About the Big Buddha
The Thai name is Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon Ek Nakkhiri; locals simply say Phra Yai, “big Buddha”. The statue sits on the summit of Nakkerd Hill in Karon subdistrict, not far from Wat Chalong.
What Karon Municipality says:
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 45 m |
| Width across the lap | 25.45 m |
| Posture | Maravijaya (subduing Mara), contemporary style |
| Structure | reinforced concrete faced with white marble from Myanmar |
| Marble weight | about 135 tonnes |
| Status | Buddha image of Phuket city since 28 October 2007, named by the Supreme Patriarch |
| Hours | daily 06:00-19:00 |
It was funded by donations from Thais and foreigners living in Thailand. The statue is visible from much of the island, and the terrace gives views over Chalong, Kata and Karon.
How to get there
There is no public transport to the summit. Go by taxi, Grab, rented scooter or on a city tour. The access road climbs from the road between Chalong and Kata.
| From | Distance | Time without traffic |
|---|---|---|
| Kata | 12.5 km | about 18 min |
| Phuket Old Town | 14.9 km | about 21 min |
| Patong | 24 km | about 30 min |
| Phuket Airport (HKT) | 44.9 km | about 55 min |
OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap data, route from Kata. The hill road is steep with tight bends; if you are unsure on a scooter, take a taxi. See our Phuket taxi guide for fares.
Dress code and etiquette
This is an active shrine, not just a viewpoint. Karon Municipality does not publish written rules, so these are the standard rules for Thai temples:
- Shoulders and knees covered, no swimwear or see-through clothing
- Take shoes off where signs say so or where others do
- Do not climb on pedestals or railings for photos
- Women should not touch monks or hand them things directly
- Keep your voice down: people are praying
A light scarf or sarong in your bag solves the clothing question in a minute.
When to go
The hill is open 06:00-19:00. Mornings are cooler and quieter; late afternoon draws the sunset crowd. In the rainy season cloud can hide the summit and the road gets slippery: check the Phuket climate data.
Nearby
Pair Big Buddha with Wat Chalong and the southern viewpoints. If you stay in Chalong or Kata, it is your nearest landmark. In the evening, Phuket Old Town is 15 km away.
Who should skip it
Anyone who struggles with heat and hills: there is little shade by the statue. Inexperienced scooter riders: the descent is steep. Anyone expecting a museum or observation tower: this is a place of worship with a terrace and a view.
FAQ
What are the Big Buddha Phuket opening hours?
Karon Municipality lists daily opening from 06:00 to 19:00. If you are going for sunset, arrive early: riding down the hill road in the dark takes experience.
Is Big Buddha Phuket open?
As of October 2026 the municipality lists it as open every day. Ceremonies or works can close parts of the site on short notice, so check on the day if you are making a special trip.
What is the Big Buddha Phuket dress code?
It is an active Buddhist shrine: cover shoulders and knees, no swimwear or see-through clothing. We did not find an official written rule on municipal websites, but this is the standard for temples in Thailand. Carry a light scarf or sarong.
How much is the Big Buddha Phuket entry price?
Karon Municipality does not mention an entry fee. The statue was built from public donations and you can donate on site. If a driver or tour quotes a ticket, ask what exactly you are paying for.
Can you hike up to Big Buddha?
You can walk up the access road, but it is a steep climb with little shade and no pavement. We found no officially described hiking trail. If you walk, start early and carry water.
What is the Big Buddha Phuket address?
The statue stands on the summit of Nakkerd Hill in Karon subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district; the access road climbs from the road between Chalong and Kata. From Phuket Airport it is 44.9 km, about 55 minutes without traffic.
Sources
- Karon Municipality. Phra Yai (Big Buddha)
- Phuket Province. Provincial briefing (2017), forests section
- OpenStreetMap, OSRM route: Kata → Big Buddha
- OpenStreetMap, OSRM route: Phuket Old Town → Big Buddha
- OpenStreetMap, OSRM route: Patong → Big Buddha
- OpenStreetMap, OSRM route: Phuket Airport → Big Buddha
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