The Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill

A giant white marble Buddha watching over the whole south of the island.

Area

Old town & culture

Start from

Chalong or Kata

Distance

about 15–20 min from Chalong

Time needed

2–3 hours

Best season

All year; clearest views in the dry season

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Taxi, Grab or scooter; the road is steep and winding

Tickets & rules

No ticket; donations welcome

Why go

The Big Buddha sits on the ridge of the Nakkerd hills between Chalong and Kata. The statue is around 45 metres tall and covered in white Burmese marble, and from almost anywhere in the south of Phuket you can see it glowing on the hilltop.

Up close, it's peaceful despite the visitors. Wind chimes ring, monks chant in the small shrine, and the views stretch over Chalong Bay, Kata and Karon, and on clear days to the islands offshore.

The site is still being built, funded by donations. You can write a wish on a marble tile that will become part of the structure, a nice small way to take part.

What surprised me most on my first visit was how local it feels. Thai families come up after work to pray, older women sell flowers and incense at the gate, and a monk often sits under the shelter giving blessings with a white string tied around your wrist. You don't need to be Buddhist to accept one; just kneel, bow slightly and say thank you.

The story

Construction began in the early 2000s and has continued step by step on donations from Thai and foreign visitors. Officially the statue is called Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri.

Below the main statue stands a smaller golden Buddha, and the site has become one of the most important religious landmarks on the island. Locals come to make merit before exams, weddings and new businesses.

The hill itself has local legends. Nakkerd is said to refer to a 'naga' serpent born of the hill, and older villagers tell of spirits that protect the forest. Building on the ridge required ceremonies to ask the spirits' permission, and offerings are still made there on important days.

Getting there

From Chalong, follow the signs up the hill. The road is steep with sharp bends; on a scooter take it slowly, especially after rain. A taxi up and back is the easier choice.

There's free parking at the top.

A suggested plan

1. Late afternoonArrive around 16:00 when the heat is softer.
2. VisitWalk around the statue, visit the shrine and the viewpoints on all sides.
3. SunsetStay for the light over Chalong Bay, then drive down before dark.
4. On the way downStop at one of the small viewpoint cafés on the hill road; several have terraces over Kata and Karon with cold coconuts.

Where to stay

Combine with Wat Chalong or Promthep Cape in the same afternoon; sleep anywhere in the south.

Good to know

• Shoulders and knees must be covered; sarongs are provided at the entrance.
• Bring water; the hilltop is exposed.
• Early morning is the quietest time.
• There's a small museum-like corridor under the statue explaining the construction; it's worth five minutes.
• If you're driving a scooter, use low gear on the descent and don't ride the brakes.