Wat Kitti Sangkharam (Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 18.00

 

Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri, widely known as the Big Buddha of Phuket, is the largest Buddha image in Phuket and one of the island’s most recognizable spiritual landmarks. It stands on top of Nakkerd Hill in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, overlooking the southern part of the island. The white seated Buddha image is 45 metres high with a lap width of 25.45 metres, making it visible from many areas around Kata, Karon, Chalong, and the surrounding hillsides.

 

The Big Buddha is important not only because of its size, but because it combines faith, landscape, architecture, and the identity of Phuket in one place. From the hilltop, visitors can see Chalong Bay, Phuket Town, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, the Andaman Sea, and the mountain ridges of southern Phuket. The site therefore works both as a Buddhist place of worship and as one of the best panoramic viewpoints on the island.

 

The construction of Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri began through the initiative of Wat Kitti Sangkharam, also known as Wat Kata, under a project that connected temple activities with forest-related public work. The original project area on Nakkerd Hill covered about 42 rai and was chosen as a suitable place for a large Maravijaya Buddha image that would serve as a spiritual center for Phuket residents and Buddhist devotees. The statue faces 19 degrees northeast, a detail often mentioned in local descriptions of the project.

 

The statue is a contemporary Maravijaya-style Buddha image. Its main structure is reinforced concrete, covered with white jade marble from Myanmar. The marble covering weighs about 135 tonnes and covers approximately 2,500 square metres. The bright white surface makes the statue stand out clearly against the green hill and blue sky, especially during soft morning or late-afternoon light.

 

The name “Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri” was bestowed by Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand. The statue was recognized as Phuket’s city Buddha image on 28 October 2007. Its name is closely connected with auspiciousness, Buddhism, and Nakkerd Hill, giving the statue symbolic meaning beyond its physical scale.

 

The site is currently open again to worshippers and visitors under the management of Wat Kitti Sangkharam, or Wat Kata. The official area name is now Wat Kitti Sangkharam (Big Buddha). It opens daily from 09.00 to 18.00, with temple monks and the temple committee overseeing religious activities and site management. Visitors should follow staff guidance and use the area respectfully.

 

The base of the statue and the surrounding terraces are the main areas where visitors walk, pray, take photographs, and enjoy the views. The staircase, viewing areas, worship points, and spaces for Buddhist activities are all part of the visitor experience. Since this is an active Buddhist site, visitors should treat it as a place of worship first and a viewpoint second.

 

The Maravijaya posture has deep Buddhist meaning. It represents the Buddha overcoming Mara before enlightenment and is associated with inner strength, calm, wisdom, and victory over defilements. Visiting the Big Buddha is therefore not only about asking for blessings, but also about reflecting on goodness, restraint, mindfulness, and peace of mind.

 

The panoramic viewpoint is one of the main reasons many visitors come to the site. Toward Chalong Bay, visitors can see the sea, boats, and coastal communities. In other directions, they can see Kata, Karon, and the western coastline. On a clear day, the view is wide and impressive without requiring a long hike.

 

Although the Big Buddha is a popular viewpoint, it remains a sacred Buddhist site. Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Sleeveless tops, very short shorts, and revealing clothing should be avoided. Photography is allowed in many areas, but visitors should not climb on restricted structures, block people who are praying, or use sacred areas in a disrespectful way.

 

The road to Nakkerd Hill is winding and steep in places. Visitors should use a vehicle in good condition and drive carefully, especially during or after rain. Motorbike riders should be experienced with hill roads and should always wear helmets. Those unfamiliar with the route may prefer a private car, rental car, taxi, or app-based ride service with a driver who knows the area.

 

Getting There from Phuket Town is straightforward. Take Chao Fa West Road toward Wat Chalong, then continue past the temple area and follow the signs into Soi Yot Sane or the Nakkerd Hill route leading to the Big Buddha. The drive from Phuket Town usually takes about 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. From Kata or Karon, the journey is shorter, usually about 20 to 35 minutes.

 

From Phuket International Airport, take Thepkasattri Road toward Phuket Town, then connect to Chao Fa West Road and the Nakkerd Hill route. The drive usually takes about 60 to 80 minutes depending on traffic. From Patong, visitors can travel via Karon or Kathu and connect to Chao Fa West Road; the journey usually takes about 45 to 70 minutes.

 

The best times to visit are in the morning and late afternoon. Morning visits are usually cooler and calmer, with better conditions for worship and photography. Late afternoon is also pleasant for views and softer light, but visitors should arrive early enough to allow time before closing and to descend the hill safely.

 

The Big Buddha can be combined easily with nearby cultural and scenic attractions. A popular route is to visit Wat Chalong first, then continue up to the Big Buddha, and later travel to Chalong Bay, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, or Karon Viewpoint. For a fuller day, visitors can continue to Rawai Beach, Promthep Cape, or Phuket Old Town.

 

There are several small restaurants and cafes along the road up Nakkerd Hill. Some face Chalong Bay, while others overlook Karon Beach. These are useful stops before or after visiting the statue, but visitors should plan around the opening hours of the temple area and avoid drinking alcohol before driving down the hill.

 

The Big Buddha is suitable for many types of visitors. Buddhist worshippers can come to pray and make merit. Architecture lovers can study the scale and construction of the marble-covered statue. Photographers can capture panoramic views of Phuket. Families can introduce children to proper temple etiquette. Cultural travelers can connect the visit with Wat Kata, Wat Chalong, and Phuket Old Town for a deeper understanding of Phuket’s spiritual landscape.

 

In summary, Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri, or the Big Buddha of Phuket, is one of the island’s essential spiritual landmarks. The 45-metre white Buddha image on Nakkerd Hill combines Buddhist faith, contemporary religious architecture, and sweeping views over southern Phuket. Visitors should dress respectfully, drive carefully, follow staff guidance, and appreciate the site as both a sacred place and a powerful symbol of Phuket.

 

 

A: The Big Buddha of Phuket, officially Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakakiri, is located on Nakkerd Hill in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket. The main access route is via Soi Yot Sane from Chao Fa West Road.

 

A: The site opens daily from 09.00 to 18.00. Visitors should arrive before 17.30 to allow enough time for worship and sightseeing.

 

A: Admission is free. Visitors may make donations or merit-making offerings according to personal faith.

 

A: The main highlight is the 45-metre white Maravijaya Buddha image with a 25.45-metre lap width, set on Nakkerd Hill with panoramic views over Chalong Bay, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, and southern Phuket.

 

A: Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Sleeveless tops, very short shorts, and revealing clothing should be avoided because this is a Buddhist religious site.

 

A: Private car, rental car, taxi, or app-based ride service is the most convenient option. The hill road is winding and steep in places, so careful driving is necessary.

 

A: Nearby places include Wat Chalong, Chalong Bay, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Dino Park Mini Golf, Kata Noi Beach, Karon Viewpoint, and Phuket Old Town.

 

A: Most visitors should allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for worship, walking around the base, taking in the views, and resting before descending the hill.