The Big Buddha: A Quiet Half-Day Trip
45 metres of white marble on a hill above Chalong — and one of the best 360° views in Phuket.
The Big Buddha (พระพุทธมิ่งมงคลเอกนาคคีรี) sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills, halfway between Chalong and Kata. It’s a 45-metre seated Buddha covered in Burmese white marble, and the platform around it gives you a clean 360° view of southern Phuket.
What to expect
The site is free to enter (donations welcome) and dress code is enforced — shoulders and knees covered. Sarongs are available to borrow at the entrance.
Allow about 90 minutes on site: 30 minutes for the Buddha and viewing platform, 30 for the smaller shrines and bell pavilion, and 30 for the café and craft shop near the car park.
Best time to visit
Early morning (8–10 am) is coolest and least crowded. Sunset is also magical — the Andaman Sea lights up to the west — but parking gets very tight after 5 pm.
Getting there with PKSB
Take the Airport ⇄ Patong ⇄ Rawai route to the Chalong stop. From there, a metered taxi or Grab to the top is about 200฿ each way (or you can hike up — 4 km, allow 90 minutes).
Plan your ride
Check the daily timetable or track your bus live before you head out.
