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Big Buddha of Phuket

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Big Buddha of Phuket (Thailand)

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Big Buddha of Phuket is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Thailand. A giant seated marble Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill in Phuket, visible from anywhere in the south of Phuket. The statue is 45 meters high. Construction began in 2004 and was funded mainly by donations. Provides 360-degree views of the island. This landmark is part of the cultural heritage of Thailand, often linked to Buddhist temples, wats and royal architecture. Like many notable places in Thailand, it combines regional character with the legacy of the Chao Phraya, the Mekong and Buddhist tradition. Thus, this place contributes to the diverse profile of Thailand, between the Andaman coast, rice paddies and tropical forests.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262728292828272727272726
Rain mm9325106130237259243277326317232139

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The large Buddha statue is an open tourist attraction and can be visited daily. Entry to the grounds is free, donations are welcome.
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Typical hours
The grounds are usually open from sunrise to sunset. In the early morning hours, it is pleasantly quiet and not yet so hot.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere on the grounds. For shots of the entire statue with the sea in the background, a wide-angle lens is recommended.
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Time needed
A visit with photography and walking around the statue takes about 30-45 minutes. Those also visiting the temple and observation deck should allow an hour.
Combine with
The statue is located on Nakkerd Hill, offering a great view of Phuket. Nearby are also Wat Phra Thong temple and the elephant park.
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Getting there
Nakkerd Hill is accessible by taxi or scooter from Phuket Town. A winding road leads up, with parking right at the entrance.
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Insider tip
Buy a small offering set at the entrance to take part in the little ceremony. Wear appropriate clothing covering shoulders and knees.

Geography

Coordinates
7.82790, 98.31290

Facts

  • A giant seated marble Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill in Phuket, visible from anywhere in the south of Phuket.
  • Located within the Kingdom of Thailand.
  • Shaped by the monsoon climate of Southeast Asia.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Big Buddha of Phuket (18)

Phuket Big Buddha📍 landmark

The Phuket Big Buddha is a massive 45-meter-tall statue covered in white Burmese marble, sitting majestically atop Nakkerd Hill.

Kata Beach📍 landmark

Kata Beach is a lively, crescent-shaped bay lined with casuarina trees, well-known for its excellent surfing conditions during the monsoon season.

Kata Noi Beach📍 landmark

Kata Noi Beach is a small, tranquil stretch of white sand situated just south of the main Kata resort area, excellent for relaxed swimming.

Karon Beach🎡 recreation

Karon Beach features a long, wide expanse of extremely fine white sand that famously squeaks underfoot when walked upon.

Wat Suwankiriket⛪ religious

Wat Suwankiriket is a striking Buddhist temple in the Karon area, recognizable by the spirited Naga serpent statues guarding its main sanctuary.

Sunset viewpoint from Phromthep Cape🌿 nature

The viewpoint at Phromthep Cape sits on the southernmost tip of the island, drawing crowds every evening for its sweeping panoramic ocean sunsets.

Patong Beach🎡 recreation

Patong Beach is a lively three-kilometer stretch of sand bordered by a densely packed promenade filled with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

Karon Noi Beach🎡 recreation

Karon Noi Beach is an idyllic, highly secluded cove featuring soft white sand, primarily accessed through an adjacent luxury resort.

PASHTOSH ART GALLERY🏛 museum

PASHTOSH ART GALLERY is an independent exhibition space in Phuket displaying contemporary paintings and creative works by local and visiting artists.

Phuket Seashell Museum🏛 museum

The Phuket Seashell Museum houses an extensive, privately owned collection of rare marine shells, including a massive giant clam shell weighing hundreds of kilograms.

Golden Fisherman🏺 historical

The Golden Fisherman is a striking metallic monument depicting a local sea worker preparing to cast his traditional fishing net into the water.

Chalong roundabout Clock Tower🏺 historical

The Chalong Roundabout Clock Tower is an ornate, multi-tiered structure that stands as a prominent traffic landmark at one of Phuket's busiest intersections.

Dragon🏺 historical

The Dragon monument is a large, culturally significant statue symbolizing prosperity and the deep-rooted Chinese heritage found across the island.

Phuket Simon Cabaret🎭 culture

Phuket Simon Cabaret is an opulent indoor theater famous for hosting extravagant, sequin-filled musical performances by talented transgender artists.

Fluency -learning center🎭 culture

Fluency is a local learning center dedicated to providing engaging arts and language workshops for both residents and long-term visitors in Phuket.

Lord Shrimant Ganpati Bappa Devalai⛪ religious

Lord Shrimant Ganpati Bappa Devalai is a spirited Hindu shrine dedicated to the elephant-headed deity Ganesha, offering a spiritual retreat amid the bustling city.

🕒 24/7

BAPTIST CHURCH OF PHUKET⛪ religious

The Baptist Church of Phuket is a modern Protestant place of worship serving the local Christian community with regular Sunday services.

Night market🎭 culture

This lively night market transforms the streets after dark into a bustling hub of sizzling Thai street food stalls and brightly lit clothing vendors.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dress code?
Yes, as in all Thai temples, shoulders and knees must be covered.
What is the view like?
Spectacular, offering a 360-degree view over all of Phuket.
How do I get there?
Best reached by taxi or tuk-tuk, as the road is very steep.
How long does a visit take?
Allocate about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, there are restrooms at the base of the statue.
Big Buddha of Phuket: where is it located?
Big Buddha of Phuket is located in Thailand.
Big Buddha of Phuket: what is there to see?
Highlights include Phuket Big Buddha, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach.
Big Buddha of Phuket: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Big Buddha of Phuket: why is it worth visiting?
Big Buddha of Phuket is a remarkable feature of the geography and culture of Thailand.
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