The towering 148 – foot Big Buddha Phuket statue is a stunning work of art and is sure to make it to the top of the list of every tourist visiting Phuket. Proclaimed as the ‘Buddhist treasure of Phuket’, the Big Buddha oozes brilliance which make it a must-visit destination in Phuket.
The Big Buddha is one of the most remarkable and admired monuments in Thailand and is considered of utmost respect by all. Devoted to the late king of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, the mesmerizing Big Buddha in Phuket was built in the year 2004. Adjacent to the Big Buddha statue is a small, golden-colored brass Buddha statue which is devoted to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
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What To Expect At Big Buddha Temple Phuket
- The three-storey hall at the base of the statue houses invaluable pictures and teachings of Buddha, history of the monuments construction and a Buddha relic.
- Marble Merit is an activity that involves dropping donations into the numerous donation boxes kept in the temple premises. This money is utilized for the maintenance of the temple.
- Occasional prayers are organized for the devotees and after attending the prayers visitors can offer donations to the monks as a sign of goodwill and good luck.
- At the base of the statue one can offer daily prayers and receive blessings from the monks.
- A 360-degree panoramic view of the Kata, Chalong Bay, Karon, and Phuket town islands can be experienced from the temple complex.
- The souvenir shop sells a variety of collectibles at some of the cheapest prices you can find in Phuket. The revenue generated from selling the collectibles are solely utilized for the maintenance of the temple.
- Savor some of the best Thai cuisines at the various restaurants and cafes at the top of hill that suits your taste buds.
Highlights
- The lofty Big Buddha statue is 45 meters tall and the lap is 25 meters wide making it the third tallest statue in Thailand.
- A small Buddha statue rests alongside the Big Buddha statue which is made up of brass and weighs around 20 tonnes.
- At the base of the statue, sits the hall that houses the pictures and teachings of Buddha, the history of the construction, and various donation boxes.
- The statue is the third tallest statue in Phuket, followed by the Great Buddha of Thailand and Luangpho Yai.
- If you wish to climb up the stairs, the 94-step sweeping staircase leads you to the base of the statue, and climbing up is not an uphill task.
- The stunning architecture of the temple is built from reinforced concrete and covered with sparkling Burmese white marble.
- Visitors can collect marble pieces from the temple and write their names which are positioned in the Big Buddha for eternity.
- The visitors can enjoy the novice ordination for the Mother performed by the son of the family which is of utmost pride.
- The Dharmic bells ringing periodically every 7 minutes create a perfect ambiance for replenishing your soul by meddling in the serene environment.
Tips For Visiting The Big Buddha Phuket
- Big Buddha Phuket dress code: Although there is no fixed dress code, visitors should wear proper clothes where shoulders and knees are covered. Avoid wearing t-shirts containing obscene images, beachwear, and short skirts while entering the temple premises to avoid hurting religious sentiments.
- Remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple area as it is one of the most revered religious places in Phuket.
- Be wary of the weather in Phuket before planning a visit to the Big Buddha.
- As the Big Buddha is a religious place, consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Big Buddha Phuket Timings
Whether you are an early bird or plan to visit during the evening, the Big Buddha in Phuket has something stunning in store for everyone.
Monday to Sunday: 6 am to 6:30 pm.
Location:
Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
How To Reach
By Road: If you are planning a trip to the Big Buddha by road, the well maintained roads allow you to have a comfortable and tireless journey. Distance from renowned locations:
- From Phuket International Airport: 47 kms
- From Kata Beach: 12 kms
- From Chalong Beach: 19 kms
- From Patong Beach: 24 kms
By Car: To have a hasslefree experience, book from the various rental services which are easily available. It would cost around 450 THB to 550 THB to travel to Big Buddha.
By Tuk-Tuk: Visitors can also rent a tuk-tuk to commute to the Big Buddha Phuket where the prices are around 1000 THB.
By Motorbike: Rent a bike from the various rental services to enjoy a thrilling ride to the Big Buddha which costs around 100 THB approximately.
By Bus: The most pocket-friendly way to get to Big Buddha trail from Phuket is to board the local transport service, Blue Songthaews.
Price: 24 THB – 40 THB
Duration: Approximately 1h 11m (Depending on the traffic).
By Hiking:
- Kata Beach to Big Buddha: Head out on a thrilling 4.6 miles hike from Kata Beach to the Big Buddha. The hike is rather narrow and steep but it is definitely worth the hike.
- Karon Beach to Big Buddha: The 1.5 mile hike from Karon Beach to Big Buddha is conveniently easier. The hike begins just 10 meters from the Siam Commercial Bank.
If you have any queries or wish to share your experiences at the Big Buddha Phuket, the comment section is positioned below. Book Now: Phuket City and Sightseeing Tour
FAQ
The Big Buddha statue in Phuket makes it to the top of the list of must-visit tourist attractions in Phuket.
The stunning glittering Big Buddha statue treats its visitors with a stunning panoramic view and serene ambiance which makes it a perfect family destination.
The Big Buddha, Phuket is 148 feet(45 meters) tall which ranks third amongst the tallest statues in Phuket.
Yes, entry to the Big Buddha temple is completely free, however, donations are always welcome which are utilized for the maintenance of the temple.
The average time required to experience all the activities in and around the Big Buddha spans approximately 1-2 hours.
The best time to visit the Big Buddha temple Phuket is during the morning and afternoon as the weather is perfect for engaging in various activities. The dazzling light of the morning and the evening sun falling on the statue treat its visitors with some of the best views.
