You see it long before you reach it. Sitting on top of Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata, Phuket's Big Buddha is a 45-metre white marble figure that catches the light from half the island. Up close it is calmer than you might expect: wind chimes, the smell of incense, monks at the base, and a view that runs from Kata Beach to Chalong Bay and out across the Andaman Sea.
Entry is free, the site is open daily from 9am to 6pm, and it is one of the few places in Phuket that suits both a quiet morning and a sunset stop.
The statue's official name is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri. It sits around 400 metres above sea level, which is a big part of its appeal: on a clear day, this is one of the best panoramic viewpoints on the island.
The Buddha is about 45 metres tall and 25 metres across at the base. It is built from reinforced concrete and covered in white Burmese jade marble, which is why it seems to glow in the late afternoon. Locals simply call it Phra Yai, "the big Buddha".
Construction began in 2002 and was paid for almost entirely by donations from Thai and international visitors. For years, people could sponsor a single marble tile and write a message on it, and you can still see the tiles that make up the statue's surface.
In August 2024, heavy rain triggered a deadly landslide on Nakkerd Hill, and the site was closed while authorities investigated. It reopened on 3 March 2026, on Makha Bucha Day, now managed by Wat Kittisangkharam (Wat Kata). The reopened area is smaller and operates under conditions set by the Royal Forest Department, and new construction on the hill is restricted.
It is worth keeping that recent history in mind. The site is a place of worship first, and many local people come here simply to pray.
The statue itself is the reason to come. Stand at the base and look up: the scale only really lands when you see people walking around its feet. The marble surface changes colour with the light, from bright white at midday to soft gold near sunset.
A wide white staircase, lined with naga serpents, leads up to the main platform. It is a classic photo spot, especially from the bottom looking up towards the Buddha.
Walk the edges of the platform. To the west you look over Kata and Karon; to the east, Chalong Bay and its boats, with the islands of Phang Nga Bay on a clear day. The view is a big part of why so many people visit, so try to come when the sky is clear.
Look closely at the surface of the statue and the base. The small marble tiles, many carrying donors' names and messages, tell the story of how the Buddha was built, one gift at a time.
Monks are often seated near the statue, and you can make an offering of flowers, incense or candles, or receive a blessing and a white string tied around your wrist. There is no obligation, but it is one of the more meaningful things to do here.
Opening hours: Daily, 9:00am to 6:00pm (last entry around 5:30pm)
Entrance fee: Free (donations welcome)
Location: Nakkerd Hill, off Soi Yot Sane 1, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Time needed: 45 minutes to an hour
Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees; sarongs are available at the entrance. Remove shoes and hats where signs ask you to.
Drones: Not permitted
There is no public bus to the top. Most visitors come by Grab, Bolt, taxi or tuk-tuk, or by scooter or car. From Phuket Town, follow Chaofa West Road towards Chalong, then turn onto Soi Yot Sane 1 and climb about 6 km to the top. The road is paved but steep and winding, so take it slowly on a scooter. There is parking at the top.
From Kata or Karon, the drive takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Fit walkers sometimes hike up from the Karon side, but conditions on the hill have changed since 2024, so check locally before you set off on foot. If you use Grab, book your return ride before you finish, as cars can be scarce at the top.
Go late in the day. Around 4:30 to 5pm the heat drops and the marble glows. Midday is hot and the white stone is very bright.
Check the weather. Clouds roll over the hill quickly, especially in the rainy season, and they can hide the view completely.
Dress for a temple. If you come straight from the beach, bring a shirt and long shorts or use a sarong at the entrance.
Be respectful. Don't climb on the statue or the railings, keep your voice down near the monks, and never point your feet at a Buddha image.
Bring small notes. Useful for offerings, donations and drinks at the top.
Planning more of the island? See our Phuket travel guide.
Photo credits: Mussi Katz via Wikimedia Commons (CC0); Roma Neus via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0); Christophe95 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0); HutheMeow via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0); Langladure via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
A 45-metre white marble Buddha, the landmark you can see from much of the island.
A white staircase lined with naga serpents leading up to the main platform.
Kata, Karon and Chalong Bay from around 400 metres up.
Donated marble tiles, many with messages, that cover the statue.
Nakkerd Hill, Soi Yot Sane 1, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand
Directions
414 Moo 13, Tambon Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
306 Moo 2, Maekok Road, Tambon Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
60 Moo 1, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
