Phuket Big Buddha
A 45-metre white marble Buddha on Nakkerd Hill, visible from most of southern Phuket.
The Phuket Big Buddha is a 45-metre white marble statue on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata, visible from most of the south of the island. It is free to visit, takes about an hour, and the view from the platform is the best on Phuket.
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A 45-metre white marble Buddha on Nakkerd Hill, visible from most of southern Phuket.
Construction began in 2004 and is funded entirely by donations — the site is still unfinished, with the base and surrounding halls under construction for two decades. The statue is made of concrete clad in Burmese white jade marble. It sits on the highest point of Nakkerd Hill, a site chosen partly because it is visible from the whole southern half of the island.
The 360° view takes in Kata, Chalong Bay and the Andaman on a clear day. It is free, quick, and works as a sunrise or sunset stop on the way to somewhere else.
What you’ll actually see
- The 360-degree view: Chalong Bay east, Kata and Karon west, Phuket Town north
- The marble cladding close up, and the monks' blessing station
- The smaller golden Buddha on the northern platform
- Sunset from the west-facing edge, which is the best free sunset on the island
How to visit it well
- Cover shoulders and knees; sarongs are available at the entrance.
- Go before 8am to avoid heat and tour vans.
- Combine with Wat Chalong on the same loop.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Wearing shorts, singlets or beachwear — the dress code is enforced
- Coming at midday; the platform is white concrete with no shade
- Expecting a temple — it is a monument under construction, not a historic wat
Is it worth it?
Worth an hour, mostly for the view. The statue itself is impressive at scale but thin on detail; the platform panorama is what justifies the drive. Go for sunset, bring a sarong, and combine it with Wat Chalong five minutes down the hill.
Common questions
Yes, entry is free and parking is free. Donations fund the ongoing construction.
Shoulders and knees covered. Sarongs are lent free at the entrance but you may queue.
About an hour including the walk up and the platform. Sunset visits take longer because of the crowd.
Construction started in 2004 and the statue was largely complete by 2015; the surrounding complex is still being built.
Tours that include Phuket Big Buddha
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Last updated: October 2026 · Prices and hours checked by Nattapong Srisuwan