Imagine standing in front of a towering white statue of Buddha, surrounded by lush green hills and sweeping views of the sea and the sky. This is what you can experience when you visit the Big Buddha Phuket, one of the most impressive and popular attractions in Thailand.
The Big Buddha Phuket is a 45-meter tall marble statue of Buddha that sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills, overlooking the island of Phuket and the Andaman Sea. It is a symbol of peace, faith, and harmony, and a place of worship and meditation for Buddhists and visitors alike.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the Big Buddha Phuket, including its history, architecture, significance, views, and nearby places to visit. You will also find out how to get there, when to go, what to wear, and what to do. By the end of this article, you will be ready to plan your trip to the Big Buddha Phuket and enjoy a memorable and enriching experience.
How to Get to the Big Buddha Phuket
The Big Buddha Phuket is located on the Nakkerd Hills, which are about 25 kilometers from Phuket Town and 15 kilometers from Patong Beach. You can reach the Big Buddha Phuket by various modes of transportation, such as car, motorbike, taxi, hired driver, bus, or shuttle. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each option, as well as some tips and directions.
By Car or Motorbike
If you want to have more freedom and flexibility, you can rent a car or a motorbike and drive to the Big Buddha Phuket by yourself. However, you need to have a valid driver's license, an international driving permit, and insurance. You also need to be careful of the traffic and the road conditions, especially on the steep and winding hill road that leads to the Big Buddha.
You can rent a car or a motorbike from various places in Phuket, such as the airport, the town, or the beach areas. The rental fee ranges from 200 to 1000 baht per day, depending on the type and quality of the vehicle. You can use Google Maps or a GPS device to navigate your way to the Big Buddha Phuket. You need to follow the signs that say "Big Buddha" or "Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri" and look for the white statue on the hilltop.
By Taxi or Hired Driver
If you want to have more comfort and convenience, you can take a taxi or hire a driver and let them take you to the Big Buddha Phuket. However, you need to negotiate the price and the duration of the trip, and make sure that the driver is reliable and trustworthy. You also need to be aware of the scams and the overcharging that some drivers may try to do.
You can find a taxi or a hired driver from various places in Phuket, such as the airport, the town, or the beach areas. The fare ranges from 500 to 1500 baht per trip, depending on the distance and the time of the day. You can also book a taxi or a driver online or through a travel agency. You need to tell the driver that you want to go to the Big Buddha Phuket, and ask them to wait for you while you visit the attraction. You can also ask them to take you to other places nearby, such as the Wat Chalong temple or the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.
By Bus or Shuttle
If you want to have more budget and eco-friendly options, you can take a bus or a shuttle and join other travelers to the Big Buddha Phuket. However, you need to follow the schedule and the route of the bus or the shuttle, and you may not have enough time and flexibility to explore the attraction. You also need to be prepared for the crowded and noisy conditions, especially during the peak season and the weekends.
You can find a bus or a shuttle from various places in Phuket, such as the airport, the town, or the beach areas. The fare ranges from 50 to 300 baht per person, depending on the type and quality of the service. You can also book a bus or a shuttle online or through a travel agency. You need to check the departure and arrival times and locations, and make sure that you have a seat and a ticket. You can also look for the signs that say "Big Buddha" or "Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri" and follow the guide or the driver.
When to Visit the Big Buddha Phuket
The Big Buddha Phuket is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm, and you can visit it at any time of the year. However, some seasons and months are better than others, depending on the weather, the crowd, and the views. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of visiting the Big Buddha Phuket in different seasons and months, as well as some tips and recommendations.
Best Season and Month
The best season to visit the Big Buddha Phuket is the dry season, which lasts from November to April. The weather is sunny and pleasant, and the views are clear and stunning. However, this is also the peak season, which means that the attraction is more crowded and expensive.
The worst season to visit the Big Buddha Phuket is the rainy season, which lasts from May to October. The weather is wet and humid, and the views are cloudy and foggy. However, this is also the low season, which means that the attraction is less crowded and cheaper.
The best month to visit the Big Buddha Phuket is February, which is the coolest and driest month of the year. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, and the average rainfall is 30 millimeters. The worst month to visit the Big Buddha Phuket is September, which is the hottest and wettest month of the year. The average temperature is 31 degrees Celsius, and the average rainfall is 400 millimeters.
Best Time of the Day
The best time of the day to visit the Big Buddha Phuket is the morning, which lasts from 8 am to 11 am. The temperature is cooler and the light is softer, which makes the statue and the views more beautiful and photogenic. However, this is also the busiest time of the day, which means that the attraction is more crowded and noisy.
The worst time of the day to visit the Big Buddha Phuket is the afternoon, which lasts from 12 pm to 3 pm. The temperature is hotter and the light is harsher, which makes the statue and the views more dull and glaring. However, this is also the quietest time of the day, which means that the attraction is less crowded and peaceful.
