Wat Khao Rang in Phuket

Wat Khao Rang Highlights

Built many years ago, the beautiful golden sitting Buddha image is a spiritual centre for many worshippers on the island. It not only looks amazing, it was also the first big Buddha image Phuket ever had until the giant Buddha was built in the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata.

The atmosphere of the temple is very peaceful and it is not at all a busy touristic place. It’s common to see different generations of families come to ‘make merit’ by donating fresh food as well as alms to monks, usually in the morning before 11:00. This is one of the most beautiful images to see in Thailand.

Don’t miss a chance to walk around the temple to see some of the incredible Thai art forms including a statue of Yommaraj (the Lord of Death) and giants in Thai myths as well as traditional carving on the temple’s doors and roofs. Sitting in a row are the images of monks who were highly respected, and who passed away years ago. They are among the top attractions of this temple.

What Not to Miss at Wat Khao Rang

What made this temple famous is not only its interesting religious images but its founder Lung Pu Supa (locals sometime refer Wat Khao Rang as Wat Lung Pu Supa). 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. He began his monkhood at the age of nine and was ordained as first a samanen (apprentice) and later a monk and has never left it since.

In his younger years Luang Pu Supha never settled anywhere for long, and was always on the move to meditate and study Dharma as well as helping people. He chose Phuket as his final home probably because of his age and health. After spending many years at Wat Khao Rang, he now lives permanently in Wat Silsuparam (aka Wat Mai Luang Pu Supha) in Chalong.

Good to know about Luang Pu Supha

During his pilgrimage, Luang Pu Supha went everywhere mainly by foot, including deep jungles. He travelled to nearby countries such as Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore as well as India and China. Many decades ago, he was among a select few Thai monks who made it to France and Eastern Europe which was quite unusual at that time.

He is popular for his public works, knowledge as well as his humble demeanour. His works included building bridges for poor villages and hospitals for monks. Over the years, he built or helped renovate more than 30 monasteries around the country including Koh Sirey Temple in Phuket. Wat Khao Rang’s amulets featuring his image are very popular among collectors.

Wat Khao Rang Location Map

Opening Hours: Daily from about 08:00 – late afternoon.
Location: Khao Rang Hill, Phuket Town. Take the road Soi Vachira, leading from the Vachira Hospital, the temple is a few hundred metres up on the right.