Phuket Big Buddha: How to Visit & What to Know Before You Go

Everything you need to know including how to get there, facilities and our best tips

Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here.

Thailand’s third largest Buddha

Rising high above Phuket’s lively beaches and city streets, the 45-metre-tall Big Buddha sits in serene contemplation, offering some of the island’s most breathtaking views from its hilltop in the south.

Whether you make the journey by motor or on foot, visiting this iconic landmark is one of the most popular things to do in Phuket – and with good reason. It was also one of our personal favourites.

It is quiet here, and although there are more tourists than monks, the site retains a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere with chiming bells.

In this guide to visiting the Big Buddha in Phuket, we’ll cover the best ways to reach it, what to do once you’re there, how to avoid unwanted encounters with the local monkeys, what it costs and our best tips.

Our recommendations: Where to stay near Phuket Big Buddha?

Adlinks

Budget: Baan Chay Lay Resort – We stayed at this hotel in Karon. The rooms are family-friendly with a kitchen, and the pool was in half shade/half sun.
Value for money: The Memory at On On Hotel – Stay in a historic setting in the middle of the Old Town. The hotel is known from the movie The Beach.
Luxury: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort – Stay exclusively (and family-friendly) at the best resort right next to Kata Noi Beach.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Phuket here.

Table of contents

What is Phuket Big Buddha?
Where to find Phuket Big Buddha
How to get to Phuket Big Buddha
Practical information about Phuket Big Buddha
What to do at Phuket Big Buddha
Avoid being robbed by monkeys
Dress code guidelines and appropriate behaviour
Where to stay near Big Buddha
Our best tips for visiting Phuket Big Buddha

Big Buddha in Phuket — The Big Buddha, Phuket’s Buddhist treasure, is one of the island’s most sacred sites.

What is Phuket Big Buddha?

Phuket Big Buddha, officially known as Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, is a 45-metre-tall and 25.45-metre-wide statue of Buddha seated in the maravijaya position.

It is the third-largest Buddha statue in Thailand and serves as the centrepiece of the temple complex Wat Kitthi Sankaram (Wat Kata).

The statue is constructed from concrete and covered in shimmering Burmese white marble.

Map of the Big Buddha area — Here is a (somewhat faded) map of the Big Buddha area.

Where to find Phuket Big Buddha

Phuket Big Buddha is located high on a hill (Mount Nagakerd), nearly 400 metres above sea level, in the southern part of Phuket between Karon and Kata to the west and Phuket Town to the east.

The official road to get to Big Buddha begins just over a kilometre north of the Chalong Roundabout in Phuket Town and winds its way up the hillside, occasionally at a steep incline.

Here is a map of the Phuket Big Buddha location:

Chalong Bay and part of Phuket Town from Big Buddha — The view from Phuket Big Buddha is undoubtedly one of the best on the island. From here, you can see Chalong Bay and a part of Phuket Town.

Drone image of Phuket Big Buddha — The Big Buddha faces away from Kata and Karon on the west coast. The drone image here was captured during the construction of the temple complex. Please note that drone flights are not permitted at Phuket Big Buddha. Photo: Dominic Trier

How to get to Phuket Big Buddha

To get to the Big Buddha in Phuket, you can either drive or hike.

Below, we review the two options.

Drive up to the Big Buddha

The easiest and most convenient way to get up to the Big Buddha is undoubtedly by car. We did that ourselves.

If you have your own scooter or car, getting to the Big Buddha is straightforward. The road is in good condition, just be aware that it is steep at times.

We took a taxi from Karon, which we booked through the Bolt app.

Prices can vary, so it’s a good idea to compare them with those of a “regular” taxi and the Grab app.

When it was time to leave, we simply ordered another taxi on the app, which was already waiting at the parking lot and ready to take us back down.

