The Big Buddha, Attractions, Thailand

Address: The image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata
Open Hours: daytime, admission: free.

Big Buddha is very easy to see for miles around – the 50 meter high Buddha image can be found East of Karon and West of Chalong, and the route is clearly signposted. While the hill up to Big Buddha may be a little steep, it’s no problem for even the smallest of cars or motorbikes to negotiate. There is plenty of parking at the top of the hill, and there are several stalls and cafes that you can visit if you need to refresh yourself. Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri (Big Buddha in Thai) is enormous! It is difficult not to feel awed when gazing up at the magnificent image. Whatever your religion, you cannot help but be impressed by the sheer effort and artistry to has gone into creating Big Buddha. The image is still under construction, but it is already very beautiful, and I am looking forward to seeing the finished monument in all its glory. Some monks live here, and it is important to remember that this is a religious site for Thais – try to avoid wearing shorts or skirts that end above the knee. If you forget, somebody there will be able to lend you a garment so that you can go into the temple that leads up to Big Buddha. Due to its location, the Big Buddha site is a marvelous place to admire the view – I kept stopping to take photos on the way up, but the best pictures can be got right at the top, where you literally have a 360 degree view of the island. You can easily see both the east and west coasts of Phuket – everything looks tiny as you are so far up. Last time I went, there were some baby elephants playing around halfway up the hill (with some human guidance, obviously!). If there is one landmark you should see while you are in Phuket, Big Buddha is it.