Wat Khao Rang in Phuket

Wat Khao Rang highlights

Built many years ago, the beautiful golden sitting Buddha image at Wat Khao Rang is a spiritual centre for many worshippers on the island. Not only does it look amazing, but it was also the first big Buddha image Phuket ever had until the giant Buddha in the Nakkerd Hills was built between Chalong and Kata.

The atmosphere of the temple is very peaceful and not at all touristy. 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 mornings before 11am. 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.

What not to miss at Wat Khao Rang

What made this temple famous is not only its interesting religious images but its late founder, Luang Pu Supha (locals sometimes refer to Wat Khao Rang as Wat Lung Pu Supa). Born more than a century ago in a rural area of Issan, he was also known as ‘The Living Monk’ as he lived through the reigns of 5 Thai Kings of the Chakri Dynasty, from King Rama V to King Rama IX. He began his monkhood at the age of 9 and was ordained as first a samanen (apprentice) and later a monk.

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 help people. He chose Phuket as his final home probably because of his age and health. After spending many years at Wat Khao Rang, he moved in permanently at Wat Silsuparam (also known as Wat Mai Luang Pu Supha) in Chalong until his passing in 2013.

Good to know about Luang Pu Supha

During his pilgrimage, Luang Pu Supha went everywhere mainly by foot, including through deep jungles. He travelled to nearby countries such as Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore as well as India and China. 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. 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.

To get to Wat Khao Rang from Phuket Town, take the Soi Vachira road, which leads from the Vachira Hospital. The temple is a few hundred metres up on the right.