Big Buddha Phuket Guide 2026

Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

The Big Buddha in Phuket is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks, both a spiritual site and one of the best viewpoints in southern Phuket. It sits high on Nakkerd Hill between the Chalong and Kata/Karon areas, and on a clear day you can see sweeping views over Chalong Bay and across parts of the island.

It is also one of those places where “everything to know before you go” really matters, because access has changed over time due to safety concerns, and it is a religious site with rules and etiquette.

This guide covers the latest status, how to get there (including Bolt), what you will see, how long to plan, dress code, costs, and tips that make the visit smoother.

Big Buddha Phuket current status in 2026

Before you plan your day around it, check the status.

The Big Buddha site has had closures linked to safety concerns after the August 2024 landslide near the area. Some reports confirm it briefly reopened around New Year and then closed again, with no set reopening date given at that time.

What to do with this information:

• Search “Big Buddha Phuket open” the morning you plan to go and check recent local updates.
• If it is closed, plan an alternative nearby viewpoint (Promthep Cape, Karon Viewpoint, or a cafe viewpoint in Kata or Chalong) so the day still works.

What is the Big Buddha in Phuket

Phuket Big Buddha is a large seated Buddha statue, about 45 meters tall, made of concrete and covered with white marble. Its official name is commonly referenced as Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri (variations in spelling appear across sources).

It is not just a photo stop. It is an active religious area with a prayer hall and temple spaces beneath and around the statue.

Where is Big Buddha Phuket located

The statue sits on Nakkerd Hill in southern Phuket near Chalong, with road access typically approached from the Kata/Karon or Chalong side.

Because it is on a hilltop, the ride up includes steep, winding roads. If you are sensitive to motion or traveling with kids, plan water and a calm pace.

How to get to Big Buddha Phuket

Bolt, Grab, taxi, scooter

When we visited, we took Bolt up to the Big Buddha, which made it simple and direct. In Phuket, ride hailing availability can vary by area and time, so it is smart to have both Bolt and Grab installed as backup. Bolt lists Phuket as a service city, but real-world coverage and driver supply can vary day to day.

Best options:

• Bolt or Grab: easiest for most visitors, especially if you do not want to drive scooters on steep roads.
• Taxi or private driver: good if you want to bundle multiple stops (Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, viewpoints).
• Scooter or car rental: only if you are comfortable on hills and confident in Thai driving conditions.

Important tip about the return ride

Getting a ride back down can be harder than getting up, because some drivers do not want hill pickups or signal is inconsistent at viewpoints.

Do one of these:

• Ask your driver to wait (pay for wait time)
• Arrange a pickup time in the app while you still have good signal
• Have a backup plan, like taxi numbers or a driver you met earlier

Tickets, entrance fee and donations

There is typically no entrance fee to visit the Big Buddha site. Donations are commonly encouraged and help support maintenance and construction.

If you see tours online selling “tickets,” understand that you are usually paying for transportation or a guided tour bundle, not entrance.

Opening hours

Hours reported by travel sources commonly fall in the early morning to early evening range, with variations depending on the source. A frequently cited window is roughly 06:30 to 18:30, while some guides list 06:00 to around 19:00 or 19:30.

Because of the closures and changing access, treat posted hours as a guideline, not a guarantee. Always check current updates before you go.

Dress code and etiquette

This is a temple site. Dress modestly.

A commonly enforced standard is:

• shoulders covered
• shorts and skirts should cover the knee area
• no sleeveless tops

If you arrive underdressed, many visitors report that sarongs are available at the entrance.

Etiquette tips:

• keep voices low
• do not climb on religious structures
• remove shoes where required
• be respectful when monks or worshippers are praying

What you will see at Big Buddha Phuket

The statue up close

The scale is the first thing that hits you. At 45 meters tall, it feels massive when you are standing near the base and looking up.

Panoramic viewpoints

This is one of the best high viewpoints in southern Phuket, with views often described over Chalong Bay and out across parts of the island.

Temple spaces and prayer hall

Under and around the statue, there are areas for prayer and religious activity, including a hall beneath the main platform.

Smaller statues, bells, and donation plaques

Many visitors notice smaller Buddha images, bells, and plaques that reflect the donation-funded nature of the site.

Best time to visit

Morning

If the site is open, morning is usually best for:

• cooler temperatures
• softer light for photos
• fewer crowds

Late afternoon

Late afternoon can be beautiful for views, but it can also be busier and hotter, and weather shifts can reduce visibility.

If you want the most comfortable experience, aim for earlier in the day.

How long to spend at Big Buddha

Plan 60 to 90 minutes if it is open.

That usually covers:

• walking the grounds slowly
• viewpoint time
• photos
• a few quiet moments in the temple areas

If you combine it with nearby stops, it becomes an easy half-day.

What to bring

• water
• sun protection
• modest layers in case you need to cover up
• small cash for donations and snacks
• a fully charged phone for rides back down

Some guides mention monkeys in the area, so be cautious with food in hand and keep bags closed.

Pair it with nearby stops

If you are building a smooth route in southern Phuket, these pair well:

• Wat Chalong
• Kata or Karon viewpoints
• Nai Harn area
• Chalong Bay waterfront spots

This helps you avoid making the whole day depend on just one attraction, especially with changing access.

Quick FAQ

Is Big Buddha Phuket free?

Typically yes, it is commonly described as free entry with optional donations.

Is it kid friendly?

Yes, with common sense precautions: heat, stairs, and keeping kids close near viewpoint edges.

Is it currently open?

Status has changed over time due to safety concerns, including closures after the 2024 landslide and reported re-closures in early January 2026. Check updates the day you plan to go.

Final thoughts

Big Buddha Phuket is one of those places that can be both a meaningful spiritual stop and a memorable viewpoint, but it is not a “show up anytime and it will be open” attraction right now. Plan smart, check the latest status, dress respectfully, and have a backup plan for the return ride.