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Phuket’s most iconic landmark

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Big Buddha Phuket access is closed to the public.

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’ list, and we never miss a chance to drive up there to admire it and pay respect.

Big Buddha Phuket

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 2004 to become what is now the most iconic site in Phuket.

The Big Buddha of Phuket and the 94 steps that lead to the statue

Before we go further in this story, please remember that Big Buddha Phuket is a religious site, so please avoid wearing too short clothes and act respectfully when taking photos and selfies! Just think about 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

 

Is there a dress code at Big Buddha Phuket?

Dress code to visit Phuket Big Buddha
Dress code to visit Phuket Big Buddha: Sleeveless shirts, too-short pants, or skirts above the knee are not authorised,

There is a dress code to visit Big Buddha Phuket: 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.

Visiting Big Buddha Phuket

Phuket Big Buddha from Above

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 for climbing 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.

Big Buddha Phuket

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.

The Big Buddha of Phuket with the completed staircase and two Nagas

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.

Kata Beach Panorama from  the viewpoint located in the back of the Big Buddha of Phuket

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!

Chalong Bay seen from Phuket Big Buddha.jpg

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

Monk praying at the temple located at the base of the Big Buddha of Phuket

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 construction of the Big Buddha. You can purchase snacks and drinks all along the way, but no alcohol is allowed.

When was Big Buddha Phuket 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 Construction of the Phuket Big Buddha

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 Big Buddha Phuket?

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, which is coming from Phuket Town. The road to the Buddha is hard to miss and is not far from Wat Chalong.

Driving to Phuket Big Buddha

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.

How to get to Phuket Big Buddha

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, which is provided for free, but we are used to it and always wear knee-length shorts.

Big Buddha Phuket Hike

The hike from Karon to Big Buddha is a 2.6 km steep walk
The hike from Karon to Big Buddha Phuket is a 2.6 km steep walk.

We walked to Big Buddha Phuket 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 that were 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 Big Buddha Phuket

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
Swimming Pools
: 1 (+pool villas)
Restaurants: 2
Distance from Patong: 17 km

3-star hotel - Score: 8.5

Distance from Big Buddha: 4 km
Swimming Pools
: 2
Restaurants: no
Distance from Patong: 16.6 km

3-star hotel - Score: new

Distance from Big Buddha: 4 km
Swimming Pools: 1
Restaurants: no
Distance from Patong: 17 km

Where to Eat Near Big Buddha?

Nakkerd Seaview Cafe, just before reaching the Big Buddha Phuket
Nak-Kerd Seaview Cafe is a small restaurant with a superb panoramic view of Karon Beach. The place is simple, partly made of thatched roofs and bamboo tables, which adds a lot of charm to a simple lunch or dinner after you visit the Big Buddha of Phuket. Nak-Kerd is the name of the immense hill ... Read More
Thai Gallery and Coffee Bar near Big Buddha in Phuket
Thai Gallery and Coffee Bar is a small open-air café and restaurant set on the hillside near the Big Buddha in Chalong. Its entry has an artistic touch, with beautiful carved wooden panels lining the front roof and columns and several paintings hanging in the small gallery just off to the side ... Read More
Star Mountain Cafe on the hill leading to Phuket Big Buddha
Star Mountain Cafe is another tiny open-air restaurant where we occasionally stop for the sweeping views of the bay of Karon below. The cafe is located just before arriving at the Big Buddha and serves drinks and simple Thai food ... Read More

360 Panorama

 

More photos of Big Buddha Phuket

Information

Big Buddha Phuket 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.

Big Buddha Phuket Map

Open this map on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/QfuQU3YyHwX2JrTR6.

Phuket Attractions Directory

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Kata Noi Beach ⛱️

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Karon Beach ⛱️ ​

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Phuket 101

Phuket 101

Phuket 101 Blog shares 30 years of Phuket exploration and thousands of photos, tips and secrets. This travel guide is written from our real experiences: we tried and visited every place, and we paid for almost everything, which allows us to keep our honest opinions. Phuket 101 was born in January 2011.View Author posts