Phuket Big Buddha

Phuket most iconic landmark

The Phuket Big Buddha is a 45-metre-tall white marble statue visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. This impressive landmark is probably at the top of everyone’s ‘Must-Do in Phuket‘, and it is a jaw-dropping sight. The panoramic views from up there are breathtaking. Koh Samui always had a very popular Giant Buddha, and Phuket wanted to have a bigger one.

Phuket Big Buddha Video

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’, which 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 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 is complete now, but the sweeping staircase is still under construction.

Visiting the Big Buddha

The road to the statue is well paved and easy to ride despite many curves; however, drive slowly and carefully on the way down. You will find ample and well-organised parking when reaching the top of the hill. 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.

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!)

The panoramic views

You will get stunning bird views on three large bays up there. Before that day, I always thought they 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! A 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 there, you’ll get a magnificent panorama of Karon Beach.

The site has become a tourist attraction but is 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.

The temple

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 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 no dress code to visit Phuket Big Buddha. However 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. Security will check your attire at the path entrance leading to the temple. 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.

360 Panorama

Can you walk to Phuket Big Buddha?

You can walk 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 you believe the boulder in the photo below. The climb is not too steep, but 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 up, but some parts are still narrow and relatively steep.

You could also walk up the main road, but 5.7 kilometres from Chaofah Road would be much longer. On the bright side, you can stop at many panoramic bars and restaurants, but doing it with a motorbike is the most comfortable way, allowing you to take a break anytime you feel like it.

Where to eat nearby

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.

Address: Chaofa West Road, Soi Yod Santhan
Open: 9.30 am – 7 pm
Tel: 087 888 9207

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Star Mountain Cafe

Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Phone: 089 287 7577

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FAQs about the Big Buddha