Big Buddha: Tickets and Tours

Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri — most commonly referred to as “Big Buddha” — is one of the main landmarks of Phuket island. Towering over its surroundings from its elevated height of more than 40 meters, the white marble monument attracts over 1,000 tourists per day.

Big Buddha tickets are a must for anyone wanting to delve into Thailand's long-standing history and religious customs, as well as admire a picture-perfect view across the Andaman Sea. Photography enthusiasts, nature lovers and history buffs will all be fascinated by this attraction.

Here's all you need to know about Big Buddha tickets, one of the most exciting attractions in Phuket.

How much do Big Buddha tickets cost?

Big Buddha is completely free to all visitors, however, you’ll find a voluntary contribution box on the site, accepting donations to keep the attraction running.

Big Buddha tours

While many travelers are happy to simply stroll the landmark at their own leisure, others prefer to book Big Buddha tickets that include a guided tour, enabling you to dive deeper into the monuments history through the eyes of a local.

You can arrange these via the official website or a third party and they typically last around 4 hours.

• Admission: THB900 (US$25)

Should you book in advance?

There is no need to book Big Buddha tickets online in advance. In fact, as the site is completely free, you will not need to gain passes in order to enter. However, if you’re opting for a guided tour or combination Big Buddha tour, you should consider purchasing these ahead of time when preparing your itinerary.

This will save you precious vacation time upon arrival in Phuket, which would otherwise be spent roaming the streets looking for a tour operator. By booking your Big Buddha tickets in advance, you’ll be guaranteed a slot on your chosen date, allowing you to organize the rest of your trip easily.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Big Buddha and other attractions?

Those wishing to experience more of what Phuket has to offer should consider booking one of the available combination Big Buddha tickets and tours. There are several on offer to select from, depending on the type of traveler you are, from exhilarating ATV experiences to strenuous hikes and sightseeing adventures.

By selecting one of these excursions, you’ll generally save money versus booking yourself onto several day trips. You’ll also save time as you can visit a multitude of destinations in just a few short hours. Lastly, you’ll reduce the stress of vacation planning as all transportation is taken care of for you by your tour provider.

●  Phuket guided island tour plus Big Buddha:

Discover all of Phuket’s main highlights, from its towering Buddha statue to breathtaking viewpoints and the island’s largest temple on this captivating city excursion.

●  Jungle trekking plus Big Buddha tour: Challenge your fitness levels as you hike through the verdant jungles of Phuket, listening out for chattering monkeys as you make your way to the Big Buddha attraction to admire the white marble creation.

●  ATV island tour plus Big Buddha:

Speed through the scenic countryside of Thailand’s largest island, controlling your own off-road vehicle before strolling the site of the Big Buddha, symbolizing hope for Phuket in the wake of the devastating 2004 tsunami that impacted the region.

What will you see inside?

Big Buddha’s name translates to “the Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Nāga Hill” and after its creation, was dedicated to the late king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who passed away in 2016.

The statue is 45 meters high and is the third-tallest in Thailand, behind the Great Buddha of Thailand — located in the Ang Thong province — and the Luangpho Yai statue. The Big Buddha was originally built using concrete, however, it was then covered in Burmese white marble, which transformed the attraction into a grand monument and increased its weight to 135 tons.

The statue itself depicts the great Buddha in a peaceful seated position and overlooks the popular Ao Chalong Bay. This meditative position is the most popular depiction of Buddha and mirrors the position the enlightened individual assumed when he was teaching, and sharing wisdom from his own life journey.

Those who wish to dive deeper into Buddhist religious practices can explore the Wat Kitthi Sankaram temple, which is located on site. Here, you can watch as local monks go about their daily tasks, which include chanting, praying and meditating, and even be blessed by one of these holy men yourself.

The Big Buddha has been declared the “Treasure of Phuket” and it is by far the most easily recognized attraction on the island. More than 350.000 of Phulet’s annual 12 million visitors head to the site in order to tick the Big Buddha off their Thailand bucket list. The Big Buddha cost the equivalent of approximately US$830,000, which was funded mostly from donations.

How to get there?

The Big Buddha is located on Nakkerd Hill in the southern stretch of Phuket Island.

The easiest way to access the site is by driving. While you can either hire a car or a motorbike, the drive is steep and can be challenging for motorbike users without a great deal of experience, which is why renting a car is the best option.

You’ll follow Route 4024 around the island, heading inland either along Soi Klum Yang or Soi Yot Sane 1 to reach the hill the Big Buddha is perched on.

There are no direct public transportation links to the attraction, which means those who do not have access to a car or motorbike will need to hire a driver to escort them to their destination.

This service is both efficient and budget-friendly from anywhere on the island, and, in most cases, your driver will wait to transport you back to your hotel or another part of the island after you’ve explored the Big Buddha.

What are the opening times?

Big Buddha is open daily to visitors between the hours of 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM. There are no timed entry slots, which means that you can stay on site as long as you like, admiring the architecture or praying with the monks.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While the Big Buddha is famed for its seemingly endless steps that lead to the statue, the site is fully accessible to wheelchair users via a purpose-built road, meaning that everyone can enjoy this iconic Phuket landmark.

When is the best time to visit the Big Buddha?

The best time to visit the Big Buddha in Phuket is from November to February. During the cooler months is more comfortable to explore the area and enjoy panoramic views from the Big Buddha hilltop.

The Big Buddha is less crowded early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Consider visiting during these times for a more peaceful experience. Additionally, the skies are generally clear during this time.

Which other attractions can be visited in Phuket?

• Wat Chalong
• Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

Travel tips

• Dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect to the Buddhist culture when in this religious site.
• Carry water and apply sunscreen to stay protected from the sun while exploring the area, Phuket can be hot and sunny.
• Some areas may have restrictions, so follow guidelines and ask permission before taking pictures.
• Consider contributing to the maintenance and development of the site, but do so willingly and without pressure.The Big Buddha is funded by donations.