🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Open a map of southern Phuket and you'll spot one hill between Kata and Chalong with a white statue sitting proudly on top — that's Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakkiri, or simply Big Buddha Phuket as most people call it. The white marble statue (Burmese sunlight marble) stands 45 metres tall and about 25 metres wide, seated on Nakkerd Hill with the Andaman Sea visible in every direction. It's both a place of worship for locals and a viewpoint that draws visitors all day long.
One thing worth knowing before you plan: Big Buddha was closed from 23 August 2024 after a landslide at the foot of the hill that claimed lives, before officially reopening on Makha Bucha Day, 3 March 2026. So a lot of the older information online may still be out of date — and it's worth re-checking the road conditions in the rainy season, since the climb up is steep.
Getting up Nakkerd Hill
The main road up starts from Chao Fa West Road — turn into Soi Yot Sane 1 and climb the hill for about 6 kilometres. It's paved the whole way but winding and steep in places. If you're driving yourself or renting a motorbike, check the brakes and the engine first, especially a small car with a full load of passengers.
- From Chalong (Chalong Circle) — closest; about a 15-minute drive to the foot of the hill
- From Kata–Karon — about 15–20 minutes by car
- From Patong — about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic
- From Phuket Town — about 30–40 minutes; signs to Chalong Circle are clearly marked
If you'd rather not drive, you can take a taxi or Grab, but on the way up drivers usually quote a round-trip fare with the wait included, since it's hard to find a ride back from the top. Agreeing on the price before you get in saves the hassle. For the fit, there's also a hiking route (the Big Buddha Trail) from the Karon side — about 2.5 kilometres, roughly an hour's walk up. It suits people who actually enjoy a hike more than those after an easy day out.
On parking
The car and motorbike parking at the top is large and free, but from late morning into the afternoon it gets busy and harder to find a spot. If you want an easy park, go early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
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Opening hours and entry fee
Big Buddha is free to visit — there's no ticket, just donation boxes and merit-making activities you pay for as you wish. The most commonly listed hours are around 9:00–18:00 (last entry around 17:30). Some sources list earlier opening times, so to be safe after the reopening, aim to arrive before late afternoon and avoid turning up close to closing.
- Entry — free (donation as you wish)
- Opening hours — around 9:00–18:00 (re-check during the rainy season)
- Merit-making / blessing — a holy-water blessing and wrist-string tying, around 100 THB, as you wish
- Marble tile offering — you can write your name on a marble tile to dedicate to the Buddha
Temple dress code
This is a sacred site, so the dress code is clear-cut. The main points: shoulders and knees must be covered, no sleeveless tops, no shorts or skirts above the knee, and you take your shoes off before stepping onto the base of the statue.
- Women — cover shoulders and knees; avoid spaghetti straps or low-cut tops
- Men — cover shoulders and knees; no tank tops or shorts above the knee
- Forgot to prepare — sarongs and cover-ups are lent out free at the entrance
- Take your shoes off — before stepping onto the base and inside the pavilion
Dress for it
It's hot up on the hill and there isn't much shade, so a light long-sleeve top with breathable long trousers will keep you both respectful and comfortable. Bring a hat and water too — walking around taking photos of the statue takes longer than you'd think.
The 360° view around the statue
What makes people happy to drive up the hill is the view that sweeps almost all the way around. From about 400 metres up, you look down on Chalong Bay curving wide below, boats moored as tiny dots; turn the other way and Kata and Karon beaches stretch out. On a clear day you can see as far as Promthep Cape and the islands scattered across the Andaman Sea.
Chalong Bay side
A wide bay view with sailboats and tour boats moored in rows, and Phuket Town and Khao Khiao behind
Kata–Karon side
Two stretches of white-sand beach in a row; on a clear day you can see as far as Promthep Cape
The golden Buddha
A smaller Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol cast in brass, about 12 metres tall, beside the main statue, built in honour of the Queen
There are two good windows for photos: early morning, 9:00–10:00, with soft light, fewer people and before the heat kicks in; and late afternoon, 16:30–17:30, when the golden light catches the white marble and the view over Chalong Bay is at its sharpest. Avoid midday — the sun is harsh and the white statue gets so bright it's hard to shoot.
Facilities and food on the hill
Up top there's a small café selling drinks and light snacks to tide you over — not a full restaurant. There are free toilets near the car park and the pavilion, plus shops selling souvenirs and offering items. If you want a proper meal, head down into town or the Chalong area after you come off the hill.
Pair it with
Coming down from Big Buddha, you can stop at Wat Chalong within 10 minutes (its grand pagoda stands around 60 metres tall). Or if you arrive in the afternoon, drive on to catch the sunset at Promthep Cape — the timing works out nicely.
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