Unveiling the Mystique of Phuket’s Giant Guardian!
Big Buddha Phuket | Best Things to do in Phuket
Big Buddha Phuket | Best Things to do in Phuket
When you head down the East coast of Phuket on the way to Phi Phi and you look up at the tropical green hills of Phuket, at one of the highest points you will see an awe-inspiring gleaming white marble statue of Buddha. Known simply as the Big Buddha
So, we sent Jay Leshark down to the Big Buddha and checked out the magnificence of this colossal guardian of Phuket.
Watch the video here – LINK TO VIDEO
Big Buddha Phuket
Perched high on the top of Nakkerd Hills is a gleaming white marble statue of Buddha. Known simply as the Big Buddha (its official name is Mingmongkol Buddha image), the statue has slowly become one of the most popular attractions on the island.
Right hold on, I need to do a history lesson:
Big Buddha Phuket: History
The idea for the statue came about when a group of friends discovered the spectacular views from what was to be the Big Buddha statue’s future location on Nakkerd Hills.
Instead of simply transforming this into a popular viewpoint like Laem Phromthep, the friends decided that they needed something much more significant for the people — an enormous statue of Buddha.
Construction for the Big Buddha began in 2004
The Big Buddha statue, which is 45 meters tall and spans 25 meters at the base, was built entirely with donations from locals and foreigners!
How to get to the Big Buddha?
Getting to the Big Buddha is fairly straightforward, but the road up to the Big Buddha statue is very steep so be careful.
Also If you are heading to the Big Buddha yourself, the signpost is rather small so you might miss it.
Here is the Google map location – https://goo.gl/maps/XAAcYusY4Jzmdn9u7
Would you like a few tips when visiting the Big Buddha?
Visit the Big Buddha early in the morning to beat the heat and crowd
More than a thousand visitors come here to pay respects to the Big Buddha daily and it can get crowded during the day.
If you are feeling peckish, you can stop at any of the restaurants on the way uphill or downhill.
Make sure you have your camera as not only will get epic pictures of the big Buddha BUT also from the top you get stunning views of Phuket Town, Chalong Bay, Rawai, Karon and more, alongside lush greenery and scenic beaches.
You can even see (on a clear day) Phi Phi and Phang Nga bay in the distance.
Check out our 5 Star Marine Phuket tours – https://5starmarinephuket.com/locations/
As this is a religious site, do dress appropriately. That means no tank tops and short shorts — this is not a Full Moon Party, so please cover up!
You can hire sarongs at the big Buddha if you don’t have anything to cover up.
So, there you go. The Big Buddha Phuket
It’s well worth the trip and something that you definitely need to see when you come to Phuket.
Shaun Stenning
Shaun is the Co-Owner and Founder of 5 Star Marine Phuket. After visiting Phuket for a holiday he never left and over 13 years later he calls Phuket home with his wife and kids. Shaun is passionate about Phuket and the Islands surrounding Phuket and loves helping fellow travellers explore.
