Wat Khao Rang has the first golden sitting Buddha in Phuket and was founded by the famous monk Luang Pu Supha. Monk Luang Pu Supha born more than 100 years ago in a rural area of Issan, he is also known as ‘The Living Monk’ as he has lived through the reigns of five Thai Kings of the Chakri Dynasty, from King Rama V to the current King, King Rama IX.
Since then, the temple has been expanding and naga snakes and a Yaksha statue have been added next to the Buddha statue. It even has traditional Thai carvings on the roofs and doors and images of the highly respected monks who dwelt and lived in the temple a long time ago.
Wat Khao Rang is a magnificent looking temple. Its biggest attraction is a golden sitting Buddha. It is far away from the crowd and not a major tourist destination. So, you would find it empty most of the time. The thing that makes this temple stand out is that it’s on a hillside and the staircase leading up to it is well designed with idols. It is a sight to behold.
Wat Khao Rang grounds are divided into two areas. The original and complicated building is supporting the sitting Buddha on its roof, with its back against the green hillside, and the new temple next to it. This new building stands at the top of long stairs decorated with the usual green Naga snakes, quieter but with some good views of another temple across town.
Other attractions include the Thai art forms from myths, like the statue of Yomammaraj (the Lord of Death). There is also a building adjacent to the golden Buddha, within which you can view a set of stunning Thai art paintings. Once you climb up about 100 steps, you can see beautiful views of the town.
Despite being considered significant, many travelers never visit Wat Kao Rang because the road leading to it is not so easy to locate. You have to try hard to deserve it. It may not be as grand as the Big Buddha in Chalong, but it has a discreet charm and is not a popular tourist attraction. Locals usually visit in the mornings or on weekends to donate fresh food or give alms to the monks. This makes for your visit to the temple a more peaceful and serene experience.
Tips to the Travelers :
1) It is a charming temple, worth visiting when you are exploring Khao Rang Hill, on your way to Khao Rang view point.
2) Try to Avoid weekends as this charming temple is busy on weekends when locals pay a visit.
3) Cover your shoulders and legs up to your knees and carry a sarong. The temple employees do provide free coverups, just in case you don’t have one.
4) It’s recommended to take a car or a bike to the temple. Walking can be tiring. You need to have some transport to drive you back from the temple, else it becomes difficult to find a vehicle at the temple.
If you liked this article and video, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channels (Am2PmFood & Am2PmTravel) for more interesting videos. You can also find us on Instagram (Gourmets Travel Guide), Twitter (Gourmets Travel Guide) and Facebook (Gourmets Travel Guide).
Leave a Reply