Big Buddha is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Phuket, sitting at the top of the Nakkerd Hills.
There are, in fact, two Buddha images. A smaller one, 12 metres high, is made of 22 tons of brass .It is dwarfed by the giant Buddha image facing eastward toward Chalong Bay and Phang Nga Bay beyond. The Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha – to give it its official name – is 45 metres high and 25 metres across at the base.It was built with donations from around the world. It’s located at the top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata Beach, and the view is spectacular. There are also several much smaller statues of Buddha and of revered monks.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy the 360 degree panorama from the viewing platform. The Buddha is an important religious monument, so visitors are asked to dress conservatively. Women should cover shoulders and knees. If you find yourself at the Buddha without suitable clothing though, don’t worry. The visitor’s centre is happy to lend you a sarong to wrap around your shoulders or waist.
Exploring the Big Buddha site takes up to around an hour, though you could spend a few hours here if you wished to just sit back and enjoy a bird’s eye view over southern Phuket.
Open Daily from Dawn to Dusk
Free Admission
