Wat Chalong,Phuket | Thailand

Wat Chalong, built at the beginning on 19th century,  is the largest and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. Its real name is Wat Chaitararam, but you probably won't hear it or see it on any road signs. It's not my favourite temple to photograph, but it is almost a must to visit.

The most recent building on the grounds of Wat Chalong is a 60 meters tall 'Chedi' sheltering a splinter of bone from Buddha. Walls and ceilings are decorated with beautiful painting illustrating the life of Buddha, as well as many donated golden statues.
the central temple is where most Thai people will make merit by offering lotus flowers and adding a small piece of gold paper to the monks statues inside. No need to tell you to remove your shoes, you already know that and the sea of shoes in front of the temple will remind you anyway.  In theory you should wear long pants and no sleeveless shirts but this requirement seems to belong to a past era.

you will hear loud explosions of firecrackers coming form a brick oven-like construction. That's another way to make merit, it is supposed to show your gratitude when one of your wishes has been granted. One person stands by to lit the firecrackers for you.
On the side of the temple a dozen of small shops are selling all kinds of souvenirs and tourist.

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