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The Big Buddha Phuket is a must see attraction for anyone visiting Phuket. It is one of the most prominent features of south Phuket and allows you to experience the Buddhist culture in Phuket whilst also enjoying stunning views of Phuket.
But beware, there is some false information out there about getting to the Big Buddha Phuket. In this guide we put the record straight and tell you how to get to the Big Buddha in 2026. This is such a great activity in Phuket we have included a visit to the Big Buddha on our Phuket one week itinerary AND also our guide on the BEST hikes in Phuket. Here is everything you need to plan your visit to the Big Buddha.
TOP TIP: Don’t forget to dress appropriately for visiting a temple. As a general rule keep your knees and shoulders covered (in addition to normal clothing!)
Looking for something less well know- don’t miss our guide on Phuket’s best kept secret hidden gems
Where is the Big Buddha located?
The Big Buddha Phuket is a giant statue of Buddha located on Nakkerd Hill (พระพุทธมิ่งมงคลเอกนาคคีรี) in the south of Phuket between Kata bay (to the west) and Chalong bay (to the east) and Rawai (to the South). The marble Buddha statue is an impressive 45m tall and is located right at the top of the hill over 360m above sea level. From the viewing platform around the Buddha it is possible to get stunning panoramic views of Phuket, the Andaman ocean and some surrounding islands. There is also a Buddhist temple at the Big Buddha and some cafes and food stalls.
How long does it take to see the Big Buddha Phuket?
Excluding travel time to and from the Big Buddha we recommend at least 45 minutes to enjoy seeing the Big Buddha. There is a viewing platform (facing East over Chalong) and when you walk up the steps you can also walk a full loop around the Big Buddha Phuket to get stunning views in every direction.
It is also possible to see various statues and a temple located at the Big Buddha Phuket. We recommend taking the time to stop and have a drink here too. It takes around 20 minutes to drive up to the Big Buddha Phuket from Chalong (which is the nearest build up area by road).
How much does it cost to see the Big Buddha in Phuket?
Entrance to the Big Buddha Phuket is totally FREE. However, you can make a donation at the entrance. The main cost to consider is transportation to see the Big Buddha Phuket – which depends on how you choose to travel.
How do you get to the Big Buddha in Phuket?
There are several ways to get to the Big Buddha in Phuket. The best way depends on your budget, your requirements and your personal preferences.
Can you walk to the Big Buddha?
YES! You can walk to the Big Buddha – but be prepared for a challenging trek in the heat. The Big Buddha stands over 360m above sea level. Here is a map showing the main walking route to the Big Buddha Phuket from Kata bay.
This route is around 2.5km (from Patak Road) in Kata.
The best place to trek to the Big Buddha is from Patak road in Kata bay. The trek to the Big Buddha from Kata starts by following some steep roads up the hillside. This is the junction of the road that leads up to the trekking trail to the Big Buddha.
The first 1km or so follows steep roads up the hill. There are no footpaths along this section so take care. Eventually you will see the trekking trail (on the right) leading up the hill.
This is a steep climb up a jungle trail. Once you reach the top of the steep jungle trail you will hit the road that leads up to the Big Buddha Phuket. Take a right and follow this road around 1km up to the Big Buddha.
You can also trek up to the Big Buddha from the Chalong area. The hiking route to the Big Buddha from Chalong is longer and also follows a road rather than a trail. There are some steep sections of road. Also be aware that cars and bikes use this road and there is no sidewalk or footpath. The road route to the Big Buddha is around 6km (starting from the road 4024 in Chalong).
TOP TIP: Some maps label a hiking trail to the Big Buddha starting from Wat Kiti Sangkharam in Kata. This is incorrect. There is no hiking trail to the Big Buddha Phuket from Wat Kiti Sangkharam. If you plan to trek to the Big Buddha Phuket from Kata you need to follow the route that we recommend in this guide.
Can you drive a motorbike up to the Big Buddha Phuket?
Yes you can get to the Big Buddha by motorbike. But we only recommend this for relatively experienced drivers (who are also qualified and insured to drive a bike in Phuket). The road up to the Big Buddha Phuket is very steep so we recommend a sufficiently powerful drive – especially if you plan to share your bike. The steepness of the road in sections makes this a challenging ride, and you will also need to make sure you have a full tank of petrol before you set off. Bike rental in Phuket is relatively cheap (it is easy to find deals for around 200 baht per day in most areas of Phuket). Many hotels and guest houses also offer bike rental in Phuket.
How do you get to the Big Buddha in Phuket by taxi?
Yes, there are two options here. Use the Grab App. This can be the cheapest way to get a taxi in Phuket – but occasionally it can be quite expensive and tricky to get to places using grab (especially tourist spots like this). Another option is to find a driver at the roadside. Drivers (especially in Kata) will be willing to take you to see the Big Buddha Phuket – we recommend agreeing a price for the return trip beforehand and discuss a sufficient waiting time (we recommend at least 45 minutes). From Kata it is likely to cost you around 300 baht for a round trip to see the Big Buddha depending on your bartering skills.
Can you drive to the Big Buddha Phuket if you rent a car?
The most convenient way to see the Big Buddha Phuket is to rent a car and drive up. Car rental in Phuket is likely to cost in the range of 500 – 1000 baht per day depending on the type of car you choose and also how long you plan to rent for. Longer rental periods normally allow for better car rental deals. There is a FREE car park located at the top of the hill right next to the Big Buddha. The advantage of car rental is that you can stay as long as you want and stop along the way if you want to.
What else is there to do near the Big Buddha Phuket?
On the hill leading up to the Big Buddha Phuket there are some places offering ATV rental (All Terrain Vehicles) and there is also an elephant farm. Our impression was that the elephants do not have a lot of space or freedom here so this would not be an ethical animal encounter. If you like trekking you can also trek to the amazing Black Rock viewpoint (the trek starts very near the Karon viewpoint in the south of Phuket). Kata is a great spot for surfing and watersports.
Where is the best place to stay near the Big Buddha Phuket?
If you are hoping to stay near the Big Buddha we recommend Kata bay. Check out the OZO hotel Phuket for its epic packages and adventurous activity program. If you’re travelling with kids don’t miss our COMPLETE guide to family friendly resorts in Phuket.
