The Big Buddha statute at Phuket is one of the highly revered landmarks on the island. It is the most important and popular tourist attraction on the island, and the huge image sits on the Nakkerd Hills between Kata and Chalong. The statue sits at 4 meters from ground level, making it visible even far from Karon Beach and Phuket Town. A 360-degree view of the island is available at this lofty site, with the waters sweeping the vistas of Phuket Town, Chalong Bay, Karon, Kata, and more. The statue is reachable from Phuket’s main roads through the 6-km easily accessible pavement.
Phuket Big Buddha is one of the main highlights of the island, providing you with an incredible experience through the tinkling of small bells and the fluttering yellow Buddhist flags. A soft background dharma music plays all day to suck you into the sacred and lively moment within the temple. The Phuket Big Buddha is accompanied by a smaller Buddha statue, gold in color and made of 20 tons of brass. Several other statues of Buddha and other monks are visible from different spots in the town. Let us look at more details of the Buddha statue you should know before visiting the tourist spot.
Donation Boxes
Funds for the maintenance of the massive structure are raised entirely from donations. A hall is open at the base of the Phuket Big Buddha, displaying the project’s history and holding some of the Buddhist teachings and donation boxes. Road signs are present at every junction and turning since the statue is one of the busiest attractions on the island, bringing more visitors to this destination, consequently increasing the donations in the boxes at the hall. The big crowds are common at this location, especially around sunset.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Phuket Buddha Statue
· What to Wear
It is disrespectful to enter the property and the temple in short skirts, beachwear, or T-shirts with offensive images or texts. Since it is a religious site, strict rules regarding clothes are being followed for time immemorial. If you have dressed too daringly, wear a sarong or other clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Knee-length dresses are not acceptable in the hall here. So, mind what you wear to the Buddha statue if you don’t want to earn glares from other guests at the location.
· Near the Big Buddha
When you are at the Big Buddha, head to the Nakkerd Sea View Restaurant to taste a variety of foods. All the dishes are reasonable in terms of price and taste, and they are greatly delectable. The regions near the Nakkerd Hills are beautiful, and the road to this location is relatively new, but some of its parts are damaged and worn. Hiking up the hill will take you to the top, but it will take a long time compared to the drive.