The Big Buddha, Phuket
A 45-meter white marble Buddha on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata, open again since 3 March 2026 after an 18-month closure. Entry is free.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 06:00–18:30
- Entry
- Free
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.
How to visit The Big Buddha, Phuket
The Big Buddha is free and easy to see on your own in a morning. The half-day city tour suits you if you'd rather pair it with Wat Chalong and Old Town without arranging the driving.
On your own
Entry is free (donations), and sarongs are lent free. It reopened on 3 March 2026 after the 2024 landslide closed the hill. Go before 11:00, because there's no shade after that, and dress for the check at the stairs, which allows no sleeveless tops, even under a scarf.
With a guide
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Finding your way around The Big Buddha, Phuket
Layouts, fares and hours change. If something here has moved, use “Suggest a correction” at the bottom of the page.
Getting there and around
- The road up branches off Chaofa West Road and is signposted from Chalong Circle. It's paved all the way, with cafes along it, and parking at the top is free.
- On foot, a steep 2.5 km trail climbs from Patak Road in Karon, opposite Baan Karon Resort, in about an hour.
- From Kata it's about 12 km by road.
Details
- Phone
- +66 81 891 3827
- Website
- www.mingmongkolphuket.com
Full opening hours
Why go, and how to do it well
The Big Buddha sits on top of Nakkerd Hill in the south of Phuket, between Chalong and Kata, a seated figure 45 meters tall faced in white Burmese marble. Its official name is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, building began in 2004 and the base is still being worked on, paid for by donations. You can see it from much of the south of the island, and from the terrace the view takes in Kata, Karon and the whole of Chalong Bay.
It was closed for 18 months. A landslide on the hill on 23 August 2024 killed 13 people, and the site was shut for safety checks and an investigation into building work on forest land. It reopened on 3 March 2026, and the statue, the stairs, the temple area and the terraces are all open again. If a map listing still says it's closed, that's out of date.
Entry is free and donations are optional. Phuket 101's updated guide gives the hours since reopening as 09:00 to 18:00, last entry 17:30, while Google still lists 06:00 to 18:30, so I'd plan around the later opening. The morning is cool and quiet, and late afternoon has the best light over the west coast. Plan on 90 minutes to two hours, including a stop at one of the cafes on the road.
It's a religious site, so cover your shoulders and knees. Free sarongs are handed out at the entrance if you arrive in beach clothes. The road up branches off Chaofa West Road and is signposted from Chalong Circle, paved all the way. You can also hike up from Karon on a steep 2.5 km trail from Patak Road, which takes about an hour.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Experience hints
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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.
Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
The Big Buddha, Phuket: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Big Buddha in Phuket open?
Yes. It closed after the landslide on Nakkerd Hill on 23 August 2024 and reopened on 3 March 2026. The statue, the stairs, the temple area and the viewing terraces are all open again.
Do you need tickets for the Big Buddha Phuket?
No. Entry is free, and donations are welcome but optional. Parking and toilets are free too.
What are the Big Buddha's opening hours?
Phuket 101's guide, updated in October 2026, gives 09:00 to 18:00 with last entry at 17:30 since the reopening. Google still lists 06:00 to 18:30, so the later opening is the safer plan.
What is the dress code at the Big Buddha?
Cover your shoulders and knees, because it's a religious site. Free sarongs are handed out at the entrance for anyone in beach clothes.
Why was the Big Buddha closed?
A landslide on the hill on 23 August 2024 killed 13 people. The site was closed for safety inspections and an investigation into building work on forest reserve land, and it reopened in March 2026.
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.
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: May – October (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).
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