Phuket’s Most Iconic Landmark
Big Buddha Phuket, the island’s most recognisable landmark, stands 45 metres tall at the top of Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata Beach in the south of Phuket. Covered in bright white Burmese marble tiles, the statue is visible from most beaches in the south. Construction began in 2002 when the site was little more than scaffolding and a challenging dirt road, and we had the chance to see the construction starting between 2002 and 2004, when the way to go up there was just a challenging dirt road. The official name is Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, meaning “Happiness on Top of Nagakerd Mountain”.
Update October 2025
Update 2025 about the Big Buddha Phuket: You can only approach the site, but you can’t enter the area. You will be able to see the Big Buddha from a vast open parking on the side, with limited visibility.
The Big Buddha site remains closed to the public following a devastating landslide on 23 August 2024 that killed 13 people, including two Russian tourists and nine Myanmar migrant workers. A class action lawsuit is currently moving through Phuket Provincial Court, and the temple’s abbot has stated the viewpoint will stay closed until compensation is paid to affected families and the court case concludes.
Visitors can still drive up the hill to a large parking area on the opposite side of the statue. From there, it’s possible to see the Big Buddha from behind, though it’s nowhere near as impressive as the close-up experience before. Some people stand on a boulder to take photos with the statue in the background, then continue to enjoy views of Karon Beach. A few monkeys roam the parking area, and feeding them is strongly discouraged.
Recent Photos of the Big Buddha
Big Buddha Phuket (Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri) is temporarily closed following a major landslide in August 2024. Authorities are assessing safety conditions, and no reopening date has been announced. The closure was ordered after part of the hill collapsed, reportedly due to illegal construction on protected forest land: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2858202/phuket-buddha-site-ordered-closed-due-to-landslide-risks
How the Big Buddha Experience used to be
Before the landslide, visiting the Big Buddha was a highlight for most travellers to Phuket. It featured in nearly every “must-see” list, but the appeal went beyond ticking boxes. The breeze at the top, the sound of bells, monks offering blessings in the lower temple, and donation jars clinking all contributed to the atmosphere.
The View That Never Gets Old
The panoramic views from the hilltop made the journey worthwhile. Looking west, Kata Beach, Kata Noi, and a glimpse of Promthep Cape and the Nai Harn windmill came into view. Turning around revealed Chalong Bay, and on clear days, the islands of Phang Nga Bay appeared on the distant horizon.
Behind the Buddha was a quieter terrace with another excellent viewpoint. Most visitors missed it, but walking around the back before heading down offered some of the best photo opportunities with hardly anyone else around. Several small restaurants along the road up the hill served drinks and simple meals. The view over Karon Beach from those terraces was consistently impressive.
A Few Things to Know Before You Visit
First, a quick reminder: This is a temple, not just a viewpoint. It’s a place of worship. Monks, rituals, and locals coming to pray are part of everyday life here. Acting respectfully, as one would in a church or mosque, is expected.
Phuket Big Buddha Video
Is there a dress code at The Big Buddha?
There’s a dress code, and it is really simple: The dress code is straightforward: no sleeveless tops or shorts above the knee. Free sarongs are available at the entrance for anyone who forgets. Guards are polite but firm about sending visitors back to the gate if clothing doesn’t meet requirements. Keeping voices low and behaving appropriately isn’t difficult, but this is a real temple and a religious site, not a theme park.
Visiting Big Buddha Phuket
The broad staircase, guarded by two long, sculpted Nagas (serpent deities), leads from the front terrace up to the base of the statue. The approach feels significant, like walking toward something important.
There are 94 steps to reach the foot of the Buddha. Visitors walk up one staircase and use a separate staircase on the side for the way down. A guard typically ensures everyone follows this rule.
The climb isn’t too hard. Taking it slow works fine. For those who prefer not to climb, the view from the terrace below is still worth the trip.
Panoramic Views of Kata and Chalong
This is what most visitors come for, and the views rarely disappoint. The crescent-shaped beaches of Kata and Karon stretch out to the west, with the calm waters of Chalong Bay visible to the east. From the elevated platform, more than 400 metres above sea level, the turquoise waters meeting the azure sky create a memorable sight.
Behind the Buddha is a quieter terrace with another great view. Most people miss it, but we always recommend walking around the back before heading down. It’s where we took some of our favourite photos, with hardly anyone else around. There are also some small restaurants on the way up the hill. It’s nothing fancy, but we always stop for a drink or even lunch! The view over Karon Beach from that little terrace is something we never get tired of.
The Temple
On the way down, the temple area offers its own calm rhythm. Monks sit quietly offering blessings, and locals often stop by to pray. The donation culture is strong here, with opportunities to buy amulets or small items.
A small museum-like room displays information about the construction. It’s modest but provides interesting context. The full name of the statue is Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, which roughly translates to “Happiness on top of Nakkerd Mountain”. Parts of the base were still technically under construction before the closure, but the main statue appeared complete.
The Seven Buddhas of the Week
Just below the statue, seven smaller Buddha statues represent each day of the week. Thai tradition holds that people should pay respect to the Buddha image corresponding to their birth day. Lighting a candle and offering a flower to the appropriate “day Buddha” is a small gesture many visitors enjoy.
