Sitting on top of Nakkerd Hill in the south of Phuket, the Big Buddha statue is the third largest in Thailand, and as well as being an important religious site, it offers one of the very best viewpoints on the island.
Only completed in 2014, the Big Buddha has quickly become one of Phuket's most popular landmark attractions, both for Buddhist devotees and foreign visitors, and makes an easy and rewarding excursion for those visiting the island during a private yacht charter.
The statue depicts Gautama Buddha in a seated position known as Maravijaya, with his legs crossed and his right hand reaching to the ground. Rising to a height of 45m, and measuring 25m wide at its base, it is visible from as far away as Phuket Town on the east coast and Kata Beach on the west.
Made of reinforced concrete encased in white jade marble, the Big Buddha is the centerpiece of a larger complex, which is still being built. Around it, there are several, much smaller, Buddha statues, as well as statues of revered monks and shrines.
The Big Buddha is visible from as far away as Phuket Town on the east coast
The statue is approached via a steep flight of steps, and from this high vantage point, visitors can enjoy spectacular, 360-degree views of Phuket, from Chalong Bay on the east coast of the island to Karon Beach on the west coast.
During the day the site is busy with pilgrims paying their respects at the numerous statues and shrines as Buddhist monks officiate at ceremonies and give blessings to visitors. The best time to come here is either in the morning or the evening when you can experience the glorious sunset over the Andaman Sea.
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The Big Buddha Photos
The Big Buddha
Big Buddha Viewpoint,
Mueang Phuket District,
Phuket 83100,
Thailand
