When you visit Phuket for a vacation, you might not want to spend all your time on the beach; you may also want to explore the many attractions the island offers. In this article, we discuss the island’s main shrine – the Phuket Big Buddha statue – a revered landmark for locals. We’ll explain how to reach the statue on your own and share some interesting facts. Let’s take it step by step.
Attraction Information
Address: Chalong, Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83130, Thailand 
Working Hours: Open daily 
Ticket Price: Free 
Photo Allowed? Yes 
Historical Info: Completed in 2008, the Big Buddha is a prominent landmark in Phuket, symbolizing peace and prosperity, and offering panoramic views of the island. 
Guide / Excursion Info: No official guides, informational plaques available 
Recommended Visit Time: Early morning or late afternoon 
Accessibility:
Partially 
Parking Availability:
Limited 
Public Transport Options: Accessible via taxi or motorbike from Phuket town
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A Little Bit of History
The Big Buddha in Phuket first appeared in 2002 – or more precisely, that was the year construction began. With over 10 years of history, it has become a longstanding landmark on the island.
This statue is located on Mount Nagakerd (Nagakerd), which is in the Kata area. The Big Buddha is not merely a towering statue; it forms part of an extensive temple complex with multiple levels and its own temple. Interestingly, the original plan was to build a temple on the mountain, but as the project evolved, the idea of constructing the Big Buddha emerged.
Why Mount Nagakerd? According to Buddhist legend, Buddha once meditated here at night, and local residents claimed to have witnessed a divine radiance emanating from the mountain—a tale passed down through generations.
Although excursions to the Big Buddha have been regularly organized for some time, the site is still technically ‘under construction.’ Ongoing work continues due to a lack of sufficient funds, as all the money for the Phuket Big Buddha Temple is derived from donations by the government, private investors, and ordinary tourists.
In addition to the Buddhist legend, many guides share that the Buddha statue was built in honor of the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in 2016.
Complex Structure
The Big Buddha temple complex in Phuket is divided into three levels:
- The main surrounding area (including parking and space for souvenir stalls and food carts).
- The temple building and its adjacent grounds.
- The Big Buddha statue itself.
The main surrounding area includes a parking lot and space for numerous souvenir stalls and food carts.
On the second level, you will find a room where you can briefly learn about the history of the monument, described on special posters. In addition to its historical significance, the complex features a meditation hall where visitors can seek enlightenment. If you’re new to meditation, an improvised tutorial is available to help you learn some simple poses.
There are also numerous objects here related to Buddhism and the temple itself.
Many tourists visit the statue to receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk, who ties a bracelet around the wrist of anyone who wishes to receive one. This bracelet is believed to bring good luck. The monk begins his ‘work’ at 9 AM in the temple.
In fact, this bracelet is a kind of protective talisman, and it is believed that if it breaks, it signifies a misfortune that was meant to happen but was warded off by the bracelet.
Another version suggests that when the bracelet breaks, the wish you made has come true.
How to get such a talisman:
- First, you need to stand in line (yes, there are indeed many people, and during the high season you can spend an hour in line).
- Remove your shoes.
- Kneel down and move toward the monk on your knees.
- Extend your arm (women — left arm, men — right arm).
- Receive a portion of “holy” water.
- Leave, but you may leave a 100-baht offering if you wish (the offering is not mandatory).
Additionally, on the second level you can make a wish for yourself or your loved ones by writing it on a special tile, which will later be installed on the facade of the statue. The price for a large tile is 300 baht, and for a small one — 100 baht. You’ll find these tiles displayed on a table, you can’t miss them.
You can also make a wish by throwing 37 coins (any denomination, as long as there are 37 coins) into special bowls, corresponding to the number of bowls—37.
Here, on the second level, there are several viewing platforms offering stunning views of the entire island of Phuket, as the mountain is 400 meters high. From here, you can see not only the sea and the island’s coastline, but also some remote islets.
Such a view opens from the observation deck
The third level is the Big Buddha itself, and you can also go inside it.
Important: according to Thai traditions, you may ascend to the statue barefoot. Don’t show your ignorance by acting like an ill-mannered stranger. Remove your shoes before stepping onto the white tiles. Keep in mind that white tiles heat up significantly in the sun, so be prepared for a “hot” ascent. Many people take photos here with the Buddha in the background.
The monument’s height is 45 meters, and its width is 25 meters.
