Big Buddha Phuket

The Big Buddha of Phuket is a 45-metre seated Maravija Buddha image clad in white Burmese marble on a reinforced concrete frame, positioned atop Nakkerd Hill at approximately 385 metres above sea level in the Karon subdistrict of Phuket. Construction began in 2004 with funding from public donations and temple lottery proceeds; work on secondary structures and surrounding terraces continues on an ongoing basis. The statue is visible from most of southern and central Phuket — from the sea near Chalong Bay, from Patong beach road, and from the hills above Kata — giving the island an unmistakable landmark that orientates travellers. The access road winds 4.5 kilometres up Nakkerd Hill from the main Chao Fa Road, ending at a broad hilltop platform with the statue at its centre. The platform is flanked by smaller statues of Guanyin (the Chinese goddess of mercy), seated monks, and bell towers. An indoor shrine at the base of the main statue contains a revered smaller Buddha image; shoes must be removed and silence is expected. From the terrace, the 360-degree panorama takes in Kata and Karon beaches to the west, Chalong Bay and Phuket Town to the north, Phang Nga Bay to the northeast, and on clear days the islands of Koh Phi Phi on the southeastern horizon. Wind at the summit can be significant, and the temperature is several degrees cooler than at beach level. Dress code applies: shoulders and knees must be covered; wraps are available near the entrance. Admission is free; donations are encouraged toward ongoing construction.