ONE of Phuket's best-kept secret places is being developed so more tourists and residents can more easily find the Shrine of the Serene Light in Phuket City.
With Old Phuket Town undergoing a cultural renaissance and becoming the counterpoint to Patong's hedonism, the delightful small shrine is likely to quickly become a popular part of Phuket tours.
Planners were at work on the fine details when Phuketwan dropped by this week as construction work continued on broadening the entrance, with guardian lions already in place.
Once, access to the sweet little courtyard was via a narrow lane. Now it's easy for all to see, and the shrine is at long last likely to receive the attention is has deserved.
On the walls are historic pictorial tiles, dating back 120 years. The shrine was built in 1889 by a Phuket Hokkien Chinese family, and being ''lost'' for more than a century has helped to preserve its charm.
During the annual Vegetarian Festival each October, the Shrine of the Serene Light becomes a place for warriors to go into trances so that they can have theire cheeks pierced and parade with the spirits.
The shrine can be found at the On On Hotel end of Phang Nga Road, close to the Southwind Bookshop.
Phuket Abstinence Makes the Heart Grow FonderWith Old Phuket Town undergoing a cultural renaissance and becoming the counterpoint to Patong's hedonism, the delightful small shrine is likely to quickly become a popular part of Phuket tours.
Planners were at work on the fine details when Phuketwan dropped by this week as construction work continued on broadening the entrance, with guardian lions already in place.
Once, access to the sweet little courtyard was via a narrow lane. Now it's easy for all to see, and the shrine is at long last likely to receive the attention is has deserved.
On the walls are historic pictorial tiles, dating back 120 years. The shrine was built in 1889 by a Phuket Hokkien Chinese family, and being ''lost'' for more than a century has helped to preserve its charm.
During the annual Vegetarian Festival each October, the Shrine of the Serene Light becomes a place for warriors to go into trances so that they can have theire cheeks pierced and parade with the spirits.
The shrine can be found at the On On Hotel end of Phang Nga Road, close to the Southwind Bookshop.
Photo Album Two days to go, and the women take to the streets of Phuket to add a dainty edge to the daily Vegetarian festival street processions.
Phuket Abstinence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Phuket Unfurls a Cheeky Challenger: Photo Special
Photo Album The first big parade through Phuket brings some fascinating piercings, but none more cheeky than the man impaled on a beach umbrella.
Phuket Unfurls a Cheeky Challenger: Photo Special
Phuket Enjoys a Pierce of the Action: Photo Special
Photo Album The first street procession brings a flavor of big parades to come. Body piecing and tied up traffic are two of the Phuket Veg Fest's controversial aspects
Phuket Enjoys a Pierce of the Action: Photo Special
Phuket Wins Songkran Good Neighbor Festival
New Year Fun Phuket is joining with Phang Nga this Songkran for a festival across the Sarasin bridge that links the two provinces. Music, sport and a fair will all be part of the fun.
Phuket Wins Songkran Good Neighbor Festival
Phuket Town deserves a few more visitors, I personally love the old town and have taken many walks around the streets taking photos, enjoying small cafes and remembering that Phuket has a rich history - something I most tourists don't know about. It's not just beaches! Not everyone likes Phuket Town, but that's fine. Phuket (I think) has something for all kinds of people. In a way.. for me.. a pity that this little gem has been exposed. First time I walked down that tiny alleyway I had no idea what to expect at the other end, and after all there are already plenty of shrines with easy access like Jui Tui or Bang Neow. Maybe some things should stay hidden? But if it helps Phuket Town businesses to get a bit more of the tourist pie, sure, why not...
Posted by Jamie on April 3, 2011 19:53