The Big Buddha is not alone on the mountain—there is a golden Buddha built nearby. It is much smaller than the main statue, measuring 12 meters. This statue was made in honor of the Queen of Thailand—Sirikit. Of course, the statue isn’t actually made of gold, though who knows…
In addition to these statues, many other statues of various sizes are installed around the complex, each with its own history.
Opening Hours
Official operating hours are from 6 AM to 7 PM. Note that this schedule applies to the souvenir stalls and food carts; the statue itself is not fenced, so in theory, you may visit after 7 PM.
The monk who ties the bracelets works from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Procedure
Entrance is free. However, a dress code is enforced within the temple grounds: visitors are not permitted to wear beachwear, shorts, miniskirts, or other revealing clothing (including short tops and T-shirts). If you do not have appropriate attire, you will be provided with a complimentary sarong, which you must return upon departure. The sarong allows you to cover your bare shoulders and extend the length of your skirt.
If you have nothing to replace the mentioned prohibited clothing with, nobody will force you out; instead, you will be offered a special cloth — a sarong, absolutely free of charge.
Naturally, you need to return it on your way back.
With the sarong, you can cover your bare shoulders and lengthen your skirt.
How to Get There
You can get to the Big Buddha in Phuket on your own in several ways:
- Taxi
- Tuk-tuk
- Rented transportation (motorbike or car)
- On foot
If traveling independently seems complicated, we recommend contacting a local tour office or booking an excursion online – many city sightseeing tours include a visit to the temple complex.
Tip: if you really want to get to know the local attractions, purchase a tour from a local tour office. If you buy a tour from a tour operator, you risk spending the day on endless visits to local shops and factories.
A great solution is to visit the Big Buddha as part of a private car tour!
If you had not planned on such expenses, you can consider a group tour, which is cheaper than hiring a private guide!
In general, a tour is the most optimal option if navigating an unfamiliar area isn’t your strong suit. But if you’re confident, use one of the routes we suggest.
Important: there is no public bus service directly to the Big Buddha!
How do you get to the Big Buddha in Phuket from the most popular parts of the island? If you are staying in Karon Beach, Kata Beach, or Patong Beach, look for a songthaew labeled “Big Buddha.” These are the ones traveling between the beach and the attraction.
Another option is a tuk-tuk. A little note: we recommend arranging a round trip with the driver because, by Murphy’s Law, when you’re ready to leave, there might be no free transport available.
The cost of the trip varies and depends on the distance. On average, it’s 500–600 baht, which is about the same price for a one-way taxi ride.
You don’t need to give an exact address because every Thai resident who lives on the island knows where the complex is located, especially as it’s visible from many places.
If you prefer a free life of traveling around the island at your own pace by renting a vehicle (car or motorbike), here’s the route:
If you opt to rent a vehicle, start from southern Phuket and drive to the Chalong Circle. Then, turn toward Phuket Town and follow the signs. The turn leading up the mountain is marked ‘Soi Jaofa’ or ‘Soi Yot Sane.’ Note that the ascent is long (about 6 km), and not every motorbike is suitable for the climb.
If you start from the north, turn right after Wat Chalong and then follow the same route described above.
The main thing is not to miss the turn to the ascent.
Along the way, be sure to visit the elephant farms—you can feed these gentle giants and take photos with them for a nominal fee of 100 THB.
In addition to elephants, you can rest during the ascent at roadside cafés or bars, which offer incredible views of the Big Buddha. You can take excellent photos and, of course, videos from here.
If you are traveling with a child, we do not recommend going to the Buddha on foot. However, if you have no kids, you are full of energy, and you have no medical contraindications for long walks, you can make a mini-pilgrimage, thus getting closer to Thai religion in your own way.
On-foot excursion
It’s no secret that walking is the most exhausting route among all those listed.
You’ll have to start on foot from Karon, as that’s where the walking trail is located. The landmark is the entrance to the Sea and Sky apartments, marked on the map.
Opposite the entrance, there’s a sign with a hand-painted direction. Once you pass it, you won’t get lost, as there are enough signs along the way.
We recommend starting the walk early in the morning, while it’s not too hot, otherwise you risk overheating. The way back is easier because it goes downhill, not uphill.
In summary, the Big Buddha temple complex in Phuket is well worth a visit at least once. Don’t forget to document your experience with photos and share your impressions in the comments – they are invaluable for fellow travelers still deciding on their next destination.
