How to Embrace Phuket Culture

Phuket is renowned for its spectacular beaches that beckon most visitors for an escape from the complexity and tempo of fast-paced living. However, this charming province in Southern Thailand is also endowed with a rich cultural heritage as experienced at the ornate temples, the sedate processions of the Buddhist monks and even in their spicy cuisine and authentic massage sessions. Let us explore how to embrace this unique culture as curious visitors to this beautiful region of Phuket.

Explore Wat Chalong

Also called Chalong Temple, this holy temple is beautiful and serene. It is the largest and most venerated temple in Phuket. The majestic chedi which enshrines Lord Buddha’s Bone Relic takes pride of place at Wat Chalong rising to a 60 m height and is a graceful structure. Visitors can admire the fine statues in golden hue adorning the walls as well as murals on the ceiling depicting the life of Lord Buddha as they climb to the top floor to capture the views of the casket containing the bone relic.Apart from the cultural significance, this temple offers a great atmosphere of tranquillity for quiet contemplation enjoyed by locals and visitors who invest in Phuket real estate.

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Indulge in a Thai Massage  

Expert Thai masseuses all over Phuket offer various types of Thai massages. Be it a foot massage, body massage, neck massage, head massage, Traditional Thai massage or any other type of massage indulging in one of them makes you embrace the unique massage culture interwoven in the Thai lifestyle.With no oils being used the competent masseuse will start from your feet and move up to your hair pulling, stretching loosening knots and leaving you rejuvenated.If you are pressed for time to visit a massage parlour, you can still enjoy at least a foot massage at the beach (Patong Beach and a few others) while sunbathing as sometimes done by guests such as those at Layan Residences by Anantara or even when you are getting your hair washed in a salon/spa. You will also notice plenty of visitors blissfully enjoying a head massage, foot massage etc. as you go about exploring Phuket.

Experience the unique culture of offering Alms

A tradition among the Theravada Buddhists the world over and embraced in Phuket, as dawn breaks monks collect their bowls and drums and go in a sedate procession beating the drum to notify the locals of their arrival, monks slowly walk through neighbourhoods collecting alms for their sustenance during the day. Once the food is placed inside the bowl the monk will cover it and offer a blessing to the giver before moving on These processions from the monastery to the homes and shopping areas of locals are usually completed by 8 a.m.This magnanimous act of giving alms is a part of Buddhist culture which teaches Buddhists to be generous and spread kindness to fellow human beings.

Thai culture in Customs and Etiquette  

This is a profound yet often overlooked facet by visitors due to ignorance. Thai culture is deeply rooted in respect, harmonious relationships, and humility. Wai is the traditional Thai greeting placing both palms together with a slight bow to acknowledge and respect another. Try this when you go about in Phuket as a visitor, and it will warm your heart to see the reception from locals just as much as you warm their hearts with a wai.Here are a few other points to demonstrate you are in sync with the culture in Phuket.

• Showing your gratitude with a Thank you, is considered as being respectful. 
• Exercising patience
• Removing shoes (footwear) before entering temples, and homes of locals
• Dressing appropriately, especially for temples, other places of worship and formal events.