Here are some average driving times to the Big Buddha:

From the airport: 1 hour and 20 minutes.
From Patong: 35 minutes.
From Karon: 30 minutes.
From Kata: 25 minutes.
From Phuket Old Town: 35 minutes.
From the Chalong roundabout: 15 minutes.

Parking at Big Buddha

Parking at Phuket Big Buddha is free of charge.

The parking lot is spacious, though you’ll have the best chance of finding a spot if you arrive either in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Guided tour to Big Buddha

If you prefer not to arrange transport yourself, you can join a guided tour of Phuket, which will include a visit to the Big Buddha.

Advertisement

Hiking up to the Big Buddha

While most people opt for transport by two or four wheels, it is actually possible to walk all the way to the Big Buddha from the southern end of Karon on a hiking trail.

The hike is approximately 2 kilometres (1.24 miles) long, with a 300-metre elevation gain (984 feet).

It’s advisable to wear closed shoes and bring plenty of water, as the walk can be quite hot. There are ropes available for the steeper sections.

Here is a map showing where the hiking trail to the Big Buddha begins:

Practical information about Phuket Big Buddha

How much does it cost to visit Phuket Big Buddha?

It’s free to visit the Phuket Big Buddha!

For good karma, you may consider making a donation to the temple and the monks.

Bonus fact: The construction of the Phuket Big Buddha cost approximately 30,000,000 baht (~ 818.600 EUR / 894.200 USD), with most of the funding coming from donations.

Opening hours at Phuket Big Buddha

On the official Phuket Big Buddha website, the opening hours are listed as 06:30–18:30 daily, whereas Google Maps indicates an opening time of 06:00.

Facilities at Phuket Big Buddha

At the large statue, you can find various souvenirs for sale, and small stalls offer simple snacks and drinks. Watch out for the monkeys if you’re carrying food or drink!

The toilets are free to use, though we didn’t try them ourselves, so we’re not sure about their condition. Some visitors recommend bringing your own toilet paper.

Naka snake at the end of the stairs by the Big Buddha — Many Buddhist temples in Thailand feature the snake-like Naga at the base of their stairs.

What to do at Phuket Big Buddha

From the car park, you walk along a wide “road” that passes several statues before reaching the square in front of the Big Buddha.

From the square, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Chalong Bay and Phuket Town. If you walk a little further, you can also look south over parts of Kata and southern Phuket.

There are a few sheltered areas if you need a break.

Underneath the Big Buddha, you’ll find a prayer hall.

At the top of the steep stairs, the Phuket Big Buddha overlooks the entire temple complex.

We highly recommend taking the tour around the Buddha. It’s interesting to view it from different angles, and there are also several smaller statues and viewpoints to explore.

You’ll descend via a different staircase than the one you used to ascend. Along the way, you might have the “chance” to encounter the local monkeys – but more on that below.

Sala of Faiths at Phuket Big Buddha — On the way to the square in front of the Big Buddha, you’ll pass several statues at the “Sala of Faiths”.

Big Buddha in Phuket with the entire staircase leading up to the statue — The stairs lead you smoothly up to the Great Buddha, and you’ll descend via a different set of stairs.

The view of Phuket's southwest coastline from Phuket Big Buddha — Either before or after going up to the Buddha, we recommend seeing the view of Phuket’s south-west coastline.

The platform by the Big Buddha — It is impressive to stand right in front of the 45-metre-tall statue.

The view of the square and Chalong Bay from the top of the stairs by the Big Buddha — The view of the square and Chalong Bay from the top of the stairs is fabulous.

Sacred activities

To return to the square, you’ll pass through a few rooms dedicated to sacred activities.

Here, you can, among other things, receive a blessing from a monk, make a donation to the monks and toss coins into small bowls, which are said to bring good luck and promote healthy organs.

Additionally, at Phuket Big Buddha, you also have the opportunity to meditate with a monk.

Tourists being blessed by a monk for a donation to the temple — Tourists can receive a blessing from a monk in exchange for a donation to the temple.

