Hello everyone

When we think of Phuket, the first images that come to mind are often its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. But Phuket is much more than just its coastline—it’s a place filled with culture, history, and spirituality. Today, I’d like to take you on a journey to a special temple that offers both tranquility and breathtaking views of the island. 🌴✨

Perched high on a hill on Koh Siray lies Wat Koh Siray, a small yet significant temple. This serene spot is more than just a place of worship; it’s also a vantage point where you can admire lush greenery, distant mountains, and the vast sea stretching out before you. Beyond its natural beauty, this temple holds a deep connection to the Mon people, an ethnic group with roots in Myanmar who settled in Phuket. They built this temple as a testament to their faith, with the support of the local villagers.

In addition to making merit and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, visitors to Wat Koh Siray can marvel at the replica of the Golden Rock Pagoda, a sacred structure inspired by the famous Golden Rock in Myanmar. This unique feature adds an extra layer of cultural significance to the temple and makes it a must-visit spot for those seeking a deeper connection to the island’s history. 🛕🌅

Let’s go and explore together! 😊

As you drive into the temple grounds, you’re greeted by two imposing statues standing tall—one male and one female. These figures are known in Thai culture as Pret (เปรต), mythological spirits with a haunting presence. According to Buddhist beliefs, these spirits are the souls of people who committed grave sins during their lifetime. After death, they are reborn as towering, thin beings with long limbs, large bodies, and impossibly small mouths, symbolizing their inability to eat or speak. This eternal suffering serves as a reminder of the consequences of unethical actions.

The Pret statues are not just eerie—they carry an important message. They are part of Buddhist teachings meant to encourage people to live virtuous lives and avoid sin. Seeing them here at the entrance to Wat Koh Siray sets the tone for the spiritual experience that lies ahead. 🛕✨

At the base of Wat Koh Siray, the temple features all the traditional elements you’d expect from a Thai Buddhist temple. Among them is the Ubosot (อุโบสถ), or ordination hall, a sacred space where monks gather for important ceremonies. This beautifully designed structure stands out with its vibrant red roof, intricate golden carvings, and striking architectural details. It’s a peaceful and spiritual place that invites visitors to pause and reflect. 🙏✨

Surrounding the Ubosot is a wide courtyard that serves as a gathering space for both visitors and locals. It’s not uncommon to see the temple bustling with activity during festivals and merit-making events. Nearby, there’s also a small shrine and other structures that add to the charm and functionality of the temple grounds.

In addition to its spiritual role, the temple is also a hub for community support. The presence of a cremation site, often found in Thai temples, reflects its importance in providing essential services to the local villagers. This makes Wat Koh Siray not just a place of worship but also a vital part of the community. 🌺✨

Now, let’s head up the hill to see the Golden Rock Pagoda! There are two ways to get there—you can either drive up or take the more adventurous option and walk. I chose to walk, not just for the exercise but also to fully enjoy the journey. The path to the top is about 2 kilometers long, winding and quite steep at times. 🥾✨

The walk is shaded by tall, leafy trees on both sides, creating a tranquil and refreshing atmosphere. The sounds of nature—chirping birds and the rustle of leaves in the breeze—accompany you as you make your way up. Though it’s a challenging climb, the beauty of the surroundings and the anticipation of what’s to come make every step worthwhile. By the time you reach the top, you’ll definitely feel a bit exhausted but also deeply rewarded by the stunning view that awaits you! 🌿🌄

The climb up the hill was no easy feat! 😅 I had to stop a few times along the way to catch my breath and drink some water. The steepness of the path really tested my determination, but I kept reminding myself, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Step by step, I inched closer to the top. It took me about 40 minutes to reach the summit, but every drop of sweat was worth it. 🥾💦

As I approached the peak, I spotted a small red pavilion nestled among the trees. This serene spot houses several Buddha images in various postures, symbolizing peace, protection, and enlightenment. Guarding the staircase leading up to the pavilion are two intricately designed Naga serpents, their green scales and coiled tails glistening in the sunlight. In Thai culture, the Naga represents protection and guardianship, often believed to safeguard sacred spaces like this one. 🙏✨

Seeing these statues and the serene setting filled me with a sense of calm and renewed energy—it was as if the journey up the hill had cleansed my mind as much as my body. I paused here for a few moments to take in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the intricate artistry of this sacred space. 🌺✨

