Big Buddha (Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri)
พระพุทธมิ่งมงคลเอกนาคคีรี
A 45-meter white marble seated Buddha on the summit of Nakkerd Hill, a landmark of Phuket that offers 360-degree views of Chalong Bay, Kata, and Patong. Free admission.
The Big Buddha stands on the summit of Nakkerd Hills, at an elevation of about 400 meters in the south of the island. Built with private donations starting in 2004, it is 45 meters tall and 25 meters wide, faced with Burmese white jade marble. It is Phuket's most prominent landmark and can be seen from Karon, Kata, and Chalong. In addition to the main Buddha, the platform holds a smaller golden bronze seated Buddha, jade tiles where donors can have their names inscribed, monks chanting sutras, and worshippers making wishes. The greatest draw is the 360-degree view: to the east lie Chalong Bay and Phuket Town, and to the west lie Kata and Karon bays. Sunset is especially beautiful. Admission is free, and there are temples and souvenir stalls at the base. Nearby sights worth combining include Wat Chalong at the foot of the hill (Phuket's most important temple, housing the revered monk Luang Pho Chaem), Chalong Pier (the boat departure point), and the Rawai seafood market. Getting there: follow the signs from the Chalong roundabout up about 6 kilometers of winding mountain road. A taxi or Grab from Kata takes about 20 minutes, and from Patong about 40 minutes. Motorbikes can also ride up. At the base of the hill, there is an elephant camp and a viewpoint café. Notes: dress with knees and shoulders covered (sarongs can be borrowed at the entrance). The mountain roads are winding and steep, so motorbikes are not recommended for beginners. The summit has no shade at midday, so visit after 4 p.m. Do not feed the monkeys.
Opening hours
06:00–18:30
Nearby sights
- Kata Beach
- Karon Beach
- Wat Chalong
- Karon Viewpoint
- Nai Harn Beach
- Simon Cabaret
- Rawai Seafood Market
- Freedom Beach