Phuket Big Buddha

Phuket most iconic landmark

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 is jaw-dropping. The panoramic views from up there are breathtaking. Koh Samui always had a very popular Giant Buddha, and Phuket wanted a bigger one. In addition, it is free to visit the Big Buddha.

Phuket Big Buddha Video

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Visiting the Big Buddha

A sweeping staircase leads to the Buddha statues. 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!)

 

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.

Panoramic View of Kata and Chalong

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!

The site has become a tourist attraction but is imposing and worth a photo of. 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?

The Big Buddha is at the top of Nakkerd Hill near Chalong, south of Phuket Island. Follow the many signs on the way to Chalong Circle. It would be 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; drive carefully. There are several ways to visit the Big Buddha of Phuket: you can ride your own 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 join an ATV tour. There is also a trail to hike from Karon Beach to the site, but that is quite a hike.

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Daytrip Tours Including Big Buddha

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Self Driving

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.

 

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Phuket Big Buddha Hike

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. It takes about an hour with rest breaks. The hike is moderately challenging. One short section is steep and slippery and needs to use the ropes. 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. Read more

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.

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.

The seven Buddha postures for each day of the week

At the base of the immense white Buddha statues are many smaller golden statues, each in a different posture. If you walk around you will notice that each statue is associated with a day of the week and symbolize distinct facets of serenity and enlightenment.

Read about Buddha postures

360 Panorama

What to Do Nearby?

ATV

ATV is another popular way to visit Phuket’s Big Buddha and admire the surrounding landscapes. You will drive through rugged terrains and forests, and discover hidden gems along the way. These ATV tours offer a fun adventure where you can experience Phuket from a different angle. Once your ATV experience is over, you can park near the Big Buddha and walk a short distance to this iconic landmark. It’s affordable and easy and a guide will always accompany you along the way.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong in Phuket is the most visited Buddhist temple, renowned for its size and reverence. Historical accounts suggest that it was constructed in the early 19th century, precisely in 1837. Standing tall on the temple premises is a 60-meter chedi that safeguards a sacred bone relic of Lord Buddha. The temple’s walls and ceilings are adorned with exquisite paintings portraying key events from Buddha’s life, while each floor is adorned with generously donated, majestic golden statues.

Read More!

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 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. Read more

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

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Star Mountain Cafe

Star Mountain Cafe is another tiny open-air restaurant with sweeping views of the bay of Karon below. The cafe is located just before arriving at the Big Buddha and serves drinks and good simple Thai food.

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

More photos

Information

 

More places to visit in and around Phuket

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FAQs about the Big Buddha

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