Climb to the Famous Phuket Big Buddha
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Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter-tall white marble statue visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. It is probably at the top of everyone’s ‘Must-Do in Phuket‘, and for a good reason. The views from up there are breathtaking. Mostly built on people’s donation in 2004, Big Buddha Phuket is still under construction. If you feel like doing something to help to finish the broad base of the Buddha, you can sponsor a piece of white marble for 300 to 1,000 baht depending on the size.
When reaching the top of the hill, you will find ample and well-organised parking. At the entrance of the path leading to the temple, security will check your attire. If you wear too short skirts or shorts, they might hand you a Sarong and ask you to wear it. All along the way, you can buy snacks and drinks, but of course, no alcohol.
A wide staircase was recently in front of the Buddha. Note that the stairs are only to climb up. There is way down on the side of the hill, and a security guard is sitting there all day to make sure people remember that. In case you wonder or worry, climbing the 94 steps is relatively easy (thank you to our reader Joni for counting them for us!)
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 is Chalong Bay and when the sky is clear, you will see all the way to 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 actually to stop at the restaurant on the way up. From up there you’ll get from there a magnificent panorama of Karon Beach.
It is a tourist attraction but it is also an active temple with monks, so remember to dress appropriately and not to speak too loud as we often hear, unfortunately. Koh Samui always had a very popular Giant Buddha, and it feels like Phuket wanted to have a bigger one. On the way down you will walk through and temple where people donate money for the construction, buy amulets and where monks hold occasional ceremonies. This place also serves as a museum narrating the history of the Big Buddha construction.
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.
How to get to Phuket Big Buddha
Just follow the many signs on the way to Chalong Circle. It would be hard to miss, and it is not far from Wat Chalong. The road leading to the site itself is now in good condition but can be tricky on the way down, drive carefully. See also 10 Viewpoints of Phuket.
Big Buddha Phuket Photos
Big Buddha Phuket
Location: Soi Yot Sane 1, Chaofa West Rd, Nakkerd hill near Chalong
Open: 6 am to 7.30 pm
Phone: 083 556 2242
Price: Free