Big Buddha Phuket is probably the largest Buddha you will ever see in your life. The funny thing is, it has to be called Big Buddha Phuket because in Thailand there are several Big Buddhas. The Thais are a bit lacking when it comes to naming things so its understandable that no matter what province you go to there is a Big Buddha. But this Big Buddha in Phuket is more like a huge Buddha, a massive Buddha even dare I say an epic Buddha?
Located on a mountain top overlooking Chalong and Karon, Big Buddha Phuket is accessed from the Chalong side. Big Buddha Phuket is so high up and so large it is actually visible from Promthep Capes Southern Point. Admission to the monument is free, parking is free and you do not need a guided tour to see it. There is not much that needs to be explained while you are there and if you are curious about something all the statues have name plaques and signs.
The drive up the hill to get to the monument is a bit intense. If you are in a bus or van you will get bumped around a lot. Between the ATV adventure tours, elephant tours and construction equipment that are up and down the road, there are many pot holes and bumps. I prefer the good old fashioned motorbike method to get there. Take my life into my own hands as well as save myself some baht. If you are not an experienced rider it's ok, just stay to the left and take it slow.
Once you reach the top there is free parking for all. There is separate parking for motorbikes so pay attention to the men with whistles and go in the direction they point to park. Once you are parked, you will be at the rear of Big Buddha Phuket. By now you understand what I mean when I say it is just massive.
As you walk around the front at the lower area of the monument you will probably see signs of construction as the monument is still being built. There are a few alter style prayer areas with some concessions on the left and as you continue to the base of the stairs at the front of the monument you will find the lower level of the view point. From here you can see over Chalong and the bay, depending on fog, smog and other air pollutants the view may look a bit hazy or can be crystal clear. The best time of day to get a clear view is around 9 am before everything gets busy and there is less smoke in the air.
The next thing you will want to do is climb the stairs to the monuments base. Before you do that take a look at an interesting perspective. On either side of the staircase are sculptures of Naga the serpent. If you stand about 2 meters back and 1 meter to the left, of the left had side of the stairs, it looks like the serpent is coming from Buddha. It's really interesting to see and a good spot to take a pic in front of.
Now its time to climb. The stairs are very low and there are many. This makes it easier for anyone with issues climbing stairs to get up to the main monument.
At the top of the stairs you will be at the base of Big Buddha Phuket. A massive Buddha monument. From here you have a couple options on where to go and you can take your time and go in all directions if you plan your day right. Above is a 360 video showing what it is like to stand at the base of Big Buddha Phuket. Because it is 360 you can swipe or scroll around looking in any direction.
If you continue straight on from the stairs, you can enter the base of the monument and go inside. There is not a lot to see inside and it is poorly lit but there are many carvings and sculptures to take a peek at. From inside you can walk directly out into the back garden.
If you go to the right from the stairs and stay close to the base you can see many different carvings of various monks and Buddha poses. They are all around the base and you can follow them around the monument and end up at the front again. Above is a video showing all of the golden statues you can see at Big Buddha Phuket.
If you go to the left there is a little side garden that contains some Buddha statues and the hand and footprint of Buddha as well as a different perspective off the top of the mountain.
No matter which direction you head in you should always look behind you to see the view off the mountain in different directions. You should also take a moment and look at the rear of the monument and the garden behind it.
The rear of the statue has large Buddha carvings in inset columns on the wall. They face out into the rear garden that has a large gold Buddha statue as well as various flowers and carvings, and another perspective off the top of the mountain over some trees and homes below.
Overall the visit to Big Buddha is interesting. I recommend to go at least once. I do think there are better view points in the area and I am not one for temples but I still try to go at least once a year and look at the progress on the construction. I really enjoy the drive down the mountain after I am done and some of the restaurants on the way out are really good but a little expensive. If you are looking for something inexpensive to do or enjoy temples you should give Big Buddha Phuket a look.
For more great videos and images check out the Lovin' it on Phuket YouTube Channel, Facebook Page and Instagram Account. If you are a blog writer you can find images available on Adobe Stock, Getty iStock and Shutterstock by following these links.
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Happy travelling to Phuket and beyond! There are more interesting articles to come. Thanks for reading and showing your support.
About the Creator
Was I a Model in Japan?
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