The Big Buddha in Phuket is the most iconic feature of Thailand’s most popular island! Join us as we take you on a journey to one of the highest points in Phuket. We’ll show you what it’s like to visit the famous Big Buddha at both sunrise and sunset!
About the Big Buddha in Phuket
The Big Buddha in Phuket stands at a miraculous 45 meters (148 feet!), towering over the southern part of the island. It’s made completely from white marble and came together with donations from around the world. Construction first started in 2002 and it’s actually still being built today!
The parking lot is located directly next to Phuket Big Buddha with plenty of space for both cars and motorbikes. A long staircase leads up to the top where you can get an up-close view of this remarkable statue. Surrounding the outside are several other gold statues and relics of important animals to the Buddhist religion.
When we visited Big Buddha Phuket it was free of charge. However, they accept donations which go towards the completion of the statute on site.
Getting to Phuket Big Buddha
As it’s located high in the mountains, you will need to rent a vehicle or hire a tuk tuk to bring you up to the Big Buddha Phuket.
On the way, we did see a fitness group jogging up the road which looked like quite the workout! We’ve also been told there are hiking trails to the top if that’s something you’re interested in.
The drive is very well paved and it was a very nice motorbike ride. From where we were staying in Kata Beach it took around 20 minutes. There are usually food vendors around Big Buddha in Phuket Thailand.
However, we recommend stopping at one of the restaurants on the drive up with a sea view. Check out our 40 favorite Thai foods and drinks to try on your trip!
→ 8 Quick Tips to Know About Renting a Motorbike in Phuket Thailand
Morning Visit to Big Buddha Phuket
Waking up first thing in the morning, we jumped out of bed and hopped on our motorbike. Since it was our first trip we didn’t want to drive in the dark to make it right for sunrise. Still, we really enjoyed the nice cool weather of the morning as opposed to the hot afternoon sun.
From the bottom of the mountain, it took about 10 minutes to reach the top. The road is a windy incline, but like we mentioned before very well paved for an easy drive. Once we made it to the top we couldn’t believe our eyes!
After seeing it so many times from afar around the island, it was magical to finally be at the Big Buddha Phuket. Also, the views of Phuket and the surrounding islands were absolutely stunning!
We spent about 30 minutes wandering around the property before taking off… But it wouldn’t be our last time at Phuket Big Buddha!
Explore Phuket: 22 Things to Do – Old Town Food Guide – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – 15 Best Beaches
Sunset at Phuket Big Buddha
We loved our morning visit so much that we decided we HAD to go for sunset. Obviously, we did not regret this decision at all! Thailand in general is known for its magical sunsets.
Yet, most of our days end at the beach in Phuket so it was such a nice change up to see it from this perspective. We went in early January which meant the sun was setting while before Big Buddha Phuket was closing. What an awesome way to end our trip to the island!
→ Our 5 Favorite Places to Watch the Sunset in Phuket Thailand
Big Buddha Phuket Thailand Tips
- Open 8am-6pm daily
- Be respectful at all times as this is a sacred place to many. It’s an active temple and monks can be seen on the grounds.
- Alcohol is prohibited at the Big Buddha Phuket.
- Women should cover their shoulders and no beachwear.
- There are tuk tuks and taxis at the top available if you are dropped off or decide to walk up.
- Walk around the entire Big Buddha in Phuket Thailand for amazing views.
Where to Stay in Southern Phuket
5 Star Resort – The Shore At Katathani – Kata Noi – Ultra-luxury 5-star hotel offering rooms with private pools. Located on the far end of Kata Noi overlooking one of the best beaches on the island.
Ultra Luxury – The Nai Harn – Nai Harn Beach – Known as one of the nicest hotels in not just Phuket, but all of Thailand! Amazing beach and sea views from luxury rooms. If you ever want to leave you will be literally steps from the famous Nai Harn Beach.
Royal Experience – Mom Tri’s Villa Royale – Kata Noi– Once a home of the Royal family of Thailand, this converted residence is one of the most unique places to stay on Phuket.
Phuket’s First Hotel – The Memory at On On Hotel – Old Town – Built in 1927, the On On Hotel was constructed in the signature Sino-Portuguese style and retains its historical charm. It was even featured in the 2002 blockbuster “The Beach” with Leanardo DiCaprio.
Unique Stay – Roost Glamping – Rawai – Yes you can go glamping in Phuket Thailand! These upscale tents are set around a gorgeous pool and the cafe serves up healthy tropical dishes.
Hostel Life: – Sino Hostel @ Kata – Kata Beach – Hostels are very popular in Phuket and Sino is in a great location. Choose from dorms and private rooms as you use it as a base to see Kata Beach from.
For more of the best hotels in Phuket Thailand explore the latest prices here!
Have any questions or want to share your own experiences at the Big Buddha Phuket? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Phuket Travel Planning
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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Helpful Thailand Articles
Phuket: Nai Harn & Yanui – Kata Beach – Kata Noi – Nui Beach – Rawai – Elephant Sanctuary – Promthep Cape Sunset
Koh Phi Phi: Ferry from Phuket – 25 Things to Know – Maya Bay Private Tour – 3 Viewpoint Hike – Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Don Boat Tour
Koh Lanta: 10 Things to Do – 8 Best Beaches – One Day Motorbike
Railey Beach: 12 Things to Do – 3 Epic Beaches – Krabi to Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to Know – Bottle Beach Koh Phangan – Koh Tao 12 Things to Know – Freedom Beach Koh Tao – Koh Samui
More: Planning Thailand Trip – Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
