PHUKET BIG BUDDHA

The Big Buddha of Phuket is an iconic landmark of Thailand perched on top of the Nakkerd Hills. Built of white jade marble, this magnificent statue is 45 metres tall and glistens in glory. The atmosphere at Phuket Big Buddha is so peaceful and the panoramic view is breathtaking. The hall at the base of the statue has Buddhist teachings and a donation box for funding.

Phuket Big Buddha is one of the most significant and admired landmarks in Phuket, Thailand. It is the third tallest statue in Thailand after Luangpho Yai and the Great Buddha of Thailand.  If you're planning a Thailand trip from India, exploring iconic sites like the Phuket Big Buddha can be a captivating part of your itinerary. The marvelous statue of the Great Buddha of Phuket is nestled on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Kata and Chalong. The Big Buddha Statue is structured to a height of 45 meters, while the lap of the statue is around 25 meters wide.

The Big Buddha built during the year 2004 is devoted to the late King of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. There is a tiny Buddha placed beside the large statue made from brass, which is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

The entire body of the Big Buddha has a layer of magnificent Burmese white jade marble that glistens in the sun. A tiny Buddha sits next to the Phuket Big Buddha which is completely made of 20 tonnes of brass. However, it has a golden color to it. Popularly known as Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, the massive statue offers a 360-degree view of the island with extensive vistas of Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay, and Phuket town, thereby providing a meditative atmosphere for the tourists.

The surrounding atmosphere of the Phuket Big Buddha is relatively peaceful. You can only hear the tinkling of tiny bells and the large bell going after every 7 minutes. Soft Dharma music fills the entire background of the serene atmosphere of Phuket Big Buddha. 

The funds of this tourist destination come entirely from the heavy donations by the visitors. At the base of the Big Buddha Statue, there is a hall that displays the history of the construction, some teachings of Buddhism, and plenty of donation boxes. You are not allowed to visit the site in beachwear, short skirts, and T-shirts containing offensive images as it is a religious place. 

You can also witness the novice ordination of the son of the family. It is a sign of pride for the entire family. Thus, the visitors also feel mesmerized to watch the ceremony of leaving the worldly things of life and attain Nirvana.

Highlights

• Phuket Big Buddha is nestled on the peak of Nakkerd Hills between Kata and Chalong.
• The structure of Phuket Big Buddha is around 45 meters tall, which offers a full-circle view of the island with extensive sights of Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay, Phuket Town, and more.
• The Big Buddha is entirely made up of supportive concrete with a layer of magnificent Burmese white jade marble.
• A small statue of Buddha is placed next to the Phuket Big Buddha made of 20 tonnes of Brass, but it is golden in color.
• One can purchase a break or marble tile and write their initials to be placed endlessly inside the Big Buddha.
• The hall at the base of the Phuket Big Buddha displays the history of the project, the teachings of Buddhism, and numerous donation boxes.
• One can write messages on the purchased artifacts for good luck and in the memory of their departed souls of loved ones.

How To Reach

By Road: One of the best ways to reach Big Buddha in Phuket is by road. You can rent a car or scooter, and get to the attraction easily from the city centre. Big Buddha is 15 kilometres away from Phuket town, which takes a journey of around 45 minutes to an hour to reach. Alternatively, it is 22.6 kilometres from Patong, with an hour-long journey. 

On Foot: If you are adventurous, you can even reach Big Buddha by hiking. There are 2 unique hiking trails in the area. The first route starts from Chalong and is 5.7 kilometres long. The second and the alternate trail is through the hillside road from Karon. This is a shorter hike, with a 2.5-kilometre climb. This route offers great views of the southern beaches, including Katta Noi Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Breach, and Koh Pu. 

By Taxi: To get to Big Buddha, you can also use taxi services like ‘Grab’ from your mobile phone. Alternatively, you can book a local taxi, especially from areas like Kata, Patong, and Old Town. 

Best Time To Visit

The Big Buddha in Phuket is a great attraction to visit all through the year. Its majestic presence and stunning views make it a must-see for anyone visiting the island at any season. Plan your visit to Big Buddha during the weekdays. Mondays to Fridays typically see fewer visitors, providing a more tranquil setting for you to explore peacefully. Early mornings around sunrise or late afternoons during sunset are the best times to visit Big Buddha. The soft and cool light during these hours enhances the magnificence of this place, making your visit more enjoyable.

Other Essential Information

1. Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees since beachwear is not suitable for this sacred site.

2. Free sarongs are provided for visitors not adhering to the dress code, ensuring regards for the site's sanctity.

3. Keep noise levels low to preserve the solemnity of the temple and honour the meditative environment.

4. Avoid consuming alcohol or smoking on temple grounds since it is prohibited. 

5. Show your respect to the monks during your visit. 

6. Make sure to walk around the entire site to fully appreciate the panoramic views of Phuket from here.