BIG BUDDHA PHUKET

All about Big Buddha Phuket

Big Buddha Phuket is one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks. The immense white marble Buddha is located on the summit of Nakkerd Hill which gives you sweeping views across Phuket.
This popular attraction reopened to visitors on 3 March 2026 after being closed following the deadly landslide below Nakkerd Hill in August 2024. Current access remains subject to environmental and operational conditions. You should confirm the latest status during prolonged heavy rain or severe weather before planning a visit.
The proper name of Big Buddha Phuket is Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon Ek Nakkhiri. This enormous seated Buddha image is 45 metres high and 25.45 metres wide. The reinforced concrete statue is covered with white Burmese marble tiles, which give it a glowing appearance when sunlight reaches the hilltop.
On a clear day, you can look towards Chalong Bay, Phuket Town and the southern coastline, with more views towards Kata and Karon from other parts of the hill.
The Buddha sits in the Maravijaya posture with the right hand pointing towards the ground. This is commonly known as the “subduing Mara” or “calling the earth to witness” position and represents the Buddha’s victory over temptation before attaining enlightenment.
A smaller golden-coloured Buddha image stands near the main statue. The complex also contains religious images, shrines, bells, places for making merit and terraces overlooking different parts of Phuket.Although it is one of Phuket’s most popular tourist attractions, Big Buddha is an important Buddhist religious site. Take care and explore quietly and respectfully, particularly when monks, local residents or other worshippers are praying.

How to Explore Big Buddha Phuket

The lower visitor areas can be reached by vehicle, but the complex includes stairs, slopes and changing levels. Reaching the upper areas around the statue may be difficult for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
Carry plenty of drinking water, wear sun protection and take a small amount of cash for any donation or purchases from vendors. Food should not be consumed in worship areas.
Start at the lower visitor area, where you will see smaller Buddha images, shrines and other displays.
Continue towards the main staircase and if you look up at the statue from below you will appreciate its immense scale. A photograph taken from here and capturing the white marble against the sky will make an impressive image. Visiting on a clear day with a blue sky will create a striking contrast and make the brilliant white statue stand out. A clear day when the wind is slight will be needed if you wish to take panoramic shots out towards the town and bay area. Morning would be best before the wind picks up and creates a hazy view.
It's a very steep climb, so take the steps slowly, particularly during hot and humid weather. From the upper areas around the statue there are viewpoints to look across Chalong Bay, the green hills of southern Phuket and parts of the island’s coastline.
You may also be able to visit the areas where Buddhist teachings, religious objects or information about the monument are displayed if access is allowed on the day.
Walking down to the lower temple area, and if monks are present that day, you may have an opportunity to receive a traditional blessing. Sit respectfully, follow what the local worshippers do, and leave a contribution in the donation box if you wish.

How Long to Spend at Big Buddha Phuket

A quick visit will take about a half hour.
Allow about one hour or more for a relaxed visit. This provides enough time to see the main statue, visit the religious areas, enjoy the viewpoints and take photographs.
If you set aside two hours, then it will allow enough time to see everything, receive a blessing when available and see all of the smaller religious features around the complex.
If combining Big Buddha with Wat Chalong, allow approximately three hours for both attractions.

What to Wear at Big Buddha Phuket

Big Buddha Phuket is an active religious site, so modest clothing is required.
Cover shoulders and upper arms.
Wear trousers, a long skirt or shorts extending to approximately the knee.
Do not wear crop tops or revealing beachwear.
Remove shoes wherever signs or staff indicate.
Remove hats and sunglasses when entering enclosed worship areas.
Sarongs or coverings may be available near the entrance.
Avoid disrespectful poses of people when taking photos next to the Buddha images or other religious objects.

Best Time to Visit Big Buddha Phuket

The most comfortable periods are shortly after opening times and during the later afternoon when the heat and humidity is lower.
A morning visit between 9:00 am and 10:30 am gives you cooler temperatures, softer light and fewer large tour groups. Visibility may also be better before clouds and haze build over Phuket’s hills.
Late afternoon provides warmer photographic light and cooler conditions, but do not arrive too close to closing time because you may not be able to get that sunset picture because it often occurs after the attraction’s scheduled closing.
Midday is usually the hottest time to visit and would be best to avoid. The exposed terraces and white surfaces can reflect considerable heat towards you.
The clearest conditions are most common during Phuket’s drier months, approximately December to February.
After prolonged or intense rain, authorities may close access for safety reasons, so check that the site and approach road are open before visiting.

See below on how to get to Big Buddha Phuket, opening times, parking advice, and an interative map showing exact location.

Big Buddha Phuket Opening Times and Entry Fees

Big Buddha Phuket is open daily from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm
Hours may change on Buddhist holidays, during special ceremonies, in severe weather or while inspections and maintenance are taking place.
Entry is free, but a voluntary donation would be welcomed.
Flowers, incense and candles may be available for visitors who wish to make merit.

How to Get to Big Buddha Phuket

Big Buddha Phuket is located on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata in southern Phuket. The approach begins near Chao Fa West Road and continues uphill along a steep, winding route.
There is no regular public bus travelling directly to the summit. Most tourists arrive by taxi, ride-hailing service, hired car, scooter or organised island tour.

Approximate journey times from various starting points under moderate traffic conditions are listed below, but traffic can considerably increase during the morning and late-afternoon rush periods.
Chalong 15-25 minutes
Kata Beach 20-30 minutes
Karon Beach 25-35 minutes
Phuket Old Town 30-45 minutes
Patong Beach 40-60 minutes

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service

A taxi or ride-hailing service using the Grab app is the quickest and easiest option if you do not have your own transport and do not want to take an organised tour. Ask the driver to take you to “Big Buddha Phuket”. Ensure you arrange your return journey before travelling up the hill. Transport may not always be waiting at the summit, and some app-based drivers may be reluctant to climb the hill solely for a pickup. Asking the original driver to wait or agreeing on a round-trip price can be more convenient.

By Car or Scooter

Follow the mapped road from Chao Fa West Road rather than attempting an unofficial shortcut from Kata or Karon. Direction signs for Big Buddha are normally visible along the approved approach. See the interactive map below for exact location.
The final section is steep and contains bends, uneven areas and slow-moving tourist traffic. If you are using a hired scooter, only attempt the journey if if experienced, properly licensed and wearing a helmet. Extra care is required after rain, when the road may become slippery.

By Organised Tour

Many Phuket sightseeing tours combine Big Buddha with Wat Chalong, Karon Viewpoint, Promthep Cape and Phuket Old Town. This would be the safest and most convenient option for you if a first time visitor to Phuket. Check that Big Buddha is included as an actual stop rather than merely a distant viewpoint, and ask how much time the itinerary allows at the site.

Walking or Hiking

Hiking routes have previously approached the hill from the Kata and Karon sides. However, following the 2024 landslide and the introduction of controlled visitor boundaries, tourists should not use unofficial forest paths or enter restricted land.
Only attempt a walking route if it is officially open and local authorities or site staff have confirmed that access is permitted and safe.

Is Parking Available at Big Buddha Phuket?

Parking is available near the entrance for cars and scooters. Parking is usually free, although spaces and vehicle movements may be controlled.
Use only the designated parking area and follow instructions from attendants. Parking can become busy when tour groups arrive, on Buddhist holidays and during the cooler late afternoon period.