Phuket is predominantly Buddhist — about 65% of Thais follow Theravada Buddhism — but the island has a genuinely diverse religious landscape that's easy to navigate as an expat. A significant Muslim population in the south and east, a long-established Chinese community with Taoist and folk-Buddhist traditions, an Indian community with Hindu temples, and a well-developed international expat community with Christian churches and a Jewish centre all make Phuket surprisingly pluralistic.
If maintaining your religious practice matters to you, you'll likely find what you need here. This guide covers every major faith community in Phuket with practical details on locations and service times.
Buddhist Temples (Wats) in Phuket
Phuket has over 40 Buddhist temples. Most expats never enter one — which is their loss. Thai Buddhist temples are living community centres, not just tourist sites, and visiting them offers genuine insight into the culture you're living in.
Wat Chalong
Phuket's most visited and venerated temple, located in Chalong district on Chaofa East Road. Wat Chalong houses statues of two highly revered monk abbots, and Thais make merit here for everything from exam success to business deals. The main hall has beautiful murals depicting the life of the Buddha. Open daily from approximately 7am–5pm. Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees, which is Thai temple etiquette everywhere.
If you're interested in Buddhist meditation practice, Wat Chalong periodically offers meditation sessions. Timing varies — check the temple's Facebook page or ask at the office inside the temple complex.
Big Buddha (Phra Phutthamingmongkol Akenakkiri)
Situated on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata, the Big Buddha is both a major landmark and an active spiritual site. The 45-metre white Burmese marble seated Buddha is visible from much of the island. Small monks' residences and donation halls surround the main image. Come at sunrise or sunset for the best experience and fewer crowds. Free entry; donations appreciated.
Wat Phra Thong (Thalang)
One of Phuket's most historically interesting temples — it contains a half-submerged golden Buddha image that legend holds can't be removed from the ground. Located in Thalang in the north of the island, about 20 minutes from Bang Tao. Worth a visit if you're exploring the north.
Temple etiquette: Remove shoes before entering any temple building. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered for all genders. Women should not touch monks or hand items directly to them. Photography is usually fine in exterior areas; ask before photographing inside buildings or of people.
Christian Churches in Phuket
Phuket has a small but active Christian community across multiple denominations. English-language services exist, though schedules can change seasonally with the expat population ebbing and flowing.
Catholic: Holy Redeemer Church
Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town is the main Catholic church on the island. Sunday Mass is held in both Thai and English (times vary by season — check the noticeboard or parish Facebook page). The building dates from the 1960s and has a small community of Filipino, European, and local Thai Catholic expats. Confession available by appointment.
International / Non-Denominational
Phuket International Church holds English-language non-denominational Sunday services. It has historically been hosted in the Chalong area; verify current location via their Facebook page as venues sometimes change. The congregation draws from the expat community island-wide and tends to be welcoming and practically-minded.
Several smaller house churches and fellowship groups exist in Bang Tao, Rawai, and Kamala — these are typically found through the Phuket Expats Facebook group or word of mouth. If you're looking for a specific denomination (Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, etc.), the expat Facebook groups are the best place to ask for current recommendations.
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Islam and Mosques in Phuket
Phuket's Muslim community — mostly Thai-Malay — is concentrated in the south and east of the island, in areas like Chalong, Rawai, Koh Sirey, and Rassada. This is a deeply rooted community with generations of history on the island.
Central Mosque of Phuket
Located on Rassada Road near Phuket Town, the Central Mosque (Masjid Klang Mueang Phuket) is the administrative centre for Phuket's Muslim community. It holds Friday Jumu'ah prayers with a significant congregation and is a good starting point if you're looking to connect with the local Muslim community.
Mosques by Area
| Area | Approximate Number of Mosques | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chalong / Rawai | 8–10 | Largest Muslim-majority area |
| Phuket Town / Rassada | 5–6 | Central Mosque here |
| Koh Sirey / East Coast | 4–5 | Traditional fishing communities |
| Thalang / North | 4–5 | Older Malay communities |
| Patong / West Coast | 1–2 | Smaller tourist-area mosques |
Halal food is extremely well-represented in Phuket, especially around Chalong, Rawai Market, Phuket Town's Muslim quarter, and the east coast fishing villages. The Rawai expat food scene — particularly around Nai Harn Lake — has numerous halal-certified restaurants.
Judaism: Chabad Phuket
Phuket's Jewish community is served by Chabad, which operates a centre in the Patong area. Friday evening Shabbat services and Saturday morning services are held regularly, particularly during high season (November through April) when the Jewish expat and visitor population is larger. The Chabad centre also operates a Jewish restaurant and can assist with Shabbat meals, kosher food sourcing, and community connections.
For High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover seder), Chabad Phuket organises communal celebrations — advance registration is recommended as these fill up quickly. Many Phuket-based Jewish expats also join Bangkok's larger Chabad community for major holidays. Find current contact details and service times at chabad.org.
Hinduism in Phuket
Phuket Town has a well-established Indian community with roots going back to the tin-mining era of the 19th century. Several Hindu places of worship serve this community.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
On Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town, this Tamil Hindu temple is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman and is the main Hindu place of worship on the island. Puja ceremonies are held daily; major festivals including Thaipusam and Navratri are celebrated with processions. The temple is open to respectful visitors — remove shoes and dress modestly.
Sikh Gurdwara
A Sikh Gurdwara serves Phuket's Punjabi community, also located in the Phuket Town area. Langar (communal meal) is served after services, and visitors of all faiths are welcome at the Gurdwara.
Chinese Temples and Taoist Shrines
Phuket has a large Sino-Thai community, and Chinese temples and shrines are everywhere — particularly in Phuket Town and the surrounding areas. These follow a mix of Taoist, Buddhist, and folk-religious traditions. The most famous is the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival (usually October), a nine-day Taoist purification ritual that draws tens of thousands of participants and is one of the most spectacular religious events in Thailand.
Jui Tui Shrine on Ranong Road in Phuket Town is one of the most important and is the focal point of the Vegetarian Festival. Bang Neow Shrine and Put Jaw Chinese Temple are also significant. These shrines welcome respectful visitors year-round.
Questions About Moving to Phuket?
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Finding Your Faith Community as a New Expat
The fastest way to connect with any religious community in Phuket is the same as finding any expat community: Facebook groups. "Phuket Expats" (50,000+ members) regularly has posts about religious services, special events, and faith communities across all denominations. Most congregations also maintain their own Facebook pages with up-to-date service times.
Worth noting: religious service times in Phuket can shift seasonally — congregations may hold additional services during high season (November–April) when the expat and tourist population peaks. Always confirm via the relevant Facebook page before visiting, particularly for smaller congregations.
For more on building community life in Phuket beyond religion, see our guides to expat women's groups, building a social life as a single expat, and the full lifestyle hub.
