Hello everyone! 🌸

For my participation in the Ts Contest: The Most Visited Tourist Destination In My Country, announced five days ago by @bonaventure24 (be sure to check out his posts, they’re worth it!), I’d like to take you on a journey to one of the most iconic landmarks in Thailand🇹🇭 - The Big Buddha of Phuket.

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For those new to my content, I am a Thai living on the beautiful island of Phuket 🏝️ with my husband and two sons for over a decade. Through my posts, I love sharing not only my favorite spots on this island but also giving you glimpses into Thai culture and traditions.

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Phuket is more than just a tropical paradise—it's also a powerhouse in the global tourism scene. In 2023, the island attracted 9.89 million international visitors (and 2.9 million Thai visitors), ranking as the 14th most visited city in the world. In 2024, Phuket was celebrated as the world’s best tourist destination by international media, a testament to its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse experiences.

Now, let’s dive into one of Phuket’s treasures— the Big Buddha —an impressive monument that not only draws visitors with its grandeur but also offers stunning views of the island and the Andaman Sea. Follow me, I am your guide today. Let's go! 😁

To visit the Big Buddha, it's best to get up in the morning to watch a beautiful sunrise, head towards Chalong City. On Chao Fa Nok Road, about 800 meters beyond the Chalong Temple, you’ll see a small sign pointing to Soi Yod Sanae, in Thai, "Soi" means street. Follow this road uphill for 6 kilometers until you arrive at the summit.

🚧 Be cautious: The steep road to Khao Nak Kerd, the highest hill in Phuket standing at approximately 400 meters (1,312 feet) is paved with concrete slabs, not asphalt, and can be tricky for older tuk-tuks or motorbikes. 🛵

As you make your way to the top of the hill, you’ll encounter several points of interest along the road. There are restaurants with scenic viewpoints where you can pause and enjoy the landscape, elephant camps, and even ATV safari adventures for thrill-seekers. The path is also popular among runners, who challenge themselves on the steep uphill climb that stretches approximately six kilometers.

🚨 Safety Note: Be cautious around ATVs, as many drivers are tourists unfamiliar with operating them. Similarly, visitors renting cars to navigate the winding hill road might not be accustomed to driving on the left side, which can increase the risk of accidents. Stay alert to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey to the summit.

Upon arrival, you’ll see the back of the statue first, and a spacious parking area shaded by trees ensures you can leave your vehicle comfortably. If your outfit isn’t suitable for temple visits, the staff provides free shawls or cloth bags to cover yourself (donations are welcome as a gesture of gratitude). Men should avoid sleeveless shirts, and women are expected to wear modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

From the summit of Khao Nak Kerd Hill, the view is simply breathtaking. You can admire Chalong District sprawling below and countless yachts anchored in the sparkling waters of Chalong Bay. Early mornings are the best time to visit, as the sunrise bathes the sea and hills in a golden light. 🌅

While enjoying the view, you may encounter monkeys roaming freely along the fence. Be mindful of your belongings—these mischievous creatures are known to snatch bags or food from unsuspecting visitors. 🤣

If you turn around, you’ll see the Big Buddha seated majestically at the top of a grand staircase, flanked by two Naga serpents guarding each side.

Officially named Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Egnak Khiri, and commonly known as Wat Phra Yai—in Thai, "Wat" means temple, this grand statue is affectionately called the Big Buddha by locals and tourists. It stands 45 meters high (148 feet) and is 25 meters wide (83.5 feet), making it visible from numerous points around the island. The exterior is covered with white Burmese jade marble, which glistens in the sunlight, giving the statue a serene and majestic appearance.

The Naga are mythical serpents beings believed to guard sacred places. These guardians are important figures in Thai mythology and are thought to protect the temple from evil spirits.

As you climb the steps, turn back occasionally to enjoy the panoramic view over Chalong Bay—it’s a sight not to be missed.

The Big Buddha sits in the Bhumisparsha Mudra position (the “earth-touching” posture), symbolizing the moment when Buddha called upon the earth goddess to witness his enlightenment.

The construction of Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakkiri carries profound significance, symbolizing peace, unity, and hope. This monumental statue was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of both Thai citizens and foreigners living in Thailand, reflecting a spirit of shared purpose and harmony.

Beneath and around the Big Buddha, you’ll find smaller Buddha statues, each representing a day of the week with its own distinctive posture.

Tuesday Buddha: Saiyat posture (reclining Buddha)

Visitors can also participate in prayer rituals by writing their wishes on gold leaf and attaching them to trees or fences—a traditional way of expressing hopes and gratitude.

The site is also home to a variety of statues, each telling its own story. Among them are magnificent sculptures of three-headed elephants, known as Erawan (or Airavata in Hindu mythology). In Thai culture, this divine elephant symbolizes power, fertility, and prosperity and is often associated with the Hindu god Indra. The Erawan’s three heads are said to represent the cosmic realms—earth, atmosphere, and heaven.

Throughout the site, you’ll encounter statues of Garuda, the mythical half-bird, half-human creature that serves as the national symbol of Thailand, along with figures representing significant personalities from Thai history. From mythical creatures to revered historical icons, the site offers a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural representation. However, I’ve only shared a glimpse of these wonders in this post—there’s so much more waiting to be discovered in person.

🙏 A fascinating feature near the Big Buddha is the replica of Buddha’s footprints, handprint, and seatprint. These sacred patterns symbolize the Buddha’s spiritual influence over nature and serve as reminders of his enlightenment. Such replicas have been worshipped for centuries as part of Buddhist tradition.

There’s so much more to discover at the Big Buddha, but I’ll leave some surprises for you to uncover on your own. I hope this glimpse has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to experience this magnificent landmark firsthand. Whether it’s the breathtaking views, the cultural richness, or the peaceful atmosphere, the Big Buddha promises a memorable and meaningful visit. ✨

Thank you for joining me on this journey! Phuket is a treasure trove of hidden gems, and I can’t wait to take you along on more adventures soon. 🌏

Until next time—stay curious, and I’ll see you on the next adventure!

I just re-read the announcement post for the contest and realized it says 'invite 3 friends to join it' – I wasn’t ready for that, hahaha! Well, it's a bit challenging for me since I’ve only just started reconnecting on Steemit. So, I’m going to nominate @ulfatulrahmah for Indonesia, @maxinpower for Japan, and @karja for Norway – hoping they won’t hold it against me too much! I’ve already visited Japan, around Kyoto and Osaka, and I’d love to go back to explore more, but I’ve never been to either Indonesia or Norway.

Feel free to follow me and drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you. And if you enjoyed this post, a resteem/reblog would be greatly appreciated! 🌸

Sawadee kha! 🙏
@Baiboua-|- 🌸 My Achievement 1 post: Greetings from Phuket 🏝️ Thailand 🇹🇭