If you’re travelling to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, then you shouldn’t miss a visit to Big Buddha Phuket. This iconic landmark is revered by the Thai people and is an impressive sight. Standing tall at 45 metres high, it towers over the surrounding countryside.
Why Visit Big Buddha in Phuket
Whilst Thailand has some incredible luxury retreats, there’s a strong spiritual side to the island. The majority of Thais follow Buddhism and visiting a holy site such as Big Buddha will help you to understand their culture. It’s also a nice change from sunbathing and Phuket nightlife.
Getting to Big Buddha
The site is around 10 kilometres from Phuket Town. It’s too far to walk but there are a few options to get there. A group tour is a good way to see the Big Buddha and you’ll learn a lot about the historical importance of the monument.
Alternatively, book a taxi for a few hours or a one-way taxi and take your chances finding one for the return when you’ve finished your visit. You could combine your trip with a visit to Phuket Night Market or other nearby sights.
However we don’t recommend taking a one-way taxi as phone reception can be patchy on the hill. There are often a few taxis waiting at the site to take visitors back but you really can’t count on it.
We also don’t recommend hiring a car to visit Big Buddha as there is very limited parking at the site and in the surrounding area. If you do decide to hire one, follow the signs from route 4021 to Nakkerd Hills, Chaofa West Road near Chalong. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Phuket or a 50 minute drive from Patong.
When to Visit Big Buddha
If you prefer to see Big Buddha when it’s less crowded then we’d suggest going at sunrise as it gets quite busy at sunset. All Buddhas face East and therefore if you go in the morning there will hopefully be blue sky behind the statue.
The site opens at 6 am and it’s particularly peaceful at this time. For those visiting at sunset, try to arrive by around 6.30 pm.
How to Dress Appropriately for Phuket Big Buddha
All visitors should ensure that their shoulders are covered and that their clothing covers their knees. Out of respect, avoid wearing t-shirts with provocative slogans.
It’s possible to borrow a sarong free of charge at the entrance to the temple. The most appropriate outfits are long dresses with covered sleeves, skirts or trousers with a long sleeved top.
Highlights of Big Buddha Phuket
Outside the temple there are many interesting sights to see. In the Sala of Faiths, you’ll find information boards telling you more about Buddhism and Big Buddha. The monument’s official Thai name is the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha.
Construction of the main Phuket Big Buddha monument was completed in 2004. It’s built from concrete, covered with Burmese white jade marble.
However some elements such as a 999 step staircase are still being built. Visitors can help contribute to the building costs and site maintenance by several means.
There are donation boxes as well as a stall in front of the temple selling tiles and golden metal hearts. They are sold for a few bahts and visitors then write a message on them before attaching them to a tree.
There is also a smaller brass Buddha statue behind the main one, which looks like gold as it glitters in the sun. On the temple’s exterior walls there are some impressive small golden Buddhas.
Before entering the temple itself, take off your shoes outside and make sure not to point your feet in the direction of Buddha. Inside the temple there are frequent religious ceremonies. What strikes many visitors is how close you can get to the holy monks.
There’s no separation as you’ll often find in some religious ceremonies. Visitors are free to mingle with the monks though obviously not to disturb them as they go about their religious service.
You’ll also notice the Buddhist chanting during the services. It’s a melodic and uplifting sound.
Back outside, there are panoramic 360° views over the surrounding countryside and towards Chalong Bay and Kata Bay.
Practical Information for Visiting Big Buddha
Opening hours: from 6 am to 7.30 pm daily
WC: on your way out from the site, halfway down the stairs
Refreshments: there are no refreshment points on site but there are some restaurants on Nakkerd Hill
Souvenirs: bear in mind that for Buddhists, it’s considered wrong to use Buddha as decoration or as a tattoo. For this reason, you won’t find any Buddha figurines to purchase as souvenirs at Big Buddha Phuket. It’s far more appropriate to help with the construction of the temple.
Where to Stay near Big Buddha Temple
Cape Panwa is a luxury hotel that’s just 38 minutes drive from Big Buddha. Leonardo di Caprio stayed here when he was filming The Beach nearby.
There are two swimming pools, a stylish lobby and spacious guest bedrooms. Enjoy a traditional Thai massage at the in-house spa.
Famous Buddhists
Did you know that Fabien Barthez, Herbie Hancock, Jet Li, Kate Bosworth, Leonard Cohen, Orlando Bloom, Richard Gere, Sharon Stone, Tiger Woods and Tina Turner are all Buddhists? It’s estimated that there are around 500 million practising Buddhists worldwide, representing approximately 10% of the world’s population.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Big Buddha Phuket
Whether you’re island hopping in Thailand, discovering hidden gems on the Andaman Coast or having a beach stay in Phuket, a visit to Big Buddha will leave you inspired.
