The statue is officially referred to as Phra Phut, meaning 'Golden Buddha', and dates back to the Ayutthaya period.
The local legend suggests the statue was originally much larger, but was covered in mud and vegetation before being discovered by a young boy.
Burmese invaders allegedly attempted to dig up the statue during the 18th century, but were driven away by a swarm of hornets, which locals interpret as a divine protective omen.
King Rama VI visited the temple in 1909 and bestowed upon it the name Wat Phra Thong.
The temple museum holds a collection of ancient Chinese ceramics, tin mining equipment, and historical photographs documenting Phuket's industrial past.
Wat Phra Thong is renowned for housing a half-buried golden Buddha statue known as Luang Pho Phra Thong. Legend dictates that the statue is impossible to unearth completely, with historical accounts stating that past attempts resulted in illness or misfortune for those involved. The current structure encases only the upper torso and head, which protrudes from the temple floor. The site serves as one of the oldest temples in Phuket, acting as a significant pilgrimage point for local Buddhists. The temple grounds include a museum displaying antique Phuket mining tools and traditional household items. Visitors can observe the unique statue surrounded by elaborate decorative carvings and offerings within the main shrine hall.
The interior of the main shrine hall provides the best angle of the partially buried statue.
Visit the onsite museum located near the temple entrance to gain context on the local mining history.
Be prepared for a quiet, non-commercial environment, as this is an active place of worship rather than a major tourist attraction.
Look for the smaller shrine outside the main hall where locals often offer prayers and gold leaf.
Do not attempt to touch or climb on the statue or the raised platform surrounding it.
Remove shoes before entering the main shrine hall; dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; maintain a quiet demeanor.
