The Phuket Big Buddha: Location, Timings & Things to See and Do

It is one of Thailand’s most famous religious sites and one of the most visited spiritual sites in southern Thailand. It is located high up on Nakkerd Hill and looks out over the southern coast of Phuket. This huge statue of a seated Buddha is 45 meters tall and made of reinforced concrete. It shines brightly in the tropical sun and stands for peace, purity, and faith. From miles away, you can see it. Its calm gaze is directed eastward towards Ao Chalong Bay, where it silently blesses the island below.

People from all over the world have come to see the statue since it was built in 2004. It has become a symbol of hope, unity, and devotion. The Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, which means “Happiness on Top of Nagakerd Mountain” in Thai, is a symbol of peace and enlightenment in the lush hills of Phuket.

History of The Phuket Big Buddha

The goal was to build a spiritual monument that would stand for the faith and unity of the people of Phuket and give future generations a place to meditate and think about what is right and wrong. The building process officially began in 2004, and all of the money came from donations from people who lived there and people who visited. The total cost was about 30 million Thai Baht, which is about $950,000. The Thai Royal Forest Department gave the project the green light because it is in a protected area on Nakkerd Hill.

The statue was made with 50 ferroconcrete piers, each of which was buried up to 12 meters deep in the mountain to make sure it was stable. Then, more than 135 tonnes of white jade marble from Myanmar were brought in. This marble was chosen for its bright shine and symbolic purity.

Location, Directions and Timings

The Phuket Big Buddha is on Nakkerd Hill is in the Mueang District of Phuket, between the Chalong and Kata areas. It is about 400 meters above sea level and has great views of Chalong Bay, Kata, Karon, and parts of Phuket Town.

• From Phuket Town, the Big Buddha is about 17 kilometres (30 minutes) away. Take Chaofa West Road to Chalong Circle, then Soi Yod Sanae to Nakkerd Hill.
• It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Patong Beach. 
• By car, it takes about an hour and ten minutes (40 km) to get to the airport. 
• Taxis, tuk-tuks, and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt are all easy ways to get around. 

Open every day from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The best times to go are early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the weather is cooler and the light is beautiful.

Things to See and Do in The Phuket Big Buddha

• The Grand Seated Buddha: Of course, the best part is the 45-meter-tall seated Buddha statue. It shows the Buddha in the Maravichai (Subduing Mara) posture, which means he has overcome worldly temptations.
• Views of Phuket from all sides: The Big Buddha, which is on top of Nakkerd Hill, has one of the most beautiful 360-degree views on the island. On clear days, you can see Chalong Bay and its sparkling turquoise waters.
• The Smaller Temple Area and Golden Buddha: You will see a smaller golden Buddha and a number of shrines decorated with flowers, candles, and gifts before you get to the main marble statue. These places are better for prayer and meditation because they are more private.
• Area for Giving and Making Merit: Visitors are encouraged to take part in merit-making, a traditional Buddhist practice that is thought to bring good karma. 
• Chanting and meditation: There is a meditation hall and pavilion at the base of the statue where monks do their daily rituals and chanting. People can watch or take part in quiet meditation sessions.
• The Hill Walk: Some visitors who want to do something more exciting choose to hike or run up the steep road to the Big Buddha. This path is popular with fitness fans and Muay Thai fighters who train at Tiger Muay Thai Gym in Chalong.
• Cultural Knowledge and Good Fortune: Monks may bless visitors by tying white sacred strings (Sai Sin) around their wrists as a sign of protection and good luck.
• Stalls for souvenirs and snacks: There are small local stalls at the entrance that sell drinks, snacks, and souvenirs like Buddhist amulets, pendants, postcards, and tiny Buddha statues.
• The Peaceful Sound: One of the most memorable things about visiting the Big Buddha is the sounds. You can hear the gentle ringing of bells in the wind, the fluttering of prayer flags, and the distant murmur of monks chanting.

Tips before you visit

• Men and women must both cover their knees and shoulders.
• Don’t wear clothes that show too much skin, like shorts, crop tops or swimsuits.
• Visitors who need to cover up can get sarongs and scarves.
• You must take off your shoes before going into any prayer area or temple.
• Keep your voice down and don’t laugh loudly or act in a way that bothers others.
• Don’t sit or climb on statues of Buddha.
• Don’t point your feet at pictures of Buddha or monks.
• You can take pictures, but be careful when you pray or meditate.
• Don’t use flash in closed spaces or bother people who are praying.

FAQs about The Phuket Big Buddha