Bowls for alms for the monks with Buddha statues — There are several ways to give alms to the monks. One of them is to place coins in 32 bowls, which are said to bring more luck, happiness and healthier organs.

Freedom Beach: How to Get to the Most Beautiful Beach on Phuket Everything you need to know about finding the beach, available facilities and our best tips Read more

Avoid being robbed by monkeys

We might as well say it right away: we’re a bit wary of wild monkeys. Particularly when they’ve become accustomed to humans (and tourists).

In other places, we’ve had experiences where they’ve jumped on us and tried to take our belongings, and they do have rather large teeth…

When we visited the Phuket Big Buddha, we didn’t expect to encounter a troop of macaques on our way down from the big statue at the top.

Though there weren’t many, it did make us a little nervous (especially as Victoria was carrying our 5-month-old baby in a carrier). Fortunately, nothing happened.

The monkeys aren’t out to be aggressive, but if one were to jump onto your shoulder or try to grab something from your hands, they could cause harm.

Here are some simple tips to avoid being robbed (or otherwise harmed) by the macaques at the Big Buddha:

Keep a safe distance. If one or more monkeys are crossing the stairs, it’s best to wait until they’ve passed before continuing.
Avoid eye contact. They interpret direct eye contact as aggression or a challenge.
Keep food and drink hidden. Monkeys are attracted to anything edible or drinkable. Avoid storing items like water bottles in easily accessible pockets or bags, and definitely don’t eat in front of them.
Stay calm and move slowly. Sudden movements can provoke the monkeys.
Do not feed the monkeys. Feeding them encourages them to approach humans.
Refrain from touching the monkeys or getting too close for photos. Respect their space to avoid any potential risks.
Travel in a group. If you’re accompanied by other tourists, the chances of being targeted by monkeys are significantly reduced.

If you follow these tips, the risk of an unpleasant encounter with the macaques at Phuket Big Buddha is much smaller.

Macaques at Big Buddha — The macaques are cute, but be cautious, as they can be quite naughty too!

Sign saying that you should not feed the monkeys at the statue — Signs in the area clearly indicate that you should not feed or attempt to touch the monkeys.

Chiang Mai Travel Guide: 21 Best Things to See & Do All you need to know about Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, including what to see, lots of photos and our best tips Read more

Dress code guidelines and appropriate behaviour

The Phuket Big Buddha and the entire temple complex are sacred Buddhist sites, so it’s important to dress and behave in a respectful and appropriate manner.

Make sure you…

Cover shoulders and knees.
Don’t touch or climb the statues.
Move around calmly, and don’t run or jump.
Speak quietly.
Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards the Buddha.
Respect religious rituals and ceremonies.

Banners with guidelines for how to dress at the Big Buddha — The organization KnowingBuddha.org has displayed this banner with guidelines for (in)appropriate dress code at the Big Buddha.

Where to stay near Big Buddha

If you want easy access to the Big Buddha, staying in the southern part of Phuket is a great choice.

We stayed in Karon and made the trip up from there. Kata (and Kata Noi) just south of Karon are also excellent options.

For those more interested in culture than beachside living, Phuket Old Town is worth considering.

Where to Stay in Phuket: Best Beaches, Areas & Hotels Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Phuket from budget to luxury Read more

The best hotels at Karon Beach

When we first arrived in Phuket, we checked in directly at the Baan Chay Lay Resort (adlink) at Karon Beach.

The area offers everything you could want for a holiday in Thailand. There are plenty of restaurants, massage parlours, shops, tour operators and whatever else you might need!

The beach itself is stunning, with 3 kilometres of soft, squeaky sand that invite you to relax all day long.

Karon Beach is very family-friendly, offering the perfect spot for building sandcastles or simply enjoying the view from a beach chair or (for free) under the palm trees.

In high season, there’s no doubt that Karon is popular. Especially around sunset, many people gather – mostly at the northern end near the roundabout. But there’s always room for a few more towels on the sand.

