Visit Chalong’s revered Luang Por Cham of Wat Chai Tararam.
If you’re visiting Phuket Island, don’t forget to stop in Chalong to see the sights, shop, and eat. One of the sights in this town constantly has visitors walking in and out throughout the day. It is a sacred temple that houses a statuette of monk Luang Por Cham.
Luang Por Cham is highly revered by the residents of Phuket; almost as if he was the Buddha. The monk’s fame came during the period of King Rama 5. During this time, a group of bandits were terrorizing the island to take over control. Luamg Por Cham offered Wat Chai Tararam (then known as Wat Chalong) to be used a base against the bandits, and provided the fighters with blessed clothes to protect them during confrontations. Eventually, the villagers were able to drive the bandits away. When King Rama 5th heard about the monk’s deeds, Luang Por Cham was bestowed the highest honor of Phuket, and the temple’s name was changed to Wat Chai Tararam.