The Big Buddha in Phuket is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks.
The Big Buddha in Phuket is a landmark that has become synonymous with the island.
It is located on the top of Nak-Kerd Hill, near Chalong, on the island’s southern end, and you can see it from all over the southern part of the island.
What to see at the Big Buddha?
In addition to the statue and the breathtaking view, there are several other things to see at the Phuket Big Buddha. The temple grounds surrounding the figure are beautifully landscaped and offer plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection and contemplation.
The history of the Big Buddha
Construction of the 150-foot (45 meters) tall Buddha statue began in 2004 and is still ongoing. The statue is made from reinforced concrete and covered in beautiful white Burmese marble.
The purpose of the Big Buddha is to honor His Majesty the King of Thailand and be a symbol of peace and unity for all visitors to Phuket. The statue is formally named Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri, meaning “the Buddha of the hill that brings great prosperity and good fortune.”
Donations from both locals and tourists funded the statue’s construction, and the surrounding area has since become an active temple where visitors can pay their respects and offer prayers.
The white marble symbolizes purity and serves as a reminder of the importance of inner peace and self-reflection.
The temple’s ongoing construction is a testament to the dedication and generosity of the Thai people because their donations entirely fund it.
If you want to help, you can find the donation box near the entrance and are welcome to contribute to the ongoing construction.
The temple has a small shop that sells souvenirs and religious items, and the profit also helps fund the temple.
What to wear, when you visit the Big Buddha in Phuket.
The Phuket Big Buddha is a popular tourist attraction and an active temple, so it’s essential to dress appropriately when visiting. As a sign of respect, you should dress modestly and avoid wearing short skirts or revealing clothing.
Luckily, the temple provides a solution if you forgot to put on proper clothes. You can borrow a free sarong to put on before entering the temple grounds. The sarongs are available at the entrance to the temple, and temple staff will be happy to help you to put it on if needed, can be tricky first time.
While the sarong is a great option for those who may have yet to dress appropriately, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and wear respectful and modest clothing. Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is ideal.
You’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes as you climb several stairs to reach the statue.
In summary, when visiting the Phuket Big Buddha, it’s important to dress respectfully and modestly. Avoid wearing short skirts or revealing clothing, and opt for loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
What to see nearby the Big Buddha in Phuket:
There are several other attractions to see nearby the Big Buddha in Phuket. One of the most popular nearby attractions is the Wat Chalong temple, just a short drive away. Wat Chalong is one of the most important temples on the island and is famous for its beautiful architecture and intricate decorations.
Another popular attraction near the Big Buddha is the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a great place to see elephants in their natural habitat and learn about their history and conservation efforts. In addition, you can observe the elephants as they roam freely, feed them, and even help bathe them.
The Phuket Old Town is just a short drive away for those interested in cultural activities. This historic district is home to many Sino-Portuguese buildings and offers a glimpse into Phuket’s rich history and culture.
Finally, the beaches of Kata and Karon are just a short drive away if you look for some relaxation after visiting the Big Buddha. These beaches offer pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
In summary, several other attractions are nearby the Big Buddha in Phuket, including the Wat Chalong temple, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, the Phuket Old Town, and the beaches of Kata and Karon.
So whether you’re interested in culture, history, nature, or relaxation, there’s something nearby to suit everyone’s interests.
Gallery big Buddha Phuket
How to get to the Big Buddha
To get to the Big Buddha in Phuket, you can start from different locations depending on where you stay. Some of the most popular ways to reach the Big Buddha are by taking a taxi or hiring a private driver to drive you there.
The Big Buddha is located in Chalong, in the southern part of Phuket island. You can expect a 45-minute drive from Patong to reach the Big Buddha. If you are coming from Phuket Town, reaching the Big Buddha will take around 30 minutes.
Once you arrive in Chalong, you must head towards the Wat Chalong temple. The Big Buddha is located on a hilltop next to Wat Chalong, so you can walk up the stairs or take a shuttle to reach the top.
But if you walk, be prepared for a long hot walk up the steep winding road, wear good shoes and bring water.