The Phuket Big Buddha, officially Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, is a 45-metre seated Buddha on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata. The concrete statue is clad in white Burmese marble and is visible from much of southern Phuket, with wide views over Chalong Bay, Kata and Karon from the terrace.
Good to know: the site closed after a deadly landslide on the hillside in August 2024 and fully reopened on 3 March 2026. It is now run by Wat Kata as Wat Kittisangharam, within a smaller fenced area and under conditions set by the Forestry Department, so some parts of the old site may be off limits.
Plan your visit to Phuket Big Buddha
- Entry: free (donations welcome)
- Open daily about 9 am to 6 pm
- Time needed: about 1 hour
History of Phuket Big Buddha
Construction began in 2004, funded largely by donations from local people and visitors, and the statue itself was the first part to be finished. Work on the base and surrounding buildings continued for years afterwards, so the site has long felt like a work in progress.
The statue faces the sea and has become one of Phuket’s best-known landmarks. On 23 August 2024 a landslide on Nakkerd Hill below the site killed 13 people, which led to a long closure and an investigation into building work on the forested hill. When it reopened in March 2026, management passed to Wat Kata temple, with monks stationed on site.
Attractions at Phuket Big Buddha
- The Big Buddha statue: 45 metres tall and about 25 metres wide, covered in white Burmese marble. Steps lead up from the main terrace to its base.
- Smaller shrines and statues: including a bronze Buddha and other figures around the terraces.
- Viewing terraces: panoramic views over Chalong Bay to the east and Kata and Karon to the west.
- Merit-making: visitors can make small donations, for example by buying a marble tile and writing a wish on it.
Things to Do at Phuket Big Buddha
- Take in the views: come early or in the late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
- Photography: the statue looks best against a clear blue sky; mornings are often clearer.
- Make merit: join locals in making offerings at the shrines.
- Combine with nearby sights: Wat Chalong, Karon Viewpoint and Promthep Cape are all a short drive away.
Phuket Big Buddha – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
Entry is free; donations are welcome. Since the March 2026 reopening the site has been open daily from about 9 am to 6 pm. Times may change, so check locally before you go.
This is an active religious site. Cover your shoulders and knees; sarongs are usually available at the entrance. Stay inside the marked visitor area and follow staff instructions, especially after heavy rain.
How Long to Spend at Phuket Big Buddha
Most visitors spend about 1 hour here. Allow longer if you want to stop at the cafes on the approach road.
How to Get There
- By taxi or ride-hailing: the easiest option. The site is reached by a steep, winding road up Nakkerd Hill, signposted from Chao Fa West Road in Chalong.
- By car or scooter: possible for confident riders, but the road is steep with sharp bends. There is parking near the top.
- On a tour: many Phuket half-day city tours include the Big Buddha with Wat Chalong and Old Phuket Town; check that the current itinerary includes it.
Arriving at Phuket Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Phuket Big Buddha
- Cafes on the approach road: several small cafes and restaurants line the road up Nakkerd Hill, some with sea views, such as Nakkerd Seaview Cafe.
- Chalong: plenty of local Thai restaurants and seafood places around Chalong and Chalong Pier at the foot of the hill.
- Kata and Karon: a wide choice of Thai and international restaurants about 20 minutes away by car.
Other Attractions Nearby Phuket Big Buddha
- Wat Chalong: Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple, a short drive from the foot of the hill.
- Karon Viewpoint: the classic view over Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches.
- Kata Beach: a popular family beach on the west coast.
- Promthep Cape: Phuket’s best-known sunset spot at the southern tip of the island.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Phuket: Kata, Karon and Chalong are the closest areas to the Big Buddha.
- Get a Thailand eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
The Phuket Big Buddha is one of the island’s great landmarks: a 45-metre marble statue on Nakkerd Hill with sweeping views over Chalong Bay and the west coast. Entry is free, and since its reopening in March 2026 it is run by Wat Kata, so dress respectfully and stay within the marked area.
Pair your visit with Wat Chalong at the foot of the hill, or head on to Promthep Cape for sunset.
