Big Buddha in Phuket - guide and features of the visit

The Big Buddha is the most impressive landmark on Phuket Island, as well as the largest sculpture of a seated Buddha in the whole of Thailand. Just think about it - the sculpture is 45 meters high and 25.5 meters wide.

The Big Buddha is the youngest shrine on the island and the interior of the statue is still unfinished. Despite this fact, the attraction is very popular among travelers and is a place of worship for Buddhists.

There are three versions of the origin of the Big Buddha in Phuket. According to the first version, the local government decided to "outdo" its counterparts from Samui, which also has a statue of the Big Buddha. However, on Koh Samui the deity is not so impressive in size - 12 meters.

If the following version is to be believed, the islanders decided to use the statue to ward off travelers with not always pure thoughts. The Thais, of course, are affable and friendly, but matters of religion are sacred to them.

And a third version says that the place on which the Big Buddha is built is mystical, and more specifically, a place of power. Anyway, the statue was built. Funding for the construction was provided by the local authorities, as well as funds from donations from the local population and travelers. The statue of the Big Buddha is located on the mountain between Chalong and Kata, 400 meters above sea level. From here you can get a good view of the southern and eastern regions of the island.

At this point in time, the construction of the Buddhist temple at the base of the statue continues.

Here you can buy souvenirs, as well as make a donation for the construction of the temple.

If you climb the Big Buddha, you can enjoy truly spectacular views (especially the sunset from this height).

Travelers who travel by motorcycle should be especially careful, as the road in this place is very steep.

The Big Buddha in Phuket is not just a tourist attraction, but a sacred place for Buddhists, so when you visit the temple, take care of your appearance.

Attendance in miniskirts, shorts, and open shoulders may cause the monks to be indignant. However, for those who show up at the temple inappropriately, special capes are provided.

Attractions

Here you are at the very top of the mountain. You might think that the only attraction here is the huge statue of the Big Buddha, but that's not true. There are other statues, many of which are golden in color, although of course they are not made of pure gold. You have a great opportunity to see the design of the smaller temple complex.

In addition, travelers can see an unusual gong, which emits a magical melody. According to the belief, only a person with a pure heart and thoughts can summon the sounds of the gong.

A Buddhist temple is under construction at the base of the statue, which is already in operation even though the interior is still unfinished. The most interesting object, however, is the Big Buddha himself. The statue is made of a large number of white marble bricks.

If you look at the marble Buddha on a sunny day, the stones will shimmer so much that you might think the statue radiates light.

How to get there

The stone deity is located in the southern part of Phuket Island, it rises on the hill Nakkerd. If you go west from the marble Buddha, you will reach the beaches of Karon and Kata, and in the eastern direction is Chalong Bay.

If you want to visit this famous landmark and you are in the northern part of Phuket, you need to go after Phuket Town along the highway Chao Fa Rd (West). In about 10-15 minutes you will see the temple of Wat Chalong. Continue in the same direction and after a couple of minutes you will come to a big signpost. Turn right here and then go straight along the lane.

In about 3-5 minutes there will be a steep turn up the road and you will come to a hill. Climb up it, this is the place you need to be. After about 10 minutes, you will be on top and you can "meet" the Big Buddha in person. In front of the temple grounds, there is a free parking lot where you can park your car or motorcycle.

If you are on the south side of the island, drive to the fork in Chalong and then take the road leading to the temple of Wat Chalong (a special signpost will help you do this). After a few minutes on the road, you will find the same curve that will take you to the statue.

Cost and visiting hours

The Big Buddha is open to the public from 8:00-19:30 on all days of the week. Since it is a functioning temple, travelers are not charged for admission. If you would like to contribute to the temple's future construction, you can do so in a very unusual way, such as purchasing a stone to be used for construction, getting a prediction or blessing from a monk, and so on.

It should be noted that tourists like this approach to business very much, so there are always many willing to make a donation. Travelers who have visited the Marble Buddha confirm that this place is not just an entertainment, but something more.

Here you can go deep inside yourself and get answers to many urgent questions. And, of course, you can admire the beauty of local nature and get a lot of positive impressions.