🧘 Big Buddha (Phra Phutthamingmongkol Akenakkhiri)
Thailand
About This Sacred Site
The Big Buddha of Phuket is a 45-meter-tall seated Buddha statue perched atop Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the island. The statue is covered in white Burmese marble that gleams in the tropical sunlight and can be seen from almost anywhere in southern Phuket. Construction began in 2004 and the site is still being expanded and embellished with additional shrines and meditation spaces. The base of the statue houses a small museum and several smaller Buddha images. The hilltop location, ocean breezes, and tinkling of wind bells create a remarkably peaceful atmosphere despite the large number of visitors. Donations from visitors fund the ongoing construction.
Key Facts
- •The statue is 45 meters tall and 25 meters wide, covered in white Burmese marble
- •Visible from almost anywhere in southern Phuket
- •Construction began in 2004 and is still ongoing, funded by visitor donations
- •Sits atop Nakkerd Hill at approximately 400 meters above sea level
- •Wind bells at the base create a distinctive peaceful soundscape
Location
Coordinates: 7.8278, 98.3133
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