Phuket’s most iconic landmark
IMPORTANT UPDATE: If you plan to visit Big Buddha this week, you should skip it until further notice. The access has been closed since the massive landslide: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2858202/phuket-buddha-site-ordered-closed-due-to-landslide-risks
Visible from anywhere in the southern part of the island, the Big Buddha of Phuket is a 45-metre-tall statue covered with white marble tiles. This impressive landmark is probably at the top of everyone’s ‘Must-Do in Phuket’ and we never miss a chance to drive up there to admire it and pay respect. The site is superb, and the size of the Buddha is humbling, with breathtaking panoramic views from the top. We were lucky enough to live in Phuket for long enough to witness the long process of starting the building in 2002 to become what is now the most iconic site in Phuket.
Before we go further in this story, please remember Phuket Big Buddha is a religious site, so please avoid wearing too short clothes and act respectfully when taking photos and selfies! Just think if you would act the same way in a church, a mosque or any religious site in your country. Thank you for respecting Thai cultural and religious sites. 🙂
Phuket Big Buddha Video
Visiting the Big Buddha
A sweeping staircase decorated by immense marble Nagas (Mythical serpent deities ) led us from the front panoramic terrace to the white Buddha statue. The stairs are only to climb as we cannot walk them down. There is a separate way down on the hillside, and a security guard sitting there all day ensures we all respect this rule. Don’t worry if you forgot to take photos and selfies the first time, as it’s easy to return on the way out.
If you wonder or worry, there are 94 steps to reach the Big Buddha and climbing them is relatively easy (thank you to our reader Joni for counting them for us!). Last time we checked, there was no lift to the top, so if you have mobility issues, you might just be able to enjoy the front terrace.
Panoramic Views of Kata and Chalong
A few steps to the west, another short staircase took us to a terrace from which we could enjoy a beautiful view of Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. We could even recognise Promthep Cape and Nai Harn Windmill in the far south! The best spot to see the third bay is to stop at the restaurant on the way up. We never miss a chance to stop for lunch or a drink because we get a magnificent panorama of Karon Beach.
We got stunning bird views from the platform behind the Buddha statue on three large bays up there. Before that day, we always thought the bays of Kata and Chalong were far from each other. Facing the statue is Chalong Bay, and beyond it, you will even see Phang Nga Bay when the sky is clear!
The site has become a tourist attraction and can be busy on some days of the high season, but it is imposing and worth a photo. When it gets too busy, we sometimes enjoy other modest but beautiful temples with Buddha statues, like the golden sitting Buddha of Wat Kao Rang or the reclining Buddha of Wat Sri Sunthorn, which is more humble.
The Temple
On the way down, we walked through a temple where monks sit all day to give blessings and hold occasional ceremonies, mostly for locals. Here too, we often donate money to the temple and buy amulets. This place also serves as a museum narrating the history of the Big Buddha construction. You can purchase snacks and drinks all along the way, but no alcohol is allowed.
Is there a dress code at Phuket Big Buddha?
There is a dress code to visit Phuket Big Buddha: Sleeveless shirts, too-short pants or skirts above the knee are not authorised, so if you wear short skirts or shorts, they will hand you a free sarong and ask you to wear it. While it is a popular tourist attraction, it is also an active temple with monks, so remember to dress appropriately and try not to speak too loudly, as we often hear people unfortunately do, especially for social media. Security will check your attire at the path entrance leading to the temple.
When was Phuket Big Buddha built?
Phuket Big Buddha started in 2002, when the foundation stone was laid by General Phijit Kulawanich, Privy Councilor, on May 22, 2002. The official name is ‘Phraphutthamingmongkhol-akenagakhiri Buddha’, meaning’ Happiness on top of Nakerd Mountain’.
The statue was built with people’s donations and is still under construction. If you want to help finish the building, you can sponsor a white marble piece for 300 or 1,000 baht, depending on the tile’s size. The statue of Lord Buddha and the beautiful staircase are complete now, but some areas under the statues are still under construction.
How to Get to Phuket Big Buddha?
Most tour agencies and tuk-tuks in Phuket can take you to the Big Buddha, and the entrance is free. If you prefer to drive, the Big Buddha is at the top of Nakkerd Hill near Chalong, south of Phuket Island. We follow the many road signs on the way to Chalong Circle, coming from Phuket Town. The road to the Buddha is hard to miss and is not far from Wat Chalong.
The small winding road off Chaofa West Road leads to the site and is in good condition but can be tricky on the way down, so even though we are experienced driers in Phuket, we always drive down carefully. There are several ways to visit the Big Buddha of Phuket: ride your rented car or motorbike, use a tuk-tuk to go up there and ask him to wait for you, join a half-day tour, or even an ATV tour. There is also a trail from Karon Beach to the site, which is quite a hike.
The road to the statue is well-paved and easy to ride despite many curves; however, as mentioned earlier, we drive slowly and carefully on the way down. Once at the top of the hill, we always find ample and well-organised parking. As we approach the site, a security officer always checks our attire. If your shorts or skirts are too short, you must wear a sarong, provided for free, but we are used to it and always wear knee-length shorts.
Phuket Big Buddha Hike
We walked to Phuket Big Buddha through a relatively easy hillside path opposite Baan Karon Resort on Patak Road in Karon Beach. The climb is only 2.5 kilometres on Google map and 1 Kilometre if we believe the boulder in the photo below. It took us about an hour with rest breaks. The hike is moderately challenging.
One short section is steep and slippery and we had to use the ropes installed for this purpose. Climbing to the Big Buddha site is not recommended if you have a heart condition or lack physical exercise. The dirt road is now wide and well-cleaned, but some parts are still narrow, and we found it relatively steep. Read more about hikes to Big Buddha.
Where to Stay Near Phuket Big Buddha
There are no hotels near the Big Buddha, but you will find a few nice places near the bottom of the hill, including some luxury hideaways and villas.
 5-star hotel - Score: 8.8 Distance from Big Buddha: 5 km |  3-star hotel - Score: 8.5 Distance from Big Buddha: 4 km |  3-star hotel - Score: new Distance from Big Buddha: 4 km |
Where to Eat Near Big Buddha?
360 Panorama
More photos of Phuket Big Buddha
Information
Phuket Big Buddha 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 Tee shirts
Admission: Free
Built: 2004
Official name: Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri
Height: 45 m
This story was first published on June 6, 2012 – more about the Big Buddha of Phuket on Wikipedia.
Phuket Big Buddha Map
Open this map on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/QfuQU3YyHwX2JrTR6.
