Big Buddha Chalong, overlooking Phuket Thailand

Overwhelming Big Buddha Chalong

So, while driving around on Phuket Island, Thailand, just absorbing all that there is to see and taking in, I looked up and this is what I saw.  This 45 m tall Big Buddha Chalong sits on the Nakkerd Hills and high overlooking down on the southern part of the island.  This statue blows my breath away.  I had to drive the 6km road carefully up the hill to go and have a look. On the way uphill you will find some restaurants with beautiful views.

When reaching the top you will enter a huge parking area.  There is a couple of tuk shops that sells cold water, coldrinks and coconut ice-cream.  Off-white marble tiles is covering the whole statue.  An adjecent temple and couple of souvenir shops attaches the statue.  The scenic view of the city Chalong to Kata beach is breathtaking.  A small gold Buddha is next to the Big Buddha.

In 2004 donation started the building of the Buddha.  We did not pay any entrance fee to enter, but you can make a donation towards the building costs etc.  I remembered at the entrance you can purchase one of these marble tile, write your name on it with a permanent market and then they will cement it on one of the pillars inside. The pillars inside is still naked and not tiled. It will be nice returning in 10 years or so to go and search for my tile.  This lofty site offers a 360-degree view.  This big Buddha is one of the most important landmarks on the island and worth a visit.