Wat Khao Rang (Kao Rang Temple)

But is the giant Buddha not supposed to be much bigger and made of white marble? True, this one is the golden Buddha of Phuket Town, one of the first sitting Buddha in Phuket, built long ago on the hillside of the famous Khao Rang Hill.



Despite being considered significant (at the time), many travellers never visit this charming temple because the road to access it is not so easy to locate. You have to try hard to deserve it. It may not be as grand as the Big Buddha in Chalong, but it has a discreet charm and is not a tourist attraction. Mostly locals go there to do merit and pray on weekends.



Wat Khao Rang grounds are divided into two areas. The original and complicated building is supporting the sitting Buddha on its roof, with its back against the green hillside, and the new temple next to it. This new building stands at the top of long stairs decorated with the usual green Naga snakes, quieter but with some good view on another temple across town.



It is a simple but charming little temple, worth visiting when you are exploring Khao Rang Hill, on your way to Tung Ka Cafe or Khaorang Breeze Restaurant. And if you like giant golden Buddhas, you might want to read about the reclining Buddha of Wat Sri Soonthorn, on the way to the airport.



Wat Khao Rang is on the small Soi Wachira, just past the easy to find Vachira Hospital on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town (turn right at the traffic lights just past the hospital).