Big Buddha
Phuket's 45m marble Buddha on Nakkerd Hill, above Chalong — everything you need to know before you go.
The site closed in August 2024 after a landslide, briefly reopened for three days in January 2026, then reopened for good on 3 March 2026 (Makha Bucha Day) and has stayed open since. The statue, staircase, temple area and viewing terraces are all accessible.
Verified 16 September 2026 — re-check locally if conditions may have changed
Free entry — the site is donation-funded, not required.
About an hour for the statue, temple area and viewpoint.
Shoulders and knees covered. Free sarongs/shawls at the entrance if you need one.
Early morning (6–9am) or toward sunset (4–6:30pm) — avoid 11:30am–2pm.
Big Buddha in photos
How to get to Big Buddha
On Nakkerd Hill, about 8km from Wat Chalong via Chaofa West Road.
Get directionsRoughly 500–800 THB depending on where you start — agree the fare before you get in.
Fixed price, tracked route. Some drivers decline pickups from the summit in the afternoon or after 5pm as traffic builds on the descent — plan your way down before you go up.
Around 200 THB/day to rent. The road is in good condition but steep in places. Free on-site parking, though it can fill up during busy periods.
From Phuket Town, roughly an hour.
A documented trail runs up from Karon's back roads — roughly an hour, steep in places. See Karon's guide for the trailhead.
Highlights & before you go
- Free entry, donation-funded
- One of Phuket's most recognizable landmarks, with panoramic views over the south of the island
- Sunrise and sunset are genuinely the best times for both light and crowds
- Dress code is enforced at the entrance — shoulders and knees covered
- Midday (roughly 11:30am–2pm) is the busiest and hottest window
- Some ride-hailing drivers decline pickups from the summit after 5pm — check your way down in advance
Wat Chalong & Chalong Pier
Big Buddha sits just above Chalong — easy to combine with Phuket's most important temple and the pier.
Big Buddha — FAQ
Is Big Buddha Phuket open right now?
Yes. The site closed in August 2024 after a landslide, briefly reopened for 3 days in January 2026, then reopened for good on 3 March 2026 and has stayed open since. Verified 16 September 2026 — conditions can change, so check locally if you're visiting outside this window.
Is there an entrance fee for Big Buddha?
No — entry is free. The site is donation-funded; contributing to a marble tile is optional, not required.
What should I wear to Big Buddha?
Shoulders and knees covered, like any active Buddhist site. Free sarongs and shawls are available at the entrance gate if you arrive underdressed.
What's the best time to visit Big Buddha?
Early morning (around 6–9am) or late afternoon toward sunset (4–6:30pm). Midday, roughly 11:30am–2pm, is the busiest and hottest window.