The Big Buddha — formally Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon Akenakkhiri — sits on top of Nakkerd Hill in the south of the island, 45 metres tall and faced in white Burmese marble. You can see it from half of southern Phuket, and from its terrace you can see half of southern Phuket in return.
At the foot of the hill, Wat Chalong (Wat Chaithararam) is the island’s most important temple, dedicated to two monks revered for their healing and for helping the people of Chalong during the tin miners’ rebellion of 1876. The two sites are a short drive apart.
Top things to do: Big Buddha & Wat Chalong
The Big Buddha terrace
Walk around the base for views over Chalong Bay to the east and Kata and Karon to the west. A smaller brass Buddha stands alongside, and visitors can write a dedication on a marble tile for a donation. The site has been under construction for many years and work continues.
Wat Chalong
The main hall holds gilded statues of the monks Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, covered in gold leaf by worshippers. The 60-metre chedi beside it is said to house a fragment of the Buddha’s bone; climb to the top terrace for the view.
Firecrackers
The brick oven in the temple grounds is for firecrackers, set off by people giving thanks for an answered prayer. Expect sudden, very loud bangs.
Combine them
Most island sightseeing tours pair these two with Karon Viewpoint, Promthep Cape and the Old Town. ATV and zipline parks operate on the slopes of the same hill.
How to get to Big Buddha & Wat Chalong
- By road: the Big Buddha is reached by a steep six-kilometre road from Chalong; allow 20–30 minutes from Kata or Karon and 40 from Patong.
- No public transport goes up the hill. Take a taxi and ask the driver to wait, rent a car, or join a tour.
- Wat Chalong is on the main bypass road near Chalong Circle, 10–15 minutes from the Big Buddha.
Insider tips
- Both are active religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees; sarongs are lent at the Big Buddha entrance if you forget.
- There is no entrance fee at either; donations are welcome.
- Go early in the morning or near sunset for softer light and fewer coaches. The hill road is not ideal for inexperienced scooter riders.
Best tours & tickets for Big Buddha & Wat Chalong
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Big Buddha & Wat Chalong:
Guided sightseeing tour from €32 Phuket: Guided Tour of Phuket City with Hotel Transfers
The easy way to tick off the island’s land sights without negotiating taxis: viewpoints, the Big Buddha and the pastel streets of Phuket Old Town in one guided loop. Rated 4.8 by more than three thousand travellers.
- Big Buddha and scenic viewpoints
- A walk through the Old Town
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Adventure activity from €20 Phuket: Paradise Trip ATV Jungle Adventure
A build-your-own adventure package in Phuket’s hills: quad-bike trails, ziplines, a giant swing or a visit to the Big Buddha, from half an hour upwards. Nearly four thousand reviews.
- ATV trails through the jungle
- Optional zipline and giant swing
- Option to add the Big Buddha
Guided food walk from €57 Phuket: Southern Flavours Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
A perfect five-star average from several hundred reviews. A local guide leads you between the Old Town’s kitchens and street stalls for Phuket’s distinct Hokkien-Thai cooking, dish by dish.
- More than 15 tastings
- Hokkien noodles and massaman curry
- Street food in the Old Town
