The Big Buddha, Phuket
A 45-metre marble Buddha on the Nakkerd hills, visible from half the island.
The Big Buddha, Phuket
Phuket's Big Buddha sits on a ridge in the Nakkerd hills between Chalong and Kata, forty-five metres tall and faced in white Burmese marble that catches the sun. It is visible from much of southern Phuket, and from the terrace at its feet the island opens out in every direction - Chalong Bay one way, Kata and the Andaman the other.
The statue has been under construction by public donation since 2004 and is still formally unfinished; you can buy a marble tile, write on it and have it added to the structure. A smaller golden Buddha stands beside it.
The access road climbs six kilometres of tight bends and is hard work on a small scooter. It is an active religious site: shoulders and knees covered, sarongs lent free at the top, and shoes off inside.
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