The 45m-tall marble Buddha statue on a mountaintop offers panoramic views, a cafe & gift shop.

Ao Nang Beach

Provided by Google

Chaithararam Temple - Wat Chalong

Cape Phrom Thep

Tiger Kingdom - Phuket

The Big Buddha, Phuket

Phuket's Big Buddha, officially Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, stands as a modern testament to faith and community effort. Constructed primarily with Burmese white jade marble, its gleaming surface contrasts sharply with the lush green hills of Nakkerd. Unusually, the statue's construction was funded almost entirely by donations, a testament to the deep religious sentiment it inspires. Smaller Buddha images, cast in bronze, surround the base, each dedicated by individual donors. Interestingly, the site also houses a smaller, golden Buddha image, a deliberate aesthetic counterpoint to the dominant white marble. The panoramic views from the summit offer a unique perspective, not just of Phuket's coastline, but also of the ongoing interplay between tradition and modernity in Thai society. The subtle sound of wind chimes, strategically placed around the site, adds a layer of tranquility, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere.

Introduction

Rising 400 meters above sea level on Nagakerd Hill near Chalong, the Big Buddha, officially named Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, which translates to "The Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Nāga Hill," is a prominent landmark. The statue's location on Nagakerd Hill provides panoramic views of Phuket Town, the Andaman Sea, and surrounding islands. The hill, also spelt Nakkerd, offers a journey with breathtaking scenery as you ascend, with greenery enveloping the route.

The statue was established on the top of Mount Nagakerd, in Karon. The name âPhraphutthamingmongkhol-akenagakhiriâ was later granted and appointed as the Buddha statue -a treasure of Muang Phuket. Reaching the summit of Nagakerd Hill, visitors encounter the 45-meter-tall statue, constructed from concrete and adorned with white Burmese jade marble. The statue faces Ao Chalong Bay and is the main Buddha of the Wat Kitthi Sankaram temple (Wat Kata).

The ascent to the Big Buddha on Nagakerd Hill also presents unique experiences, such as the opportunity to visit an elephant sanctuary and an ATV safari camp located along the way. The location of the Big Buddha on Nagakerd Hill makes it easily accessible by car, scooter, or public transport.

Nagakerd Hill

Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri, the official name of the Great Buddha of Phuket, translates to "The Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Nāga Hill," a blend of Thai, Sanskrit, and Pali origins. This name reflects the statue's revered status and prominent location on Nakkerd Hill near Chalong. Construction of the seated Maravija Buddha statue began in 2004, with ongoing expansion of the base as recently as 2015. By 2017, approximately 80 percent of the project was complete.

The 45-meter-tall statue, made of concrete and covered with Burmese white marble, faces Ao Chalong Bay and serves as the main Buddha of Wat Kitthi Sankaram temple (Wat Kata). In 2008, Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, declared the statue the "Buddhist Treasure of Phuket."

The construction, costing 30 million baht, was primarily funded through donations and legally built within a national conserved forest with the approval of the Thai Royal Forest Department. The name Phra Phutta (Sanskrit varabuddha) signifies "Lord Buddha," while Ming Mongkol means "cherished and auspicious," and Eknakagiri (from Sanskrit/Pali ekanāgagiri) denotes "atop Nāga Hill." Reaching the statue involves ascending 268 steps, rewarding visitors with panoramic views of Phuket and the Andaman Sea. The base houses a temple of worship and a museum showcasing the craftsmanship involved in creating this landmark.

Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri

As the 'Buddhist treasure of Phuket,' the Big Buddha stands as a testament to Thai culture and Buddhist principles. Officially named Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, meaning "The Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Nāga Hill," this revered monument embodies the essence of Buddhism in Thailand. The statue was proclaimed the "Buddhist Treasure of Phuket" by Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, in 2008.

Devotees offered the land atop Mount Nagakerd, providing a serene setting for spreading the Dharma of Buddha. The image, in the attitude of subduing Mara, measures 45 meters in height and 25.45 meters in width. Constructed from reinforced concrete and covered in white and jade ‘Suriyakanta’ marble from Myanmar, the Big Buddha reflects the teachings of Buddhism: to avoid evil, do good, and purify the mind. This monument serves as a place of communication, designed to instill the Dharma of Buddha in both the mind and society. The teachings of Buddhism emphasize morality, aiming to bring harmony and happiness into the lives of those who follow its path. It is a revered landmark where people pay homage to the effigy of Buddha.

Buddhist Treasure of Phuket

The Big Buddha of Phuket, officially named Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, presents a seated Maravija Buddha statue, a significant representation within Buddhist art. This depiction of Gautama Buddha in the Maravichai posture symbolizes his moment of enlightenment, overcoming the temptations and obstacles presented by Mara. The statue, 45 meters tall and 25.45 meters wide, is constructed of concrete and adorned with Burmese white marble, enhancing its visual impact as a symbol of hope.

Facing Ao Chalong Bay, the Big Buddha serves as the principal Buddha image for Wat Kitthi Sankaram temple, also known as Wat Kata. The statue's posture and design reflect traditional artistic conventions associated with Maravija Buddha images, emphasizing serenity, strength, and spiritual triumph.

Declared the "Buddhist Treasure of Phuket" in 2008, the statue's creation, funded primarily through donations, underscores the community's devotion and reverence for this particular representation of the Buddha. The location atop Nakkerd Hill further elevates the statue, making it visible from much of southern Phuket and reinforcing its role as a cultural and spiritual landmark. The meticulous selection of the Maravija posture highlights the core Buddhist teachings of overcoming adversity and achieving inner peace, making the Big Buddha a potent symbol for both locals and visitors.

The Big Buddha, Phuket

Highlights from Reviews