Consider the exact location of the hotel

There are two “main roads” at Karon: one along the beach and another a little further inland.

If you stay on the road further inland, your access to the beach may be limited. Some large resorts, like the Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort (adlink), occupy prime spots, which can restrict where you can walk down to the water.

Karon beach from the drone — Karon is a really long and beautiful beach. Big Buddha can be seen on one of the hilltops behind it.

Where to stay at Karon Beach?

Adlinks

Budget: Baan Chay Lay Resort – We stayed in a family-friendly room with a sofa and kitchen. We were pleased with the pool, where we could choose between sunbathing or relaxing in the shade.
Value for money: Chanalai Hillside Resort – A great deal in Karon with a rooftop pool and a lovely location close to the beach and restaurants.
Luxury: Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort – Large 5-star resort just across the road from the beach with multiple pools, restaurants, sports facilities and even a waterslide.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels near Karon here (adlink).

Baan Chay Lay Resort pool — Baan Chay Lay Resort (adlink) was a great choice for the price in Karon, offering a pool and a convenient location.

The roof at Chanalai Hillside Resort — Having a pool on the roof can be great, offering sunshine all day (along with less noise and fewer mosquitoes). ©Chanalai Hillside Resort

Chanalai Hillside Resort pool — At Chanalai, there’s also a “regular” pool. The resort is conveniently located near the food market at Karon Beach and several great restaurants. ©Chanalai Hillside Resort

Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort room — If you’re looking for something easy and comfortable, Pullman is a great choice in Karon. It’s a solid deal for a luxury hotel that’s worth the price. ©Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort (adlink)

Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort drone — The resort is huge, but many of the rooms are close to the pool closest to the beach. ©Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort (adlink)

Pool at Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort — With five pools (!) it should be possible to find a suitable place to relax for a few hours. ©Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort (adlink)

The best hotels at Kata Beach & Kata Noi Beach

Kata and Kata Noi (little Kata) are located just south of Karon. We didn’t swim here ourselves, but Alex passed by during a run.

Kata Beach to the north is quite similar to Karon, being very family-friendly and great for swimming.

Kata Noi is not as long, and since there are fewer hotels and restaurants, there are also fewer people.

Though it’s not completely untouched, you still get a sense of being a bit away from the crowds.

From Kata, it takes approximately 25 minutes to drive to the Big Buddha.

(Large) Kata Beach on Phuket at sunset — (The big) Kata Beach in Phuket at sunset.

Kata Noi vantage point — Kata Noi (little Kata) is smaller than Kata and is perfect for those seeking more peace.

Where to stay at Kata Beach & Kata Noi Beach?

Adlinks

Luxury: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort – Stay exclusively (and family-friendly) at the best resort right next to Kata Noi Beach.
Value for money: Maiiam Bungalows – Less than five minutes on foot from Kata Beach, with nice rooms and a pool.
Budget: Sleepy Station – Hostel offering affordable double rooms with private bathrooms or dormitory options.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels at Kata and Kata Noi here (adlink).

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort drone — Katathani occupies most of Kata Noi and has a prime location right by the soft sand. ©Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (adlink)

Maiiam Bungalows pool area — Maiiam Bungalows is one of the best value-for-money options at Kata Beach. ©Maiiam Bungalows (adlink)

Sleepy Station double room on a budget — If you don’t mind staying at a hostel, the private double rooms at Sleepy Station offer great value. ©Sleepy Station (adlink)

The best hotels in Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is the perfect place to stay on the island if you don’t mind being away from the beaches.

You can easily explore the streets on foot, taking in the many beautiful buildings, and it’s also conveniently located for those wanting to explore more of Phuket or use the town as a base for boat trips to nearby islands.

From Phuket Old Town, it is a roughly 35-minute drive to the Big Buddha. That said, you’ll be closer to several of the island’s other major temples, including the beautiful Wat Chalong.

