Khao Rang temple in Phuket - near the Rang Hill observation deck
Recommend on the way to Rank Hill observation deck, well, or after it, drive into the courtyard of the temple of the same name Khao Rang Samakhit (in some sources - Samnak Song Khao Rang). I especially recommend it to those who are not yet experienced in this matter, and if you have not yet been to Thai temples, in principle. Well, or were, but this is not your twentieth temple in a row, and you are not yet bored with the monotonous architecture and sculpture of such places. A cool temple with a statue of a large seated Buddha (formerly the largest on the island of Phuket), and next to it is a typical, beautiful, all of a brilliant building of the Khao Rang temple.
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Wat Khao Rank
Wat Khao Rang is a relatively old temple, built under the patronage of one of the oldest and most respected monks of the Kingdom of Thailand - Luang Po Subha. By the way, there is another temple in Phuket that was created with his direct participation - Wat Sirey. You will not be able to drive past it - when you head along the road to the top of the mountain, it will open on the right, in the direction of travel. At first glance, the temple does not seem to attract anything. Well, a temple and a temple, a Buddhist building, a lot of cement, a little paint and curly roof lines with a sacred flame frozen in stone.
However, if you do not regret half an hour of your time, park and then climb the stairs to the upper level, then behind the buildings of the first line of the temple territory you will find a statue of a seated Buddha, painted in gold. There is a relatively panoramic view from the Buddha statue and from the temple, although I would not consider it as a viewpoint - the sea is not visible from here, and there is a much more attractive place at the top of Rank Hill. There will be a sign near the stairs to «The largest Buddha image in Phuket», but the palm has long been intercepted by the Big Buddha near Karon.
Feels like Wat Khao Rang, I would give it this description: a non-tourist place on a hiking trail. That is, despite the fact that columns of tourists rushing to the panoramic observation deck are passing nearby, few of them decide to slow down near a discreet temple, not suspecting that he has such a pretty secret. There are few people here, some kind of viscous, unhurried, very cozy atmosphere and energy almost tangible by the hands. Monks are not spoiled by the attention of tourists, and when you ask to tie saisin on your hand, they never do it in bulk, seating several people in front of them. Only personally with everyone, as required by the ritual of casting a spell.
Wat Khao Rang in Phuket
Information to visit
Like most Buddhist temples in Thailand, Wat Khao Rang is open from dawn to dusk. Monks are permanently residing on the territory, therefore, the dress code is «closed shoulders and knees» mandatory when visiting by both men and women. If the guy is still forgiven for his shorts and a T-shirt, then the girl can be kicked with a finger and sent to the entrance to the territory of the temple, to the place where the scarves are for the forgetful. Monks are people too.
On the map
Temple Wat Khao Rang
Temple Wat Khao Rang
A large temple complex with a golden statue of a seated Buddha seen from afar.
More about the temple.
A large temple complex with a golden statue of a seated Buddha visible from afar. More about the temple.