Wat Sirey (also known as Wat Koh Sirey) is a Buddhist temple located on the island of Koh Sirey, just east of Phuket Town in Phuket province, Thailand. The island of Koh Sirey is known for its sea gypsy (Chao Leh) community, who still maintain their traditional way of life and fishing practices.
The temple is situated on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Phuket Town, Phang Nga Bay, and the Andaman Sea.
Wat Sirey was built in 1961 with donations from local residents under the supervision of a famous monk named Luang Pu Supha. During his 119-year life, the monk saw five Thai kings reign, and under his patronage 39 temples were erected throughout the country, 3 of which are in Phuket: Wat Sirey, Wat Khao Rang, and Wat Mai Luang Pu Supha.
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, with a large golden rock in the center of the complex. This rock is a copy of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda — a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site in Myanmar. According to legend, the Golden Rock itself is precariously perched on a strand of Buddha’s hair.
The temple is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to come and make merit by offering food, flowers, and incense to the monks.
Visitors can also ask for a blessing from a monk. This involves a short ceremony and the tying of a white string around the wrist as a symbol of good luck.
The temple is a popular spot to watch sunrise or sunset, as the views from the hilltop are spectacular.
To get to Wat Sirey, visitors can take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Phuket Town. The temple is located on a hill overlooking the town, and there is a steep staircase leading up to the main hall. Visitors should be prepared to climb several flights of stairs to reach the top. However, the panoramic view of the surrounding area is well worth the effort.
Wat Sirey is open to visitors every day from 8 am to 5 pm, and there is no admission fee to enter the temple. Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the buildings. It is also customary to make a small donation when visiting a temple in Thailand.
Wat Sirey is a fascinating and beautiful temple complex that offers visitors a glimpse into Phuket’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or spirituality, a visit to this temple is sure to be a memorable experience.
