand Pagoda, home to a sacred bone splinter of Lord Buddha, dominates the temple grounds. The pagoda houses wall paintings depicting Buddha’s life story and various Buddha statues. Plan on spending at least an hour exploring the pagoda. The temple is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.