The statue of the Big Buddha in Phuket is on the highest point of the island. It sits in white lotus petals atop Mount Nakaked near Chalong Ring and Kata Beach, and next to it sits the grand Dino Park. From the beginning of its construction, the Big Buddha statue was destined to become a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and an attraction for tourists from around the world.
The statue’s location on the tallest mountain, Nakaked, allows it to be seen from almost anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. The view of the Big Buddha is equal to the view of the sea, which significantly increases the cost of housing. Features of the formation of prices for real estate in Thailand we have already discussed.
How to get to the Big Buddha Statue
If you are going to the Big Buddha statue in Phuket by yourself by car or bike (read more about Bike rental in Phuket), then you should follow the Chaoph Road, at Chalong you will see red and white signs saying The Big Buddha, indicating the direction to the Big Buddha location. Follow these signs and you won’t get lost. You have to climb steep slopes, sometimes up to 45 degrees. Because of these climbs large tourist buses do not go here. You can also get to the statue on the island by Thai taxi, any Thai knows where the statue is.
The Road to the Big Buddha Statue in Phuket
If you get hungry on the way there, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the local cafes, there are more than enough and most with beautiful views.
Entrance to the grounds
Big Buddha in Phuket is one of the few places on the island where there is a dress code – your clothes should not reveal your shoulders and knees, everything should be decent. Remember, you’re in a holy place! But if your clothes have let you down, don’t despair, they will always offer you a sarong free of charge, it’s better not to refuse it. Buddha, of course, loves everyone, but only accepts those who show respect.
The dress code at the Big Buddha statue in Phuket (source: ikhiritov.ru)
There is a museum at the base of the Big Buddha and all visitors pass through it on their way to the stairs leading to the statue.
Stairs leading to the statue of the Big Buddha (source: ikhiritov.ru)
There’s a lot to see here, with a hall displaying the history of the project, some Buddhist shrines, and countless boxes for donations. Recently a meditation teaching room opened here. For a small fee, a real teacher and monk leads a personal or group class in simple meditation. There are always monks at the Big Buddha statue in Phuket, don’t miss the chance to ask them for a blessing.
The Balloting Place at the Big Buddha Statue in Phuket
The entire statue is covered with 135 tons of white German marble, decorated with jade and is 45 meters high and 25 meters in diameter at its base. The statue in Phuket is valued at 50 million baht.
At the time of construction, donations came from Thais from other cities, locals, foreign tourists and even from abroad. The Buddha faces east toward Chalong and Phang-nga Bays. By the way, here you can also see another statue of Buddha, long 12.5 meters in height. It is made of 22 tons of brass, costing 8 million baht, and is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. While the Big Buddha itself is dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol.
Small statue, 12.5 meters tall
What time is best to come
Read More:
- Phuket's Kata Beach is the best place for families!.
- The Big Buddha on Koh Samui is the heart and soul of the Thai island!.
- Kata Noi Beach in Phuket – Infrastructure, Entertainment, Hotels.
- 10 Most Beautiful and Surprising Temples in Thailand.
- Dino Park Phuket – Feel the Jurassic atmosphere.
- The Golden Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan) in Pattaya.