The Big Buddha sits atop Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kathu, clad in Burmese white marble. Construction has run on donations since 2004 and is technically unfinished — part of the site is still scaffolded, and that's normal. The terrace gives views of both sides of the island at once: Chalong Bay with its pier, and Kathu with the hills.
Turn off Route 4021 near Chalong, then 6 km of switchbacks up. It's steep on a scooter — underpowered for two riders on a 125cc. Grab/taxi from Chalong is 300–400 THB one way, 600–800 from Patong. Many combine it with Wat Chalong and Promthep Cape.
Tips
- •Come before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. — the marble bakes at midday and tour buses arrive around noon
- •It's an active temple: cover shoulders and knees (free sarongs at the entrance)
- •The viewpoint on the way down towards Chalong is almost always empty
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