Big Buddha Tours

Big Buddha featuring religious elements and a statue or sculpture
Big Buddha which includes interior views, a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
Big Buddha as well as an individual femail
Big Buddha showing a statue or sculpture, a sunset and a monument
Big Buddha showing heritage elements


Enjoy stunning 360-degree views from where this massive statue sits, towering over the island from atop the Nakkerd Hills.

Standing at the foot of the enormous cross-legged Buddha it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Both the size of the statue and the views of Phuket from its base are breathtaking. The Buddha is 150-feet (46-meters) high and 80-feet (24-meters) across. Vistas across the white sand beaches of Kata and Karon, Chalong Bay, and parts of Phuket Town are the best on the island. This is a place of worship and respite praying monks, dharma music and Buddhist flags all add to the ambience.

The ambitious project began as a symbol of hope after the devastating 2004 tsunami. It was funded entirely by donations. Layers of sparkling Burmese marble cover the Buddha’s body and are inscribed with messages of peace and love from those who donated to the cause. Read about the history of the project at a small museum on the way in, where you’ll also find souvenirs, donation boxes and,occasionally, a religious ceremony. A set of stairs from here leads to the base of the statue, where panoramic views await.

There are actually two Buddhas on the site and it’s free to visit both. The second, gold-tone statue, though not as imposing at 39-feet (12-meters) high, is made from brass and dedicated to the Queen of Thailand the Big Buddha is dedicated to the King.

Although less crowded in the morning, consider visiting at the end of the day. Watching the sunset over the water from these towering heights is an unforgettable experience.

Getting to the local landmark is easy and a stunning journey in itself. Take a tour or catch a taxi. It is about a half-hour drive from Phuket Town and there are plenty of signposts along the way. Energetic visitors will want to soak up the panorama as it slowly reveals itself on the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) hike up the hill through lush rainforest. Re-energize at the top at the Nakkerd Sea View Restaurant, which specializes in seafood and spectacular views.

Plan a trip to see Big Buddha

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Phuket Airport Sonwa Resort
Villa Escape Burasari
Aspery Hotel

Reviews of Big Buddha

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
335
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
157
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
37
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

In case you are not dressed appropriately, there are volunteers that will hand out skirts and/or scarfs to cover your legs and/or shoulders at the entrance. They are no cost to borrow, and you return them after you visit, so no need to freak out in case it's hot out and you have on a sundress or tank top

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Beautiful and excellent for photo-ops. Bring a hat, it's very hot there, no shade.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It rained the day I went but going here gives you great area views especially if you have drones.

5/5 - Excellent

Sara

lots of stairs.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Free admission. Interesting site. Bring an offering for blessing from the monks

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Be prepared for a lot of steps but worth the trip

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Big Buddha

Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach
Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach
4 out of 5
247 Koktanode Rd, Kata Beach, Karon, Phuket
Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach
Avista Grande Phuket Karon - MGallery
Avista Grande Phuket Karon - MGallery
5 out of 5
38 Soi Luang Phor Chuan Soi 1, Karon, Phuket
Avista Grande Phuket Karon - MGallery
Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
4.5 out of 5
14/2 Patak Road Soi 24, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
Paradox Resort Phuket
Paradox Resort Phuket
5 out of 5
509 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
Paradox Resort Phuket
Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort
Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort
5 out of 5
333 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort
Aurico Kata Resort & Spa
Aurico Kata Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
45 Taina road, Tambon Karon, Amphoe Muang Phuket, Karon
Aurico Kata Resort & Spa
Sawasdee Village
Sawasdee Village
4 out of 5
38 Katekwan Rd, Karon, Phuket
Sawasdee Village
Chanalai Flora Resort, Kata Beach
Chanalai Flora Resort, Kata Beach
4 out of 5
175 Kata Beach, Koktanode Road, Karon, Phuket
Chanalai Flora Resort, Kata Beach
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
5 out of 5
14 Kata Noi Road, Karon, Phuket
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.