The Big Buddha, officially named Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri, is Phuket's most iconic landmark — a 45-metre white marble statue seated atop Nakkerd Hill, visible from much of southern Phuket. It's an active Buddhist temple as well as one of the island's best panoramic viewpoints, overlooking Chalong Bay, Kata Beach, and the surrounding hills.

Timings

Opening hours: Reports vary slightly by source, generally somewhere between 8:00–9:00 AM and 6:00–7:30 PM daily (last entry typically 30–90 minutes before closing).
Best time to visit: Early morning (around 8:00–9:00 AM) or late afternoon (around 4:30–5:30 PM) are both excellent — mornings bring cooler temperatures, softer light, and fewer crowds; late afternoon bathes the white marble in warm golden tones with a spectacular view over Chalong Bay, though you'll need to time your descent before closing. Midday (11 AM–2 PM) is best avoided — the exposed terrace gets intensely hot and harsh overhead light flattens the statue in photos.
Time needed: Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours; combine with nearby stops for an easy half-day.

Experiences & Highlights

The main statue — standing 45 metres tall and 25 metres wide, seated in the Maravijaya position (the moment of Buddha's enlightenment), covered in white Burmese marble that catches the light beautifully at both sunrise and sunset.
The smaller golden Buddha — a 12-metre brass statue nearby, built in honor of Thailand's Queen, creating one of the most photographed scenes on the hill alongside the main statue.
Panoramic viewpoints — sweeping 360° views over Chalong Bay, Phuket Town, Kata Beach, and the surrounding coastline — arguably one of the best viewpoints anywhere on the island.
Blessing from a monk — visitors can receive a blessing in exchange for a small temple donation; placing coins in the 32 alms bowls around the site is a common ritual believed to bring luck.
Prayer hall & temple grounds — an active religious site beneath and around the statue, with bells chiming in the wind and a genuinely peaceful, spiritual atmosphere despite the tourist footfall.
Small museum & gift shop — offering background on the statue's history and construction, plus souvenirs.

Good to Know

Entry: Free, though donations are welcomed and help fund ongoing construction — the site has been under continuous development since 2002.
Dress code: Strictly enforced as an active temple — shoulders and knees must be covered, no sleeveless tops, tank tops, or short skirts/shorts. Free sarongs are available at the entrance if needed. Shoes and hats must be removed inside the prayer hall.
Getting there: Located on Nakkerd Hill off Chaofa West Road, about 25–35 minutes by Grab/Bolt/taxi from Kata, Karon, or Patong (roughly 150–350 baht depending on distance). Motorbike rental is an option for confident riders, given the steep, winding hill road. A hiking trail from the Karon side also exists (60–90 minutes, notable elevation gain).
Return transport tip: Arrange your ride back down before ascending — some drivers are reluctant to do hilltop pickups, and signal/availability can be inconsistent at the top.
Watch for monkeys: Wild macaques are common around the site — keep food and loose belongings secured, and don't feed them.
Good for: Nearly every visitor to Phuket — free, requires no booking, and combines well with nearby Wat Chalong (about 10 minutes down the hill) or an evening drive to Promthep Cape for sunset.