Big Buddha

Big Buddha access is free and open every day from 6 to 18.30. Please note, that you need to be dressed appropriately. Shoulders and knees should be kept covered, no see-through clothes. A security officer will check you attire and if necessary you will be required to wear a sarong. Sarong is provided at the entrance.

Phuket Big Buddha, or The Great Buddha of Phuket, is a seated Maravija Buddha statue. The official name is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, shortened to Ming Mongkol Buddha. Sitting atop Nakkerd Hill near Chalong, construction began in 2004. Construction is ongoing process and some areas may be closed for public.

The statue depicts Gautama Buddha in a sitting position and is 45 metres, 148 feet tall and sits over 400 metres or 1300 feet above sea level. It is made of concrete and covered with Burmese white marble. The main stairway has 94 steps.

Note that the main stairs are only to climb up, you are not allowed to walk them down. There is a separate way down on the hillside, and a security guard sitting there all day makes sure people respect this rule. Take your photos and selfies the first time you go upstairs.

On the way down, you will walk through a temple where monks sit all day to give blessings and hold occasional ceremonies. Here people donate money to the temple and buy amulets.

Here I tell you a bit of history. It is worth of pointing out that the Buddha attained Nirvana. Nirvana is a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism. Historical, Buddha was born as the son of a king but decided to renounce his luxurious life and became a perfectly enlightened being who has achieved the highest knowledge of truth. The Buddha, Great teacher in Buddhism, taught to avoid all evil; to do good; to purify mind. Buddhist followers associate morality to bring about harmony and happiness in their lives.