The best alternative time of the day to visit the Big Buddha Phuket is the evening, which lasts from 4 pm to 6 pm. The temperature is cooler and the light is warmer, which makes the statue and the views more colorful and romantic. This is also the best time to watch the sunset and the nightfall, which creates a magical and serene atmosphere. However, you need to be careful of the closing time, which is 6 pm, and the darkness, which may make the road more difficult and dangerous.
What to Wear and Do at the Big Buddha Phuket
The Big Buddha Phuket is not only a tourist attraction, but also a sacred and religious site for Buddhists and Thais. Therefore, it is important and respectful to dress appropriately and modestly when visiting the Big Buddha. It is also a place to enjoy some activities and attractions, such as exploring the temple, listening to the monks, ringing the bells, and making a donation. Here are some of the rules and tips for dressing and behaving at the Big Buddha Phuket, as well as some of the things to do and see.
Dress Code and Etiquette
The dress code and etiquette rules are as follows:
- You should cover your shoulders, chest, and knees, and avoid wearing anything too tight, short, or revealing, such as tank tops, crop tops, shorts, skirts, or leggings.
- You should remove your shoes, hats, and sunglasses before entering the temple area, and leave them in the designated racks or baskets.
- You should not touch, point at, or turn your back to the statue of Buddha, or any other images or symbols of Buddha, as this is considered rude and offensive.
- You should not make loud noises, take selfies, or pose inappropriately, as this is considered disrespectful and disruptive.
- You should not smoke, drink, or eat inside the temple area, as this is considered unhygienic and impolite.
If you are not sure what to wear or if you forget to bring something suitable, you can borrow or buy some cover-ups at the entrance of the Big Buddha Phuket, such as scarves, shawls, sarongs, or pants. They are usually free of charge, but you can make a donation if you want to. You can also ask the staff or the volunteers for help or guidance if you have any questions or doubts about the dress code and etiquette.
Activities and Attractions
The Big Buddha Phuket is not only a place to admire the statue and the views, but also a place to enjoy some activities and attractions. Some of the activities and attractions that you can do and see at the Big Buddha Phuket are:
- You can explore the temple area, which consists of the main hall, the museum, the gallery, the meditation center, and the souvenir shop. You can learn more about the history, architecture, and significance of the Big Buddha, and see some exhibits and displays of Buddhist art and culture.
- You can listen to the chanting and the prayers of the monks, who perform daily ceremonies and rituals at the temple. You can also join them in meditation or receive a blessing from them, if you wish to.
- You can ring the bells and gongs, which are located around the statue and the temple. They are believed to bring good luck and happiness, and also create a soothing and harmonious sound.
- You can make a donation or a merit, which are voluntary acts of generosity and kindness that are highly valued in Buddhism. You can donate money, food, flowers, incense, candles, or gold leaves, which are used to maintain and decorate the statue and the temple. You can also write your name and your wish on a brick or a tile, which are used to build and expand the temple.
Places to Visit Near the Big Buddha Phuket
The Big Buddha Phuket is not only a destination by itself, but also a gateway to other places to visit near the Nakkerd Hills. Here are some of the nearby attractions and activities that you can combine with your visit to the Big Buddha Phuket:
- Wat Chalong: Wat Chalong is the largest and most famous temple in Phuket, and one of the most important religious sites in Thailand. It is located about 10 kilometers from the Big Buddha Phuket, and it is known for its beautiful architecture, colorful murals, and sacred relics. You can admire the pagodas, the statues, and the gardens, and learn about the history and the legends of the temple.
- Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a place where you can see and interact with rescued elephants in their natural habitat. It is located about 15 kilometers from the Big Buddha Phuket, and it is dedicated to providing a safe and ethical environment for the elephants, who have been abused or exploited in the tourism or logging industries. You can feed, bathe, and walk with the elephants, and learn about their stories and their personalities.
- Racha Yai Islands: Racha Yai Islands are a group of small islands that offer some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Phuket. They are located about 20 kilometers from the Big Buddha Phuket, and they are known for their crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and colorful coral reefs. You can take a boat or a ferry from Chalong Pier, and enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the marine life.
- Phuket FantaSea: Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme park that showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Thailand. It is located about 25 kilometers from the Big Buddha Phuket, and it is known for its spectacular shows, attractions, and restaurants. You can watch the award-winning Fantasy of a Kingdom show, which features acrobats, dancers, elephants, and special effects. You can also visit the Palace of the Elephants, the Golden Kinnaree Buffet, the Carnival Village, and the Tiger Jungle Adventure.
We hope that this article has inspired you to plan your trip to the Big Buddha Phuket and enjoy a memorable and enriching experience. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
