The Big Buddha, Phuket
Go early. The hilltop opens at six, the light is clearest then, and you'll beat both the coach traffic and the worst of the heat. The statue itself is 45 metres of marble-clad Buddha visible from miles around, and the scale genuinely lands when you're standing under it. What sells the trip for most people, though, is the view: a full sweep across the island, with Chalong Bay on one side and Karon Beach on the other.
One thing to set expectations on. Access to the front of the statue has been closed, and you're currently routed round to the rear. You still get the views and a sense of the size, but if you've come expecting to walk the main terrace, you won't. Reviewers who'd built the visit up in their heads found that deflating. Reviewers who knew in advance didn't mind.
The road up is winding and worth doing slowly, especially coming down. There are elephant camps and small stalls along it, plus a cafe and gift shop at the top.
Book tours & tickets in Phuket
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around The Big Buddha, Phuket — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Big Buddha, Phuket, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Visiting the Big Buddha in Phuket was still a memorable experience, even though the main area was unfortunately closed when I went. Visitors are currently only allowed to view it from the back side, so you can’t properly explore the full statue up close like before. That was a bit disappointing, especially if it’s your first time visiting and you’re expecting full access. However, the location itself is absolutely scenic. The viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and the beaches, and that alone makes the trip worthwhile. The elevated position gives you wide, open views of Phuket, and it’s a great spot for photos, especially on a clear day. The peaceful hilltop atmosphere also adds to the experience.
The Big Buddha is a must-visit. The scale of the marble statue is incredible, and the craftsmanship is superb. But the real highlight for me was the 360-degree panoramic view of the island—you can see both Chalong Bay and Karon Beach from the top. It feels very peaceful and spiritual. I’ve attached some videos to show the scale, but you really have to be there to feel the atmosphere. Simply breathtaking
Visiting the Big Buddha in Phuket was still a memorable experience, even though the main area was unfortunately closed when I went. Visitors are currently only allowed to view it from the back side, so you can’t properly explore the full statue up close like before. That was a bit disappointing, especially if it’s your first time visiting and you’re expecting full access. However, the location itself is absolutely scenic. The viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and the beaches, and that alone makes the trip worthwhile. The elevated position gives you wide, open views of Phuket, and it’s a great spot for photos, especially on a clear day. The peaceful hilltop atmosphere also adds to the experience. The drive up to the Big Buddha is an experience in itself. Along the route, you’ll find elephant activities and other small attractions, which make the journey more lively and interesting. There are also a few small stalls and viewpoints on the way where you can stop briefly. Overall, even though it was closed and could only be viewed from the back side, the scenic beauty and panoramic views still made it worth visiting. Just manage your expectations and check the current access status before planning your trip.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 39,141 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Phuket
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Patong Beach
Three kilometres of white sand with jet skis, loungers and Bangla Road behind it, so come for the noise, not the calm.
Ko Racha Yai
A car-free island near Phuket with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and resorts for all budgets.
Ko Yao Yai
A largely undeveloped island in Phang Nga Bay offering secluded beaches, dive sites, and peaceful rural scenery.
The Big Buddha, Phuket: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Big Buddha, Phuket worth visiting?
The Big Buddha, Phuket holds a 4.6★ rating from 39,141 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Phuket.
What are the opening hours of The Big Buddha, Phuket?
The Big Buddha, Phuket is typically open 06:00-18:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit The Big Buddha, Phuket?
The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas).
Where is The Big Buddha, Phuket located?
The Big Buddha, Phuket is at Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).
Location Info
Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand+66 81 891 3827www.mingmongkolphuket.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands
Where to stay near The Big Buddha, Phuket
Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places
ISKCON PHUKET
A hilltop Hindu temple in Karon offering a peaceful, devotional atmosphere rooted in the Hare Krishna tradition.
Wat Kitti Sangkharam
A historic Buddhist temple near Kata Beach offering free entry, peaceful grounds, and authentic Thai spiritual culture.
Kata Palace Phuket Hotel
A budget-friendly base in Kata, steps from the beach and local temples, shops, and Thai dining.
Big Buddha Gallery Art
A gallery and shop beside Big Buddha, selling original artwork and Buddhist statues made by a local artist.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near The Big Buddha, Phuket
Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands