Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-metre white marble Buddha on top of Nakkerd Hill, between Chalong and Kata in southern Phuket. It reopened on 3 March 2026 after a landslide closure, is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, is free to enter, and has one of the island’s best panoramic views.
You can see it from almost anywhere in southern Phuket: a huge white figure sitting serenely on the hilltop. Officially Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri, it is the island’s best-known landmark, an active place of worship and a superb viewpoint. Here is everything you need before driving up the winding road.
At a Glance
- Where: Top of Nakkerd Hill; the road from Chalong is about 5.4 km
- Hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily, last entry 5.30 pm (as of September 2026)
- Entry: Free; donations welcome
- Status: Open since 3 March 2026 after the August 2024 landslide closure
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered; free sarongs at the entrance
In This Guide
- What Is Big Buddha Phuket?
- Reopening: 2026 Update
- What You Will See at the Top
- How to Get There
- Dress Code and Etiquette
- Best Time to Visit
- Practical Tips
- What to Do Nearby
- Where to Stay in Southern Phuket
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
What Is Big Buddha Phuket?
The statue stands about 45 metres tall and depicts the Buddha in the Maravichai sitting posture, built of reinforced concrete and faced with white Burmese marble. Its name roughly means the auspicious Buddha on Naga Hill.
Construction began in 2004, funded by public donations, and the complex around the base is still being completed. Beside the white statue stands a smaller golden brass Buddha, and together they make one of the most photographed scenes in southern Phuket.
Reopening: 2026 Update
On 23 August 2024 a landslide on Nakkerd Hill killed 13 people, and the site was closed. It opened briefly around New Year 2026, closed again after a few days, and reopened for good on 3 March 2026, Makha Bucha Day.
As of September 2026 it has stayed open, with the statue, the stairs, the temple area and the terraces all accessible. Given its history, it is still worth checking the status on the day you go.
What You Will See at the Top
The terrace around the base gives some of the best 360-degree views on the island: on a clear day, Chalong Bay, Kata, Karon and parts of Phuket Town spread out below, with forested hills rolling towards the Andaman Sea.
A small hall at the base tells the project’s story through photographs, and monks offer blessings and tie white cotton bracelets for a donation. Hundreds of inscribed marble tiles, bought and signed by visitors, cover parts of the base, a touching link to the thousands who funded it. A short flight of steps leads from the terrace to the statue.
How to Get There
There is no local bus to the top. According to Phuket Province, from Phuket Town take West Chaofa Road (Route 4021) towards Chalong Bay, turn onto Soi Yot Saneh 1, and drive about 5.4 km up the hill. The road is paved and signposted, with steep sections and sharp bends; free parking is available at the top.
Grab and Bolt are the easiest options, though getting a ride back down can take longer, so have both apps. Tuk-tuk drivers will often wait and bring you back; agree the price first. A scooter works if you are confident on steep hill roads, and fit walkers can hike up from the Karon side, which takes about an hour in the heat.
Dress Code and Etiquette
This is an active religious site. No sleeveless tops and no shorts or skirts above the knee; free sarongs are available at the entrance, and guards will politely ask you to cover up.
Remove your shoes in the temple hall, keep your voice low, take off hats, avoid embracing on the grounds, and give way to monks. Visitors who approach with respect often call it one of the calmest experiences of their trip.
Best Time to Visit
The site is open from 9 am to 6 pm, with last entry at 5.30 pm (as of September 2026). Arrive soon after opening for fewer people, cooler air and the clearest views before haze builds.
Late afternoon, from about 4.30 pm, bathes the marble in warm light; just leave time before the 5.30 pm last entry. Midday is exposed and hot, often above 35°C, so bring water and a hat. November to February is the most comfortable season, though dramatic clouds make it worth visiting year-round.
Practical Tips
A few things make the visit smoother:
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for the statue, the views, the hall and a blessing.
- Watch for monkeys: macaques live on the hill; keep food and sunglasses secure and never feed them.
- Bring water: the café at the top is basic.
- Entry is free; donations support the site.
- No drones: they are not permitted.
What to Do Nearby
Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most revered temple with its 60-metre chedi, is about 15 minutes away, and many visitors pair the two in one morning. Karon Viewpoint on the coast road between Kata Noi and Nai Harn gives a three-bay panorama, and Promthep Cape makes a perfect sunset finish after a late-afternoon visit.
Where to Stay in Southern Phuket
The Big Buddha sits in the middle of southern Phuket, within about 20 to 30 minutes of Chalong, Kata, Karon and Rawai.
This is where we at Silqhaus come into the picture. Silqhaus, a Phuket and Pattaya holiday-rental company, has Sava Villa, a private villa with a 10-metre pool in Rawai, and Niva and Treva villas near Phuket Town, all a short drive from Nakkerd Hill. Booking direct is always at least 10% below Airbnb and Booking.com for the same home and dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Buddha Phuket open in 2026?
Yes. Big Buddha Phuket reopened on 3 March 2026 after the August 2024 landslide closure and has stayed open, from 9 am to 6 pm with last entry at 5.30 pm (as of September 2026).
Is there an entrance fee?
No, entry is free. Donations help fund maintenance and the ongoing construction.
How tall is the Big Buddha?
About 45 metres, made of reinforced concrete faced with white Burmese marble.
What should I wear?
Cover your shoulders and knees. Free sarongs are available at the entrance if you forget.
How do I get there from Patong?
By Grab, Bolt, tuk-tuk or scooter, about 30 to 40 minutes via Karon or Chalong; the final road up the hill is about 5.4 km with steep bends.
