Visiting Big Buddha Phuket

Visiting Big Buddha Phuket

What to do at Big Buddha Phuket

When visiting Phuket, the Big Buddha is the attraction you must visit. The statue is a 45-meter tall white marble structure that is visible from nearly everywhere in the southern part of Phuket. It’s one of the most breathtaking experiences when you go sightseeing in Phuket. You can even climb up the Bid Buddha and see the amazing panoramic view of Phuket from the terrace.

History of Phuket Big Buddha

The construction of the Phuket Big Buddha started in 2002 and still hasn’t finished yet. It was given the official name ‘Phraphutthamingmongkhol-akenagakhiri Buddha,’ which translates to ‘Happiness on top of Naked Mountain Buddha.’

The Big Buddha was built with the help of local’s donations. If you want while visiting the statue, you can help fund the building by donating or sponsoring a marble piece of tile starting from 200 baht.

Visiting the Big Buddha

Getting to the Big Buddha is quite accessible if you don’t have a problem with the many curves during the ride there. If you drive slowly and carefully there isn’t an issue and is an enjoyable ride.

When you reach the destination, there is an organized parking lot where you can park, and a security officer has to check your clothing to make sure that it is suitable. Short shorts, skirts, or dresses aren’t accepted. If you aren’t wearing clothes that the security deems appropriate you will be required to wear a sarong, which is provided to you for free.

Once you arrive at the Big Buddha, you will see the large magnificent sweeping staircase that leads up to the statue. An important note to remember is that you are only allowed to climb up the sweeping staircase, it is not permitted to walk down them to leave. Don’t worry though, if you want to leave you can take a separate exit which is on the other side of the Big Buddha statue.

The total number of steps to reach the Big Buddha statue is 94, which is relatively an easy climb.

Big Buddha Statue Panoramic View

If you get the chance to climb up the Big Buddha statue, you’ll be in the panoramic view of a lifetime!

Climb up to the terrace on the Big Buddha statue to get an amazing view of Kata Bay, Kata Noi Bay, Promthep Cape, and Nai Harn Windmill when the weather is clear.

Big Buddha Phuket has become a favorite for tourists, but if you want other options, you can also visit the sitting Buddha of Wat Kao Rang or the Buddha of Wat Sri Sunthron.

The Big Buddha Temple

On the way down from the terrace, you will walk by a temple where monks sit all day, pray, and occasionally have ceremonies for visitors.

You can donate money to the temple or buy amulets that go towards the funding of the Big Buddha temple.

Dress Code

There is no specific dress code when visiting the Phuket Big Buddha, but the security there has the authority to deny you access if you are not dressed appropriately, it is a temple with monks after all. So remember to dress appropriately and respect the local culture and religion when visiting the Phuket Big Buddha.

Sleeveless shirts, short trousers or skirts which are above the knee will not be permitted. If your dress code is not suitable, they will offer you a free sarong and ask you to wear it if you want to enter.