Big Buddha Temple in Phuket

Big Buddha Temple (Big Buddha Phuket) is one of the most famous landmarks in Phuket and one of the island’s main symbols. The massive 45-meter-tall Buddha statue sits on top of Nakkerd Hill, between Chalong and Kata, offering breathtaking panoramic views over southern Phuket, the Andaman Sea, and surrounding beaches.

The Big Buddha is visible from many parts of the island and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It is both a sacred Buddhist temple and a major sightseeing viewpoint, making it one of the most important spiritual and cultural landmarks in Phuket.

Where is the Big Buddha in Phuket

The temple is located on Nakkerd Hill in the southern part of Phuket Island. Distances from popular tourist areas:

• Patong – around 17 km
• Karon – around 11 km
• Kata – around 8 km
• Chalong – around 6 km

The road to the temple goes through a scenic mountain route with jungle views and several viewpoints along the way.

History of the Big Buddha

Construction of the Big Buddha began in 2004, funded by donations from locals and tourists. The main statue is made of white Burmese marble and symbolizes peace, harmony, and spiritual growth.

Nearby stands a smaller golden Buddha statue dedicated to Queen Sirikit.

Today, the complex remains an active religious site visited by both pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.

What to see at Big Buddha Temple

During your visit, you can experience:

• The 45-meter Big Buddha statue
• Panoramic views over Phuket Island
• Temple grounds and meditation areas
• “Wish” bells
• Monk statues and Buddhist shrines
• Viewpoints overlooking Chalong Bay, Kata, and Karon beaches

On clear days, visibility stretches for dozens of kilometers, making it one of the best viewpoints in Phuket.

How to get to the Big Buddha

There are several ways to reach the temple:

By scooter or car

The most popular option. It takes around 15–40 minutes from most beach areas in Phuket.

By taxi

Taxis and private transfers are available from anywhere on the island. Many visitors combine Big Buddha with a Phuket sightseeing tour.

Ride-hailing apps such as inDrive and Bolt are commonly used.

With a tour

Most island sightseeing tours include the Big Buddha along with Wat Chalong Temple, viewpoints, and Phuket Old Town.

Entrance fee

Entry to the Big Buddha complex is free, but donations are appreciated for the maintenance and development of the site.

Rules and access conditions may change, so it’s recommended to check updates before visiting.

Temple rules and dress code

As this is an active religious site, visitors are required to dress respectfully:

• Shoulders and knees must be covered
• No revealing or beachwear clothing
• Quiet and respectful behavior is expected

Cover-ups are sometimes available at the entrance.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon before sunset. Temperatures are cooler and the views are especially beautiful.

The high season from November to April offers the best weather conditions for sightseeing.

Places to visit near Big Buddha

After visiting the temple, many tourists explore nearby attractions in southern Phuket:

• Wat Chalong Temple
• Karon Viewpoint
• Phuket Old Town
• Kata and Karon beaches
• Chalong Bay

These places are often combined into a full-day island tour.

Is Big Buddha Phuket open now?

The Big Buddha Temple was temporarily closed in August 2024 following a tragic landslide in the area. The incident led to a major safety inspection and reconstruction work on the hillside.

After a long period of restrictions and phased reopening, access to the main area has now been restored.

As of March 2026, the Big Buddha Phuket is officially open to visitors again. The site is welcoming tourists, although some maintenance and improvement works are still ongoing.

Is it worth visiting Big Buddha Phuket?

Yes - Big Buddha is one of the must-visit attractions in Phuket. It offers a unique combination of cultural experience, spiritual atmosphere, and some of the best panoramic views on the island.

If you are visiting Phuket for the first time, Big Buddha should definitely be included in your itinerary.