Big Buddha

Big Buddha is closed

On September 2, 2024, the entire temple complex was closed to visitors due to an investigation into it. On August 23, 2024, a landslide occurred, possibly caused by construction on the territory of the complex. Unfortunately, the inspection dates are not specified. No one knows yet when this complex will be opened and whether it will work as before. But we hope that you will still find information about it useful.

In the Chalong area, you can see not only the beaches of Kata Noi, Karon and Kata, but also Mount Nakaked. What makes it stand out from other tourist places? The answer is simple: from a height of more than 400 meters, an amazing structure looks down on the island - the Big Buddha Temple. In Thai, the name of the temple sounds quite long: Wat Phra Phutthamingmungkhol Akenakhakhiri).

Multinational construction

Construction of the temple began in 2002. However, the budget is built exclusively on donations, and therefore the process will drag on for years. At the moment, workers have moved on to the finishing stage.

Hundreds of people, from members of the royal family and Phuket entrepreneurs to ordinary citizens, have contributed to the process. The project quickly became multinational and even united the efforts of tourists - everyone can make a contribution. You can buy a wishing tile, a bell (they are left in the temple, like the tiles) or another souvenir, or even leave a contribution in the box.

The Legend of the Big Buddha

There are many legends about Mount Nakaked. The most common among Thais is the story of a giant snake that lived here. Buddha came to this area to meditate and illuminated the entire area at night. The place began to be considered sacred, and there was no better place for a temple.

What You Need to Know When Visiting in 2024

According to the rules, girls enter the temple territory in clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. If a tourist's clothes are not suitable, locals are ready to offer a traditional sarong skirt and a scarf to put on their shoulders. However, this option is paid, from 50 to 250 baht per item, and it is better to take care of clothes in advance. Before the pandemic, skirts and scarves were provided free of charge, but the need to disinfect them has complicated the task. We do not recommend refusing to follow the country's traditions and not wearing a sarong and scarf - you can provoke a misunderstanding of the locals and a conflict situation.

What is interesting about the Big Buddha Temple

The visit to the temple begins with large marble boulders from Burma. Most of the Buddha statue is carved from this material.

Further on you can see gongs. According to local beliefs, only a person pure in soul and thoughts can extract sound from them. But do not rush to hit the gong: to enlist the support of higher powers, you only need to rub the center of the disk with your palms. You can also see them at the top near the statue itself.

Further on is a Chinese rooftop temple. This is a popular place for Thais to pray, and here you can soak up the atmosphere of Thai prayer houses. This is indicated by the smell of incense, candles and temple music.

Nearby you can treat yourself to souvenirs and traditional things or have a snack. The money raised will go directly to the temple construction budget. Therefore, any purchase can be considered charity.

View from Mount Nakaked

The temple complex is located so advantageously that from the mountain slopes you can see the whole of southern Phuket. The lower observation deck allows you to appreciate the view of Chalong Bay, and from the upper one you can admire Cape Promthea, Phuket Town and the beach coasts.

A few words about the temple

At the foot of the stairs to the statue there is a small temple. It is important to follow the traditions here so as not to confront the believers, as the temple is open. It is easy to spot the monk who ties the sacred threads for good luck, or sai sin. In order for him to bless you, you need to take off your shoes and approach, slightly bowing your head, and then kneel down so that your feet are not visible. After tying the thread and blessing, the monk will sprinkle you with water. This is a symbol of purification of consciousness. Donations - a paper banknote - act as gratitude. The currency and amount are not important. After the ritual is complete, do not turn away from the monk - this will be perceived as a sign of disrespect. You need to walk away facing the priest. If you are unsure how to do this, wait for the blessing of one of the local Thais and watch.

The temple itself has many Buddha statues, even signifying the change of days of the week. Near them there is a shop with tiles and bells. The first ones are intended for writing your dreams with a marker and adding tiles to those that will decorate the temple from the outside.

No one will know your secret wishes - the side with them will be attached to the wall, leaving the other side as decoration. You can also write your wishes on the bell, and then hang it on a branch near one of the statues. Their harmonious ringing helps to maintain an atmosphere of calm.

Big Buddha Statue

The statue's dimensions are impressive - 45 meters high and 25 meters wide. You can climb up the large staircase or steps from the temple, but it is better to go down following the "exit" sign on the left. This is due to the tradition of not turning your back to Buddha.

The statue was created in honor of the previous King of Thailand, Rama IX, Bhumibol Adulyadej. The enlightened Buddha sits facing the east. It is planned to build another temple under the face or move the lower one here. The construction is still ongoing, but you can already see it or meditate there.

Golden Buddha Statue

The golden statue can be found to the left of its larger counterpart. It is also tall, reaching 12 meters. The statue is a sign of honor for Queen Sirikit, the wife of Rama IX and mother of the current King Rama X.

Animals

Unfortunately, the exoticism does not end there. After the pandemic, the territory was appreciated by wild monkeys, and they cannot be teased, fed or simply approached for safety reasons - the animals are aggressive and bite.

How to get to the Big Buddha complex

You can get there on your own by rented transport , use a taxi or visit as part of an individual sightseeing tour of Phuket.

There is also a hiking trail from Karon, but it is not suitable for everyone - after all, it is quite difficult to climb the mountain in such heat. In addition, it is not equipped and people are rarely found there, unlike wild animals, insects and reptiles.