The culture of Phuket may be becoming more diverse, thanks to the influx of tourists and expats, but the locals' Buddhist faith is alive and well. Just glance up from the beaches of Kata or Karong and you'll see a glistening white testament to that faith – the Big Buddha that has risen up on the Nakkerd Hills. Construction only started in 2002, but the massive 46-metre marble statue was completed by 2011. And the site now brings in the faithful, and the curious, in increasing numbers.
Once you've climbed up the winding road to the summit, through the lush rainforest that clads the Nakkerd Hills, you'll see why. Not only is the Big Buddha (or the Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha) an awe-inspiring sight – floating on a lotus pad atop one of the highest parts of the island – the view will inspire plenty of awe too. The peak affords an uninterrupted view across the south of Phuket Island, taking in the white crescent of Kata Beach to the west, and the long arc of the Chalong resort to the east.
The Big Buddha was built entirely through charitable donations, which took on a new meaning following the tsunami of 2004, with many of the marble tiles inscribed with messages to loved ones lost in that disaster. The Big Buddha is dedicated to the Thai King, and sitting next to it is another golden Buddha, built with his Queen in mind, standing 12 metres tall, and made from 22 tons of brass. Although these two statues are the main attractions, and now finished, this grand project is far from complete.
The site owners are planning to build a wider park at the top, with many more statues and visitor attractions. So you may find the Big Buddha accompanied by on-going building work for a few more years. Already there is a restaurant – the Nakkerd Sea View Restaurant – for visitors to drink, eat and take in the view. More facilities are planned and look likely to be needed – the call of the Big Buddha is being heard by increasing numbers curious visitors, year-by-year.
