About Big Buddha
The Big Buddha of Phuket sits majestically atop Nakkerd Hill at 400 meters elevation, visible from much of southern Phuket. This 45-meter tall, 25-meter wide statue covered in white Burmese marble was completed in 2014 after years of construction funded entirely by donations. Beyond its spiritual significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage site, the location offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon, and Chalong Bay. The serene hilltop atmosphere provides a peaceful contrast to Phuket's busy beaches. Pair this stop with the Phuket guide and the wider Thailand overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
- Best time: Late afternoon (4-6 PM) for golden hour light and sunset views
- Avoid crowds: Early morning (6-8 AM) before tour groups arrive
- Midday caution: Extremely hot, little shade, marble reflects intense sunlight
- Plan: 1-2 hours for viewing statue, photos, exploring grounds
💰 Costs
- Entry fee: Free (donation-based)
- Donations encouraged: ฿100-500 ($3-14) supports maintenance
- Guided group tours: ฿800-1,200 ($23-35) per person with hotel pickup
- Private guide with transport: ฿2,500-4,000 ($72-115) up to 6 people
- Taxi from Patong: ฿600-800 ($17-23) each way or ฿1,200 round trip
- Engraved marble tiles: ฿1,000-10,000+ to sponsor construction tile with name
Donation boxes: Throughout site for ongoing construction. Guides arrange transport - road is steep and winding.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Cultural context: Explain Buddhist significance, mudra (hand position) meaning
- Transport: Difficult to reach without vehicle, guides include air-conditioned vans
- Best viewpoints: Know optimal photo spots and viewing times
- Combine attractions: Often paired with Wat Chalong temple, viewpoints on same route
- Respectful behavior: Ensure proper etiquette at active worship site
- Construction story: Explain 10+ year building project, ongoing work
✨ Don't Miss
- 🙏 Main Buddha statue: Circle around base to view from all angles and meditation halls
- 🌅 360° panoramic views: See Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay, even Phi Phi on clear days
- 🔔 Bell pavilion: Ring bells for good fortune (traditional Buddhist practice)
- 🗿 Smaller Buddha statues: Surrounding area with additional Buddhist imagery
- 📸 Sunset photography: Golden light on white marble creates stunning photos
- 🪷 Donation tiles: See engraved marble tiles from sponsors worldwide
- 🕊️ Peaceful atmosphere: Quiet reflection space away from beach crowds
📝 Practical Tips
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees - sarongs available free at entrance
- Remove shoes: Required on raised Buddha platform and meditation halls
- Bring sunscreen/hat: Exposed hilltop, intense sun, limited shade
- Windy conditions: Hilltop can be very windy - secure loose items, hats
- Steep drive: Winding mountain road with sharp turns - guides experienced on route
- Combine visit: 15 minutes from Wat Chalong, 20 minutes from Kata/Karon beaches
- Respectful photos: No posing inappropriately with Buddha - guides advise on etiquette