Wat Sri Sunthon (Liphon)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07.00 – 17.00

 

Wat Sri Sunthon, also known locally as Wat Lipon, is an old and meaningful Buddhist temple in Si Sunthon Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket. Located in Ban Lipon, Moo 5, along Thepkrasattri Road, the temple stands on one of Phuket’s main routes between Phuket Town, Thalang, Phuket International Airport, and the island’s northern areas. It is best known for its large golden reclining Buddha image on top of a temple building, its old ordination hall, and its calm community-temple atmosphere.

 

Wat Sri Sunthon is a Mahanikaya Buddhist temple with approximately 22 rai of temple land. Although it is close to a busy main road, the temple grounds feel calm, shaded, and suitable for worship, merit-making, quiet reflection, and meditation. It is not only a place for visitors to take photographs of the reclining Buddha. It remains an active community temple where local people continue to make merit, join Buddhist activities, and maintain a long spiritual connection with the Ban Lipon and Si Sunthon areas.

 

The temple was established on 21 April 1792. Its former name was Wat Lipon or Wat Ban Phon, reflecting the old local community name. Later, the temple name was changed to Wat Sri Sunthon in memory of Thao Si Sunthon, one of Phuket’s two celebrated heroines who played an important role in the history of Thalang. For this reason, the temple’s name is not merely a religious title; it also preserves the memory of Thalang’s local history and the heroic legacy associated with Phuket’s identity.

 

The most visible landmark of Wat Sri Sunthon is the large golden reclining Buddha image. The statue is about 95 feet, or around 29 meters, in length and is placed on top of a building inside the temple grounds. The reclining posture represents the Buddha entering final nirvana and is associated with peace, release, and spiritual completion. Its bright golden form makes the temple immediately recognizable, especially for travelers passing through the Thalang area on Thepkrasattri Road.

 

This reclining Buddha is not just a scenic feature. It is one of the temple’s main sacred images and should be approached respectfully. Visitors can walk around the area, pay respect, observe the details of the Buddha image, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around the temple. Because of the statue’s size and position, Wat Sri Sunthon is often remembered as one of Phuket’s most distinctive temples with a large reclining Buddha.

 

Another important feature is the old ordination hall. The hall is about 6 meters wide and 12 meters long and has a traditional structure that is rarely seen in modern temple architecture. Its walls are full-height only at the back, while the other three sides are half-walled. This gives the hall an older and more open character. For visitors interested in Thai temple architecture, this old ordination hall adds strong historical value to the visit beyond the famous reclining Buddha.

 

The ordination hall should be viewed slowly and respectfully. Its value lies not in size or decoration alone, but in the way it preserves an older form of religious architecture. It reminds visitors that Wat Sri Sunthon has a long history and has served the local Buddhist community for generations. The temple therefore offers both a striking visual landmark and a more subtle architectural heritage.

 

Within the temple grounds are a sermon hall, monks’ residences, merit-making areas, worship spaces, and shaded areas where visitors can sit quietly. These elements show that Wat Sri Sunthon is still used as a living Buddhist temple. It supports daily worship, Buddhist education, community gatherings, and quiet spiritual practice. The shaded environment and relatively peaceful atmosphere also make it suitable for meditation and reflective visits.

 

The atmosphere of Wat Sri Sunthon is one of its strongest qualities. Although the temple stands near a major road, the inner grounds feel calmer than the surroundings. Trees, open space, and temple buildings create a restful environment. Morning and late afternoon are especially pleasant times to visit because the weather is more comfortable and the light is better for viewing the reclining Buddha and the old ordination hall.

 

Wat Sri Sunthon is closely connected with Thalang’s historical landscape. Its name honors Thao Si Sunthon, and the temple is located not far from the Heroines Monument, which commemorates Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon. Travelers who want to explore Thalang’s cultural and historical identity can combine the temple with the Heroines Monument, Wat Tha Ruea, Tha Rua Shrine, Thalang National Museum, Wat Phra Thong, and Wat Phra Nang Sang.

 

The temple also works well as a short stop during travel between Phuket Town and Phuket International Airport. Visitors coming from Phuket Town can stop here before continuing north, while travelers staying around Bang Tao, Choeng Thale, or Laguna Phuket can include it in a morning cultural route. Because it is located along a main road, the temple is easy to reach by private car, rental car, taxi, local transport, or ride-hailing service.

 

Most visitors should allow about 30–45 minutes for Wat Sri Sunthon. This is enough time to pay respect to the reclining Buddha, walk around the temple grounds, visit the old ordination hall, and observe the shaded community atmosphere. Visitors interested in temple photography, meditation, or local history may want to stay longer.

 

Respectful dress and behavior are important. Shoulders should be covered, and very short skirts, very short pants, sleeveless shirts, and beachwear should be avoided. Shoes should be removed before entering sacred buildings. Visitors should speak quietly, avoid touching Buddha images unnecessarily, and take photographs only in appropriate areas. Wat Sri Sunthon is an active Buddhist temple, so respectful conduct is essential.

 

Getting There is straightforward from Phuket Town. Take Thepkrasattri Road north toward Thalang, passing Ko Kaeo and Si Sunthon. The temple is located in Ban Lipon, Moo 5, Si Sunthon Subdistrict, close to the Heroines Monument area. From Phuket International Airport, visitors can travel south along Thepkrasattri Road toward Phuket Town and stop at the temple along the way.

 

Because Thepkrasattri Road is one of Phuket’s main traffic routes, visitors should allow extra time during morning and evening rush hours, weekends, public holidays, and peak travel seasons. Those planning to continue to the airport, Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket, Phuket Boat Lagoon, or Royal Phuket Marina should arrange timing carefully.

 

Wat Sri Sunthon is suitable for cultural travelers, families, worshippers, temple photographers, and visitors looking for a quiet stop near Thalang. Its strengths are its long history, the impressive golden reclining Buddha, the old ordination hall, and its easy location on one of Phuket’s most important roads. It is a good place to experience Phuket through faith, history, and community life rather than through beaches alone.

 

Overall, Wat Sri Sunthon or Wat Lipon is one of the worthwhile temple stops in Thalang. It combines a history dating back to 1792, a name connected with Phuket’s heroines, a large reclining Buddha image, traditional temple architecture, shaded grounds, and practical access from both Phuket Town and northern Phuket. Travelers who want a deeper view of Phuket’s religious and local heritage should include this temple in their itinerary.

 

 

A: Wat Sri Sunthon is located in Ban Lipon, Moo 5, Si Sunthon Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket, along Thepkrasattri Road near the Heroines Monument area.

 

A: The temple is known for its large golden reclining Buddha image, old ordination hall, shaded grounds, and its historical connection with the Ban Lipon and Thalang communities.

 

A: The temple was formerly known as Wat Lipon or Wat Ban Phon before being renamed Wat Sri Sunthon in memory of Thao Si Sunthon.

 

A: The golden reclining Buddha is about 95 feet, or around 29 meters, long and is placed on top of a building inside the temple grounds.

 

A: Wat Sri Sunthon is open daily from 07.00 to 17.00.

 

A: There is no admission fee. Visitors may make a donation if they wish to support the temple.

 

A: From Phuket Town, take Thepkrasattri Road north toward Thalang, passing Ko Kaeo and Si Sunthon. The temple is located in Ban Lipon near the Heroines Monument area.

 

A: Nearby places include the Heroines Monument, Wat Tha Ruea, Tha Rua Shrine, Thalang National Museum, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Royal Phuket Marina, and Blue Tree Phuket.