Phuket Giant Buddha Monument

Address: Khao Nakkerd, Chalong, Phuket 83130, Thailand

Website: https://www.phuketbigbuddha.com/

Hours: Daily 6am-7pm

Admission: Free (donations accepted)

The Phuket Giant Buddha is a large seated Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill in southern Phuket, Thailand, notable for its white marble cladding and visibility across much of the southern part of the island. The statue stands about 45 metres tall and is commonly referred to as the Big Buddha.

The hilltop complex includes the main marble-clad statue, shrine areas and open terraces that offer wide, unobstructed views over Phuket Town, Kata, Karon and Chalong Bay. Paths and viewing platforms circle the base and provide multiple vantage points for photography and island panoramas.

Construction was funded largely by donations and undertaken by local Buddhist organisations and volunteers; work began in the early 2000s and continued through the following decade with ongoing finishing and maintenance. The site functions as both a place of worship and a public viewpoint.

The monument sits on Nakkerd Hill between the Chalong and Kata areas of southern Phuket and is reachable by paved road; it is visible from many points across the southern part of the island.

• Dress and donations: Dress modestly when visiting; shoulders and knees should be covered in shrine areas and donation boxes are placed around the site to support upkeep.
• Best times to visit: Early morning or late afternoon visits reduce heat and improve light for views and photography across the island.

What to See#

• Main statue: The main seated statue rises to about 45 metres and is clad in white marble panels, forming the dominant element visible from surrounding areas.
• Base terraces and shrine: Base platform and shrine area provide visitor terraces and covered prayer spaces, with panoramic views over southern Phuket toward Kata, Karon and Chalong Bay.

The Big Buddha is a 20-30 minute drive from Phuket Town or Patong depending on traffic. Public transport is limited; most visitors arrive by taxi, tuk-tuk, or rented motorbike. There is a small parking area at the site.

• Arrive early for clearer views and cooler temperatures; late afternoon brings clouds on some days that can obscure the view.
• Wear respectful clothing-this is an active religious site and local visitors come to pray.
• Walk the path to the viewing platform on the western side for the best panorama over south Phuket and the Andaman Sea.