Big Buddha
Forty-five metres of white marble on top of Nakkerd hill.
Duration
45 min – 1 hr 15 min
Difficulty
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Best time
Early morning
Open
Every day
Entry price
Free
The statue is forty-five metres tall, reinforced concrete faced with white Burmese marble, and officially still under construction since 2004 — funding comes only from donations, as the marble plaques sold on site remind you.
It stands on top of Nakkerd hill at four hundred metres, and that is where the island's geography becomes clear: Chalong bay on one side, Kata and Karon on the other, and sea on both at once.
Getting there
The access road climbs six kilometres of bends from Chalong. On a scooter, use engine braking on the way down: the pads overheat and fade.
What to bring
- Covering clothes
- International driving permit
Rules on site
Shoulders and knees covered; sarongs are lent at the entrance. The wind at the top is strong and constant: nothing loose in your hands.