Phuket Big Buddha

When was Phuket Big Buddha built?

Phuket Big Buddha started in 2002 as the foundation stone was laid by General Phijit Kulawanich, Privy Councilor on May 22, 2002. The official name is ‘Phraphutthamingmongkhol-akenagakhiri Buddha’ that translates as “Happiness on top of Nakerd Mountain”.

The statue is built with people’s donations and is still under construction. If you want to help finish the construction, you can sponsor a white marble piece for 300 or 1,000 baht, depending on the tile’s size. At this time the Buddha is complete, but the sweeping staircase is still under construction.

Visiting Phuket Big Buddha

The road to the statue is well paved and easy to ride despite many curves, drive slowly and carefully on the way down. When reaching the top of the hill, you will find ample and well-organised parking. As you approach the site, a security officer will check your attire, and if your shorts or skirts are too short, you will be required to wear a sarong, provided for free.

A recently added sweeping staircase now leads to the Buddha monument. Note that the stairs are only to climb up; you are not allowed to walk them down. There is a separate way down on the hillside, and a security guard sitting there all day makes sure people respect this rule. Don’t worry if you forgot to take your photos and selfies the first time as it’s easy to go back on the way out.

In case 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!)

The panoramic views

From up there you will get some pretty stunning bird view on three large bays. Before that day, I always thought they were far from each other. Directly in front of the Big Buddha in Chalong Bay and when the sky is clear, you will even see Phang Nga Bay! Few steps to the west, another short staircase will take you to a terrace from which you’ll get a beautiful view of Kata Bay and Kata Noi Bay. You might even recognise Promthep Cape and even Nai Harn Windmill. The best spot to see the third bay is to stop at the restaurant on the way up. From up there you’ll get from there a magnificent panorama of Karon Beach.

The Big Buddha of Phuket is a site to visit. It has become a bit of a tourist attraction, but it is indeed imposing and worth a photo. If you prefer more modest but beautiful temples, the sitting Buddha of Wat Kao Rang or the reclining Buddha of Wat Sri Sunthorn is more humble.

On the way down, you will walk through a temple where monks sit all day to give blessings and hold occasional ceremonies, mostly for local visitors. Here too, people donate money for the temple and buy amulets. This place also serves as a museum narrating the history of the Big Buddha construction. All along the way, you can purchase snacks and drinks, but of course, no alcohol is allowed.

Is there a dress code at Phuket Big Buddha?

The Giant Buddha of Phuket is a tourist attraction, but it is also an active temple with monks, so remember to dress appropriately and try not to speak too loudly as we often hear. At the entrance of the path leading to the temple, security will check your attire. Sleeveless shirts, too short pants or skirt 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.

Nak Kerd Seaview Panoramic Restaurant

On the way up or down, don’t miss a chance to stop at one of the many panoramic restaurants for snacks or drinks. Enjoy a Thai lunch at Nak Kerd Seaview Cafe with a beautiful view of Karon Beach, or even just a coffee, a soft drink or a beer, the birdview is worth the photo.