Temples are much larger than shrines, with many structures in one compound. Monks and nuns usually live in temples, but not in or around shrines. This month we will take you to Phuket's most famous Buddhist temple.

Wat Chalong: The wat you must visit

Built during the reign of King Rama II

There is a saying among Thai tourists that if you are visiting Phuket but have not yet set foot in Wat Chalong, then you have not really arrived on the island.

No one knows exactly when the Wat Chalong was first established, though many people believe the original was built during the reign of King Rama II (1809-1842). It was later relocated and since then has been renovated and augmented a number of times.

The most recent major addition to the wat was the construction of a special chedi, 61.39 meters high and costing 66 million baht, to house a fragment of bone from the Lord Buddha.

This fragment, the Phra Borom Sareerikatat to use the correct term, was brought from Sri Lanka in 1999. It was installed in the chedi in September 2002 in a consecration ceremony presided over by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, representing HM the King.

Turbulent times

From the new Chedi

In 1876, during the reign of King Rama V, Chalong came under threat from the Ang-Yee Rebellion - a large mob of rioting immigrant Chinese tin-mine workers that had been rampaging across the island.

Local people were terrified. They did not know where to turn. Should they stay and fight? Should they run away?

They finally went to Luang Pho Chaem (1827-1908), Abbot of Wat Chalong. The highly revered monk told them simply, "I have been here a long time, and I am staying." Hearing this, the people decided to stay and fight off the Ang-Yee. This they succeeded in doing and later, with the help of soldiers rushed from Bangkok, the rebellion was put down.

Familiar scene at the Wat

To show appreciation, the King bestowed upon Luang Po Chaem the title of Phra Kru Wisit Wongsacharn. These days, almost everyone in Thailand is familiar with the name of this remarkable monk.

A statue of Luang Pho Chaem, alongside one of Luang Pho Chuang (1875-1945) can be seen in the wat's main hall. Many Buddhist Thais go there to stick gold leaf to these images as a part of paying respect to the two famed abbots.

Loudly showing gratitude

Inside the Chedi

When you visit Wat Chalong, you may be startled by the sound of firecrackers. You will see people hanging strings of Chinese firecrackers in beehive-shaped "ovens" near the wat's sermon hall, then igniting them. Although this is unusual in other wats around Thailand, it is a common occurrence in Wat Chalong.

People do this to show gratitude for prayers that have been answered. For example, if a woman is having trouble conceiving a child, she may request help from Luang Pho Chaem. If she subsequently becomes pregnant, she will light firecrackers to show her gratitude.

Or perhaps a man suffering from a debilitating illness may go to the wat to pray for a return to good health. When he recovers, he will give thanks by lighting firecrackers.

Right action

Wishing for good luck

Wats in general are sacred places for local people, so it is wise for the visitor to watch and emulate the way Thais behave inside temples.

For example, you will see that people are careful not to stand over, or otherwise position themselves higher than any Buddha images except when pasting gold leaf to them - which in any case happens only in some wats, not in most.

Even through Thailand can sometimes be very warm, it is inappropriate to go into a wat - a place of worship - wearing clothes that reveal one's shoulders, chest, belly or legs.

Do not wear your most expensive shoes

You will be asked to take your shoes off when entering some of the buildings, including the sermon hall and the chedi. It's best not to wear your most expensive shoes when visiting wats in case someone else mistaken walks away with them - literally! If that happens, and they are not your favorite shoes, then you won't be too upset.

How to get to Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is about 8 km south of Phuket City. Travel along Chao Fah Nok Rd (Chao Fa West Rd) from the Central Festival mall, and you will see the temple on the left side of the road. If you are coming from Chalong Circle, take the same road heading towards town, and you will see the temple on your right.