Almost there! Just as I thought I couldn’t climb any further, I was greeted by a colorful ladder painted in red and green, stretching steeply up the mountain. This vibrant staircase felt like the final challenge, inviting me to push through the fatigue and make my way to the summit. 🌄✨

The stairs are surrounded by lush greenery, with sunlight streaming through the trees, creating a magical, almost surreal atmosphere. Each step felt like a small triumph, and as I got closer to the top, the excitement of what awaited me kept me going. The climb was tough, but I knew it would be worth it. 🥾🌿

The afternoon heat was intense, and by the time I reached this area, I was already sweating quite a bit! 😂 But as I stood there, looking ahead at the intricate details of the staircase and the majestic decorations, I reminded myself—it’s all worth it for the beauty that lies ahead.**

The staircase, guarded by two striking golden Naga, winds its way upwards toward the temple. The shimmering sunlight catches on the golden scales of the Naga, giving them an almost magical glow. These mythical serpents are not just decorative—they are believed to protect sacred spaces, adding a sense of grandeur and spiritual significance to the climb. 🐉✨

As I reached the final stretch of the climb, I paused to look back and take in the view below. What I saw was absolutely breathtaking—a lush, green valley dotted with rooftops and framed by distant hills, stretching out under the vibrant blue sky. The winding staircase, guarded by the golden Naga, seemed even more beautiful from above, as if it were part of a sacred painting. 🌿✨

In that moment, all the tiredness I’d felt just moments ago seemed to vanish. Instead, I was filled with pride and gratitude for making it this far. The view was more than just a reward—it was a reminder of the beauty that awaits when we push ourselves to new heights, both physically and spiritually. 🌄🙏

At the summit, I found a large pavilion with an impressive golden Buddha image enshrined at its center. The Buddha sat serenely on a pedestal, radiating a sense of peace and spiritual strength. Below the image were offerings and small Buddha figures arranged on a miniature boat, adding a unique touch to the altar. While the pavilion itself wasn’t open to visitors at the time, the sight of the grand Buddha statue alone made the climb worthwhile. 🙏✨

I took a moment to walk around the area and soak in the atmosphere. The pavilion was surrounded by intricate details and framed by views of the lush greenery and distant hills, making it a truly serene and sacred spot. 🌿

Finally, after the long and rewarding climb, I reached the Golden Rock Pagoda. Its striking golden surface glistened in the sunlight, standing tall against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. The pagoda’s beauty was simply breathtaking, a testament to the craftsmanship and devotion of those who built it. 🛕✨

The pagoda is a replica of the famous Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Myanmar, also known as the Golden Rock. Like its inspiration, this pagoda appears delicately balanced on a rocky base, symbolizing faith and spiritual perseverance. Surrounding the area, the peaceful view of the Andaman Sea stretches out to the horizon, creating a serene and awe-inspiring setting. 🌊💛

Standing here, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and peace. The combination of the stunning architecture and the sweeping views was the perfect reward for the journey to the top. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever. 🌄🙏

After spending time admiring the incredible beauty of nature and the man-made wonders at the temple, it was finally time to head back down. As I descended the stairs in the late afternoon, around 5 PM, I came across a heartwarming scene: an elderly woman feeding a group of temple cats. 🐾✨

I approached her and started a conversation. She explained that every evening, she brings food for the cats at the temple. Many of these cats had been abandoned here, and while the monks try their best to care for them, the sheer number of cats makes it challenging. Her dedication to helping these animals deeply moved me, so I decided to give her some money to support her efforts in buying food for the cats. 💛🐱

As I walked away, I felt a mix of emotions—tired from the climb but incredibly fulfilled by the experience. The beauty of the temple, the serene views, and the small act of kindness made this visit one to remember. It wasn’t just a day of sightseeing but a reminder of the connection we share with nature, spirituality, and even the animals around us. 🌄🙏

I hope this post inspires you to seek out your own adventures—whether big or small—and to appreciate the connections you find along the way. Have you ever visited a place that left you with a similar feeling? I’d love to hear about it in the comments! And if you enjoyed this post, feel free to upvote, share it or support me with a resteem/reblog. 😊✨

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Until next time, stay curious, kind, and adventurous!

Sawadee kha! 🙏💛
@Baiboua