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Wat Sri Sunthon
Temples & Culture
Phuket

Wat Sri Sunthon

4.5(316 reviews)

Tucked behind the main road on Thep Krasattri Road in the Si Sunthon area of Thalang district, this Buddhist temple offers a genuinely local experience away from Phuket's more heavily visited religious sites. Its most distinctive feature is a large golden reclining Buddha positioned on top of the main building, accessible via stairs at the rear of the structure. The temple grounds also include a beautifully decorated adjacent building, and the overall site reflects the ornate craftsmanship characteristic of Thai Buddhist architecture. The atmosphere here is calm and unhurried, with few tourists and a pace that feels authentic to everyday Thai spiritual life. Visitors have noted the colourful detailing of the temple buildings and the sense of quiet that makes it a welcome contrast to busier parts of the island. Those with an interest in Buddhist symbolism may also appreciate that the temple is associated with the Tuesday Buddha, one of seven Buddha postures traditionally linked to the days of the week. Good to know: Entry and parking are both free. To reach the reclining Buddha, take the stairs from the back or right side of the main building. Some areas of the temple may be closed depending on the time of visit, so exploring the accessible grounds is still worthwhile. As with all Thai temples, modest dress is required — shoulders and knees should be covered. No official opening hours are listed, so visiting during daylight hours is recommended. The temple is accessible by scooter or taxi from central Phuket.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Wat Sri Sunthon, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

Temple of the Tuesday Buddha. Just recently learned that the seven Buddha’s postures and gestures have a corresponding connection to the day of the week and as someone born on a Tuesday, I was thrilled to find a temple near our home that corresponds to my day of birth. The reclining Buddha or otherwise known as the Tuesday Buddha is the main highlight of Wat Sri Sunthon, a temple quietly tucked right by one of the busiest main thoroughfares of Phuket plied by vehicles going to the airport or leaving the island through Sarasin Bridge. Most locals zoom past through this area that not many even know of its existence. But when you manage to take a chance and explore its surroundings, the reclining Buddha’s presence as it serenely rests with the sky as its backdrop is quite rewarding. Colourful statues and Thai iconographies also dot the area, making it an interesting stop on your way to catch your flight or simply as a visit on its own.

Small but beautiful, colorful temple on the main road but hidden in the back. You can quickly visit, a large, golden reclining Buddha is on the roof, the stairs are from the back of the building. Free entry, there is a parking lot in front of the temple.

Quiet place, few people. Parking is free. To the reclining Buddha, you can climb the stairs on the right side of the temple. The children were delighted with the statue of the reclining Buddha. We did not enter the temple itself, we walked around.

Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

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Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December – January

Getting there

Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around

  • Grab (widely available)
  • Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
  • Motorbike rental
  • Airport bus to Phuket Town
  • Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands