Phuket is widely recognized for its breathtaking beaches and stunning natural wonders. While lounging poolside on any of their resorts or exquisite holiday villas, sunbathing on the best beaches of the area, pampering in any of their top spas, and experiencing the thrills of the area away from the beaches are usually on visitors’ itineraries, one iconic landmark on the island is worth a visit.
The Big Buddha is a gigantic statue on a hill in southern Phuket and provides jaw-dropping panoramic views of three different bays. With 95% of Thais practicing Buddhism, this island landmark is more than just a tourist site but a sacred place for locals and Buddhist practitioners, giving visitors a glimpse of Thai culture and tradition.
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What is the Big Buddha?
The Big Buddha is a 45-meter tall and 24.45-meter wide white Burmese marble statue at Nakkerd Hill in southern Phuket. It also has a working temple, with Buddhist monks and practitioners performing rituals and ceremonies.
The site was chosen due to the gorgeous panoramic views of southern Phuket and the bays below it. Construction of the statue began in 2004, inspired by a group of monks. They wanted to build the structure to symbolize peace in the region and help unite the people on the island.
The statue was created solely through donations from locals and visitors and was opened in 2010. As of June 2024, the base’s construction continues, and visitors can donate by buying tiles worth 300 to 1000 baht.
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Is There a Dress Code to Visit the Big Buddha?
For both men and women, no skin should be shown from the shoulder to the knees. You must avoid wearing low necklines, cropped tops, anything sleeveless, and any bottom above the knee. If you arrive at the site unprepared, sarongs can be purchased in the shops at the entrance.
How to Get to the Big Buddha?
The Big Buddha is relatively easy to reach, and many transportation options are available. Here are four ways to get there:
1. Private Car
A concierge from any of the luxury private villas in Phuket can arrange a private car and driver. Once you reach the top of the hill, the Big Buddha is just a few meters away.
2. Motorbike
For the adventurous, renting a motorbike can be a great way to get to the spot. Your private villa concierge can also arrange this for you.
3. Tuk Tuk
Hiring a tuk tuk, a traditional transportation method in Phuket, is also a great way to get to the Big Buddha. You can ask your villa concierge to arrange one for you.
4. Hiking Trail
There are two hiking trails to get to the Big Buddha. The Kata Beach trail is an 8-km, 400-meter climb, so it’s best for those with the fitness level to do the hike. The Karon Beach trail, however, is a shorter trail at only 2.5 km, and it’s a scenic hillside path that takes you through rubber farms and elephant camps.
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What to Expect?
Once you reach the site, security will check what you’re wearing, and if you need to cover up, there are sarongs you can buy to cover up. You will then enter, where you’ll find the temple, the seven golden Buddha statues in different poses, and about 100 steps to get to the base of the Big Buddha.
Once there, you’ll be rewarded with epic views of Chalong, Kata, and Kata Noi Bay. You may even see as far as Pha Nga Bay on clear days as this attraction is also one of the best viewpoints in Phuket.
The front staircase is only used for going up. When you go down, you’ll pass by the temple, where you will find monks performing rituals and ceremonies. This serves as a museum and gives you a glimpse of Buddhism and the history behind the statue’s construction. You can also perform rituals like lighting incense sticks, praying, offering flowers, or meditating.
You’ll spend about 30 minutes to an hour wandering around, checking out the statues, and admiring the temple. Monkeys are also found around the temple. Visitors are prohibited from feeding or engaging with them.
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When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Visiting the statue and temple is free of charge, and the area is open from 6 am to 7:30 p.m. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon at sunset. Regarding the best time of the year, November to February offers the most favorable climate in Phuket, with warm and dry weather.
Final Thoughts
Phuket is a tropical destination with more than sunny offerings. It is an island steeped in a rich culture and history, as evident in the Big Buddha’s representation of peace and spirituality for all of the island.
A testament to the true community spirit of Phuket, the Big Buddha is a must-visit for your next Thailand holiday, where sweeping views of the bay and a place to experience calmness and serenity are yours to discover.
Related article: Cultural Attractions in Phuket
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Featured Image by Darwis Alwan via Pexels
