The Big Buddha, Phuket

The Big Buddha of Phuket is a 45-metre white-marble statue on Nakkerd Hill, above Chalong in the south of the island. Entry is free — the project is funded entirely by donations — and it’s open daily, roughly 09:00 to 18:00. From its terraces you get one of the widest panoramas on Phuket, taking in Chalong Bay, Kata and the hills inland. Come with shoulders and knees covered: the dress code is strictly enforced.

The statue and the site

The formal name is Phra Phutthaming Mongkol Akenakkiri, though everyone calls it the Big Buddha. It sits cross-legged, clad in white marble that turns bright against a blue sky, and it remains an active place of worship rather than a museum piece. You’ll see people making merit, lighting incense and ringing the row of bells, and a smaller golden Buddha and shrines dot the hillside around the main figure. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to walk the terraces and take in the views.

Insider Tip: Go first thing after opening or in the last light before closing. Midday is fierce up there with almost no shade, while early and late give you softer light, cooler air and far fewer coach groups.

Getting there and the dress code

Nakkerd Hill is reached by a steep, winding 6 km road climbing from the Chalong area. A car or a confident scooter rider handles it easily; taxis, songthaews and half-day tours also run up. At the top there’s parking, a few stalls and a viewpoint café. The dress code catches people out — no bare shoulders, no shorts or skirts above the knee — but free sarongs are lent at the gate if needed, and shoes come off before you enter any temple building.

Watch out: After a spell of closure for restoration, the Big Buddha reopened to visitors in 2026, but hours have shifted at short notice since. If it’s a key part of your day, confirm it’s open before driving up.

Combine it with Wat Chalong at the foot of the hill, and it slots neatly into a half-day tour of southern Phuket.

The Big Buddha is located on Nakkerd Hill, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100. View on Google Maps.