Big Buddha in Phuket

The white marble statue on Nakkerd Hill can be seen from half of southern Phuket — from Chalong to Kata. For people who live on the island for months, it is not just a one-off sightseeing trip, but a place to stop on the way between Kata and Chalong if you choose the right time.

Checked in October 2026.

What it is and where it is

The seated Buddha statue is clad in white marble and stands about 45 metres high, or around 60 metres including the pedestal. It sits at the top of Nakkerd Hill, also known as Khao Nakkerd, roughly halfway between Kata and Chalong beaches. On a clear day, the terrace at the foot of the statue offers views of several bays along Phuket’s southern coast — a good reason to stop even if you are not visiting for religious reasons.

This is an active religious site: local residents come here as well as tourists to light incense, leave a donation and receive a personalised marble tile in return, which is laid at the foot of the statue. Keep that in mind and behave accordingly: this is a quiet, respected place, not an attraction-filled viewpoint.

How to get there

By yourself — by car or motorbike — is the easiest option and suits people who are already settled on the island. From the Chalong Circle, take Chaofa West Road, then turn where the “Big Buddha” sign points and follow the winding road uphill for about 5–6 km. The road is narrow, with sharp bends, but paved; on a scooter, it is more comfortable in dry weather. There is free parking at the top, though it can fill up at weekends and in the middle of the day.

There is no public transport to the hill itself — no buses or regular songthaews. Without your own transport, your options are a taxi or arranging for a driver to wait and take you back: it is almost impossible to find a ride down from the hill.

When to go

The most comfortable weather and best views are early in the morning, before the humid haze and crowds arrive. From November to April, the sky is usually clearer; haze is more common after midday from the sea. During the rainy season, from May to October, the views are less clear and the winding road is slippery in a downpour — go between showers rather than during heavy rain.

If you are living on the island long term and are not in a hurry, a weekday morning is best: there are fewer tour buses, parking is easier and the terrace is quieter. Weekends and major Buddhist holidays are busy.

Rules and dress code

This is an active religious site, so both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. Shorts above the knee, short skirts, strappy tops and crop tops are not allowed in the statue area. If your clothes do not meet the rules, you can usually borrow a sarong at the entrance for free or a small deposit — but do not rely on that; it is more convenient to bring a light shirt or a sarong yourself.

Entry is free and there is no formal ticket. The site is supported by donations: you can make a donation and receive a personalised marble tile in thanks, which is laid by the statue — it is optional, but customary. The approximate opening hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, without a lunch break, but it is worth checking locally or with your driver before setting off: after the reconstruction, the site has been managed by Wat Kata Buddhist temple, and the hours may change slightly.

What to know before you go

In August 2024, a landslide near the complex injured people and the site was closed for extensive repairs. It reopened to visitors in March 2026 for the Makha Bucha Buddhist holiday. The statue itself is fine, but some buildings and areas around it are still being restored after the long closure — do not be surprised to see scaffolding or fenced-off sections. This is not a reason to cancel the trip, but expect some facilities, including toilets, signage and shade, not to be at the level they were in previous years.

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