On the last day of my stay in Phuket, I didn’t feel like going far, so I opened an online map to check out attractions near my hotel and came across the Suwan Khiri Khet temple complex. It was about a 45-minute walk from my hotel, and I decided to take the stroll to get some photos of the temple.
Walking Through Suwan Khiri Khet Temple
The temple complex is located closer to the central part of Karon Beach. Some sources even refer to it as the Karon Temple. I couldn’t find an official website with information about its history, but local sites say the complex was built in 1895.
Right at the entrance, I saw some temporary structures that looked like market stalls. According to traveler reviews, this is because a night market is set up here on Tuesday and Friday evenings. At the market, you can buy fruit, vegetables, seafood, Thai food, and traditional medicine.
There are several interesting buildings on the grounds. The first structure near the southern gate is the main Suwan Khiri Khet temple. Two serpent-like statues stand near its entrance. A bit further on, there’s another building that I was able to enter — inside a small hall were several sculptures.
I also came across some unusual objects on the grounds. Those more familiar with Buddhist temples probably know what they’re for, but I honestly had no idea. For example, across from one of the buildings was a structure with text in both Thai and Russian labeled “heavenly cloth,” with a rope stretched from it to the roof of a building. Nearby were a few safes containing sculptures and inscriptions about amulets for people born on different days — I wasn’t sure what you’re supposed to do there either.
How to Get There
The temple is located about 600 meters from the Karon Beach shoreline. If you’re staying in the area, you can walk to the temple. On Google Maps, the complex is marked as Wat Karon. There are also a few nearby bus stops, and you can reach the temple by taxi. I used the Bolt app for getting around the island.
Entrance to the temple grounds is free. I visited on a Thursday around 3 p.m. — the main building was closed, but other travelers have written that they were able to go inside.
With this article, I wrap up my series of stories about my trip to Phuket. If you're interested in the island’s sights and attractions, in my previous posts I’ve shared about visiting James Bond Island, Mai Khao Beach, Wat Chalong, and the hike to the Big Buddha statue.
Have a nice trip!