When Was Big Buddha Phuket Built?
The Big Buddha project started in 2002 when General Phijit Kulawanich, Privy Councillor, laid the foundation stone on 26 May 2002. The statue was meant to become a symbol of peace and faith for Phuket. In 2007, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand granted the official name, and in 2008, the statue was declared the “Buddhist Treasure of Phuket”
The statue stands 45 metres tall and 25.45 metres wide. It’s made of reinforced concrete covered with white Burmese jade marble called Suriyakanta. About 135 tonnes of marble were imported from Myanmar, giving the statue its distinctive, almost glowing appearance in late afternoon light.💡The project was built entirely from donations. Visitors could sponsor a marble tile for 300 or 1,000 Baht, depending on size, and write their name on it. The foundation is anchored with 50 ferroconcrete piers reaching 12 metres deep.
The main statue and staircase are now complete, but construction is still ongoing underneath the platform, where new meditation halls and exhibition areas are slowly taking shape. It’s always been a community effort, and it’s still growing, little by little.
How to Get to Big Buddha Phuket?
Most tour agencies and tuk-tuks in Phuket can arrange transport to the Big Buddha, and entrance was always free. The statue sits at the top of Nakkerd Hill, just outside Chalong in the south of Phuket. Signs from Phuket Town toward Chalong Circle point the way. The road branches off Chaofa West Road, about 8 km from Wat Chalong.
The final stretch is a narrow, winding road (Soi Yot Sane 1) that’s paved and in decent condition, though the descent feels steep on busy days. Taking it slowly on the way down is advisable.
Options for visiting include: renting a car or motorbike, hiring a tuk-tuk and asking the driver to wait, or joining a half-day tour. Some travellers reached the top by ATV tour. For the more active, a hiking trail from Karon Beach offers a good workout.
Big Buddha Phuket Hike
A trail starts from Patak Road in Karon, opposite Baan Karon Resort. The route covers about 2.3-2.5 km and takes roughly an hour with rest breaks. Google Maps labels it the Kata-Karon Hiking Trail. Part of the hike follows a road or partially paved track, but about 1,500 metres involves a steep dirt track through the jungle. One section is quite steep and slippery, with ropes installed to help climbers. Proper shoes, water, and reasonable fitness are recommended.
The trail meets Soi Yot Sane 1, the main road to the Big Buddha, with about 500-650 metres left to walk along the road before reaching the hilltop. The view feels more rewarding after the physical effort of walking up. Read more about hikes to Big Buddha.
The Site Today
The Big Buddha remains closed. The landslide in August 2024 caused serious damage and exposed illegal building work around the site. The Royal Forest Department issued 25 conditions that must be met before reopening, including enforcement of environmental laws and measures to prevent further degradation. However, the temple’s abbot has declined to approve these conditions, citing the need for full community support first.
Ongoing tensions between local authorities, the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhol Sattha 45 Foundation, temple leadership, and affected residents have further delayed any decision. A civil suit is being prepared by the Phuket Bar Association for survivors and victims’ families. No confirmed reopening date has been announced.
Where to Eat Near The Big Buddha?
Greek Kitchen
Greek Kitchen offers visitors heading to the Big Buddha a dining stop that combines panoramic views with Mediterranean flavours. Located on Soi Yot Sane 1 in Wichit, this Greek restaurant sits along the route to the statue, making it a practical spot for a meal whilst taking in coastal scenery.
Where to Stay Near The Big Buddha of Phuket?
There are no hotels directly near the Big Buddha, but several nice places sit near the bottom of the hill, including some luxury hideaways and villas.
Noku Phuket
Noku Phuket is a very unique luxury resort located in the southern part of Phuket Island, just opposite the much revered Wat Chalong. The resort is located high on a hill and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The hotel is beautifully designed with elegant lines and open-air areas. The lobby, pool and swimming pools are located high on a hill, offering a refreshing green view of the Chalong Bay.
Location: opposite Wat Chalong
Address: 48/13 Moo 6, Soi Sai-Namyen, Chao Fa West Road, Chalong, Phuket Town, Phuket 83130
Phone: 076 384 076
Check the rates
Big Buddha Hillside Hotel
Address: 16 19 Soi Yot Sane 1, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130Phone: 063 951 4699
Check the rates
XAYA Pool Access Resort – Phuket
Address: 90, Subdistrict, 16 Soi Yodsenah 1, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130Phone: 061 749 4055
Check the rates
360 Panorama
More photos of Big Buddha Phuket
Big Buddha Phuket Info
Location: Chalong
Address: Soi Yot Sane 1, Chaofa West Rd, Nakkerd Hill, near Chalong
Open: 6 am – 7.30 pm
Phone: 083 556 2242
Dress Code: No short skirts or short pants, no sleeveless T-shirts
Admission: Free
Built: 2004
Official name: Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri
Height: 45 m
Big Buddha Phuket Map
Open this map on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/QfuQU3YyHwX2JrTR6.
This story was first published on August 6, 2016 – more about the Big Buddha of Phuket on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Big Buddha Phuket
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