Witness the awe-inspiring 45-meter marble statue, absorb breathtaking 360-degree views of the island, and discover a profound sense of peace at Phuket's most revered landmark.
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Perched atop the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, the Great Buddha of Phuket is more than just a monument; it's the island's spiritual beacon. Standing 45 meters tall and crafted from gleaming white Burmese marble, the statue is visible from much of southern Phuket. A visit here is a multi-sensory experience. As you ascend the 94 steps, you're greeted by the gentle chiming of countless small bells and the faint sound of dharma music. Once at the top, you're rewarded with what are arguably the most spectacular 360-degree panoramic views on the entire island, stretching from Chalong Bay to the Phi Phi Islands. It’s a place of profound tranquility, offering a unique opportunity for reflection amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
We've sifted through hundreds of options to present only the best Big Buddha tours, saving you hours of research. We partner with established platforms like GetYourGuide to ensure quality.
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Choose tours with licensed, knowledgeable local guides who bring the history and culture of the Big Buddha to life, offering insights you won't find in a guidebook.
We offer a wide range of tour options. Choose a quick visit, or combine the Big Buddha with other top Phuket sights like Wat Chalong, Karon Viewpoint, or an ATV adventure.
By comparing options from multiple providers, we help you find the best possible price for your chosen experience, ensuring you get great value for your money.
The best time to visit is during Phuket's dry season, from November to April. During these months, you'll experience clear blue skies, less humidity, and the best panoramic views. The shoulder months of May and October can also be pleasant with fewer crowds. The rainy season (June-September) offers lush green landscapes, but be prepared for potential downpours.
Lightweight, modest clothing is essential|Men and women must cover their shoulders and knees|A light scarf or sarong is a versatile item to carry for covering up|Avoid offensive slogans or imagery on clothing|Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the stairs and exploring the grounds
The construction of the Big Buddha began in 2004 and is an ongoing project funded entirely by donations. The main statue is made of reinforced concrete and covered with an estimated 135 tonnes of beautiful white Burmese jade marble, which gives it a brilliant, peaceful glow in the sunlight. The official name, Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, translates to 'the Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop the Hill of Naka'. The project was initiated to celebrate the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and as a symbol of peace and unity.
Real experiences from real travelers
Booked a half-day tour and it was the best decision. Our guide, 'Sunny', was fantastic, explaining the history and all the little details you'd miss on your own. The view from the top is genuinely jaw-dropping. Seeing Chalong Bay and all the beaches from one spot is incredible. The transfer was seamless. Highly recommend a guided tour!
What a peaceful place. Despite the visitors, there is a real sense of calm. We went in the late afternoon and the light on the marble was just beautiful. Hearing the little bells chime in the wind was magical. Our tour also included Wat Chalong, which was a perfect combination. Booking was easy and the confirmation instant.
The Buddha itself is massive and very impressive, but the real star is the 360-degree view. You can see everything! It was hot, so go early or late if you can. The tour was great value, picked us up right from our hotel in Patong. The only downside was the crowd, but that's to be expected at such a famous spot.
I chose a tour to avoid the hassle of getting a taxi up the hill, and I'm so glad I did. The driver was safe and the van was air-conditioned - a blessing! The guide gave us sarongs to wear and made sure we were respectful. It was a very moving experience, especially getting a blessing from the monk. A must-do in Phuket.
This was a highlight of our trip to Phuket. The scale of the statue is hard to comprehend until you are standing at its feet. We booked a private tour for our family, which was perfect as we could go at our own pace. The guide was excellent with our children, keeping them engaged. The convenience of booking through a trusted platform made everything smooth.
The main reason I went was for the famous panoramic photos, and it did not disappoint. Truly spectacular scenery. But I was surprised by how tranquil the atmosphere was, even with many tourists. I bought a small bell and wrote my family's names on it, which felt like a lovely way to leave a small piece of us behind. The tour was efficient and well-timed.
As a Buddhist, it was important for me to visit. The statue is beautiful and radiates a powerful sense of peace. The entire complex is well-maintained. Our tour guide was very respectful and knowledgeable about the symbolism. It was a humbling and spiritually uplifting visit. I'm grateful for the experience.
We booked a tour that combined the Big Buddha, an ATV ride, and a visit to Wat Chalong. It was a fantastic day out! The Big Buddha was the standout moment. The sheer size is breathtaking. Our guide told us all about how it was funded by donations, which makes it even more special. So glad we didn't just get a taxi and went with a guide.
Everything you need to know for your journey
Technically, entry to the Big Buddha monument itself is free, as it's a religious site funded by donations. However, the costs you see online are for guided tours. These tours add significant value by providing transportation (which can be expensive and difficult to arrange up the steep hill), a knowledgeable guide to explain the history and culture, and often combine the visit with other key attractions like Wat Chalong or scenic viewpoints, making it a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.
A strict dress code is enforced out of respect. Both men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered. This means no tank tops, sleeveless shirts, short shorts, or short skirts. If you arrive in inappropriate attire, you can rent a sarong at the entrance for a small fee (around 20-40 THB), though bringing your own scarf or cover-up is also a great option.
For the best experience, visit early in the morning (between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM) to avoid the largest crowds and the intense midday heat. The light is also beautiful for photos at this time. Alternatively, a late afternoon visit (around 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM) offers softer light, cooler temperatures, and the chance to witness a stunning sunset over the island.
While you can visit independently by taxi or scooter, booking a tour through our platform is highly recommended. Our partner tours handle all the logistics, including hotel pickup and drop-off, provide an expert local guide who can share fascinating insights you'd otherwise miss, and often create a more efficient itinerary by bundling other nearby sights, saving you time and money.
A typical visit to the Big Buddha site itself lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. This gives you enough time to climb the stairs, admire the statue, take in the 360-degree views, explore the smaller shrines, and perhaps receive a blessing from a monk. Half-day tours that include the Big Buddha usually last around 4-5 hours.
Yes, there are 94 steps leading up to the base of the statue. The climb is manageable for most people with average fitness. It is recommended to take your time, especially in the heat. There is no elevator or ramp access to the very top platform.
Yes, you can. You'll find a hall with monks near the base of the statue. It is customary to make a small donation, after which a monk may bestow a blessing and tie a 'sai sin' (a white string bracelet) on your wrist for good luck and protection. Remember to be respectful, sit with your feet pointing away from the monk, and use your right hand when giving or receiving anything.
Yes, basic photography for personal use is allowed and encouraged! The views are incredible. However, be mindful and respectful. Avoid using flash photography, especially inside the prayer halls. Do not take photos of monks without their explicit permission, and be considerate of people who are there to worship.
Yes, the Big Buddha complex is an ongoing project funded entirely by public donations. You can contribute by donating in the various boxes on site. A popular way to contribute is to purchase a small marble tile (for around 300-1000 THB). You can write a personal message on it, and it will be incorporated into the construction, leaving your mark on this incredible monument.
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