Big Buddha Phuket

Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-metre-tall white marble seated Maravija Buddha statue atop Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata in Mueang Phuket District, Phuket. Visible from much of southern Phuket, it is one of the island's most prominent landmarks and a revered Buddhist site. Construction began in 2004 and the statue is clad in white Burmese marble, offering panoramic views over Chalong Bay, Kata and Karon.

Visitors can expect a large open hilltop complex centered on the 45-metre white marble Buddha seated in lotus position, with a smaller brass Buddha nearby. The site includes prayer halls, bells, donation areas, souvenir stalls and viewing terraces with 360-degree panoramic views over southern Phuket, Chalong Bay and the Andaman Sea. The atmosphere is that of an active religious site with monks, chanting and merit-making activities.

Construction of the Big Buddha began in 2004 on land donated for the project. The statue is 45 metres high and 25.45 metres wide, built with reinforced concrete and clad in white Burmese marble. It was conceived as a symbol of peace, unity and Buddhism for Phuket and was built largely through donations.

The statue, formally named Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, is a revered Buddhist site for Thai Buddhists and a major cultural landmark for Phuket. Visitors participate in traditional practices such as making merit, offering prayers, ringing bells and receiving blessings from monks.