Big Buddha Phuket
Big Buddha Phuket
Big Buddha Phuket sits at the summit of the Nakkerd hills, above Chalong Bay in the south of the island. The seated figure stands 45 metres tall and is finished in white marble, which catches the light and makes it visible from much of southern Phuket. It is one of the most visited landmarks on the island, and the climb to reach it is as much a part of the trip as the statue itself.
Where Big Buddha Phuket is
The statue stands on a ridge between Chalong and Kata, reached by a single winding road that climbs through forest from the Chalong side. The hilltop is open and exposed, which is why the views carry so far, and why shade is scarce once you are up there. It is one of the higher accessible points on the island and a fixture on most lists of things to do in Phuket
Getting to Big Buddha Phuket from Cape Panwa
From Cape Panwa the route runs west around Chalong Bay before turning inland and climbing the hill road. Most visitors drive, take a taxi or book a car through their hotel. The final stretch is steep and narrow with tight bends, so it suits a car rather than a scooter for anyone not used to riding on hills.
What to wear at Big Buddha Phuket
Big Buddha is an active place of worship, so the same dress code applies as at any Buddhist temple in Thailand. Shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Sleeveless tops, short shorts and short skirts are not appropriate, and shoes are removed before entering the shrine areas. Wraps are usually available at the entrance for visitors who arrive uncovered, but bringing your own light layer is easier, particularly in the middle of the day when the hilltop is hot and there is little shade.
The view from the top
The reason most people make the climb is the panorama. From the platform around the base the view runs a full 360 degrees across Phuket Town, Kata, Karon and the whole sweep of Chalong Bay, with the islands offshore visible on a clear day. It is one of the broadest views available anywhere on the island. For a quieter outlook closer to the resort, the Phuket Viewpoints around Cape Panwa look east across the bay instead.
The best time to go
Early morning is the most comfortable time to visit. The air is cooler, the light is soft and the car park is far emptier than it becomes by mid-morning. Late afternoon brings the warmest light for photographs and the clearest air after the heat of the day has settled, though it is also the busiest stretch. The middle of the day is the hardest going: the hilltop is fully exposed and the marble reflects a great deal of heat.
Visibility is best in the dry months, when the haze clears and the islands offshore come into view. During the rainy season cloud can sit on the ridge and close the view down entirely, sometimes within the space of an hour.
FAQs about Big Buddha Phuket
Q: Where is Big Buddha Phuket?
A: On the Nakkerd hills above Chalong Bay, on a ridge between Chalong and Kata in the south of the island.
Q: How tall is Big Buddha Phuket?
A: The seated figure is 45 metres tall and finished in white marble, visible from much of southern Phuket.
Q: What should I wear at Big Buddha Phuket?
A: Shoulders and knees covered, for men and women alike, as at any Buddhist temple in Thailand. Shoes are removed before entering the shrine areas, and wraps are usually available at the entrance.
Q: How do I get to Big Buddha Phuket from Cape Panwa?
A: Drive or take a taxi west around Chalong Bay, then turn inland onto the hill road. The last stretch is steep and winding, so a car is easier than a scooter.
Q: What can you see from Big Buddha Phuket?
A: A 360-degree view across Phuket Town, Kata, Karon and Chalong Bay, with the offshore islands visible on a clear day.