Victoria in Phuket Old Town — We visited Phuket Old Town on a day trip from Karon Beach.

Where to stay in Phuket Old Town?

Adlinks

Budget: The Besavana Phuket – Budget-friendly hotel with a pool within walking distance to everything in Phuket’s charming old town.
Value for money: The Memory at On On Hotel – Stay in a historic setting in the middle of the Old Town.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Phuket Old Town.

The Besavana Phuket building is quite stunning. ©The Besavana Phuket (adlink)

Pool at The Besavana Phuket — There’s also a pool, perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. ©The Besavana Phuket (adlink)

Leonardo DiCaprio’s hotel in the iconic film The Beach wasn’t actually in Bangkok but in Phuket Old Town. ©The Memory at On On Hotel (adlink)

Room at The Memory at On On Hotel — The hotel (which was more like a cheap hostel in the film) has since been upgraded. ©The Memory at On On Hotel (adlink)

Phuket Old Town: Best Things to Do and See in the Historic Quarter All you need to know, from the most picturesque streets to the historic landmarks Read more

Our best tips for visiting Phuket Big Buddha

Come early or late in the day to capture the best light for photos, avoid the harsh midday sun and meet fewer tourists.
Show respect to the Big Buddha and the monks in the temple complex by dressing modestly and covering your shoulders and knees.
Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content.
Transportation with Grab or Bolt is often cheaper than local taxis. They work similarly to Uber. Download both apps and compare prices for a ride to Phuket Big Buddha – just make sure you have data on your phone. The connection is good at the site.
Bring cash. Especially if you would like to donate to the monks.
Remember sun protection. The sun is really strong in Thailand – and even more so at an altitude of nearly 400 metres above sea level. We recommend that you use an organic, vegan sunscreen.
Bring your own water bottle and drink plenty of water. Particularly if you hike all the way up to Phuket Big Buddha. Just hide it from the macaques when you go down the stairs.
Remember travel insurance! We compare the best travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travellers here.

What’s in Our Camera Bag? Lightweight Photography Gear for High-Quality Travel Content What camera, drone and accessories we use to capture life on the road Read more

Victoria in front of the Big Buddha in Phuket — We really enjoyed visiting the Phuket Big Buddha and think it’s one of the best (non-beach) experiences on the island.

31 Tips for Visiting Thailand: What You Need to Know Before You Go Must-know travel tips for a successful visit to Thailand (and what to avoid) Read more

The best things to do and see in Phuket

On Thailand’s largest island, there’s plenty to do (beyond relaxing on its stunning beaches).

We’ve created a comprehensive travel guide to Phuket, covering the best things to do and see.

Read the entire guide here or click directly to the experiences below:

Big Buddha – Great view from Phuket’s largest statue
Wat Chalong – The largest and most stunning Buddhist temple on the island
Phuket Old Town – Colourful Sino-Portuguese houses
Karon Temple – Pretty Buddhist temple in Karon
Karon Temple Market – Classic market in a sacred setting
Boat trips from Phuket – Island hopping to Thailand’s most beautiful islands
Water activities – Try everything from snorkelling to jet skiing
Trekking in the jungle – See waterfalls in the rainforest
Active experiences – Get moving and connect with nature
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint – Day trip to an epic panoramic view
Nightlife – Party in Thai style
Massage – Relax and unwind
Shopping – Buy unique souvenirs

Phuket Travel Guide: 21 Best Beaches & Things to Do Everything you need to know about visiting Phuket, including what to see, things to avoid and our top tips Read more

Temple at Wat Chalong — If you enjoy Buddhist temples, you’ll likely want to visit the nearby Wat Chalong as well.

Thank you for reading along

Thank you for reading our travel guide on how to get to Phuket Big Buddha and what to do. We hope it has been useful!

What do you think of the Big Buddha?

If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear about your experiences – or feel free to ask away in the comments below if you haven’t been there yet. We are happy to help!