A trip to Big Buddha with kids is not to be missed when on holiday in Phuket. An enormous white image on top of a mountain with stunning 360degree views.
Where is big Buddha?
Big Buddha is one of the ‘must-sees’ when in Phuket. It sits on top of a mountain near to Kata and Chalang. It is around 45m tall and can be seen from around the island.
The views from the top are some of the best in the island, you can walk in a circular route and get 360degree views of Kata, Karon, Chalang Bay and more.
We visited big Buddha whilst staying at the stunning Le Meridien Hotel in Phuket. You can read our full review of the hotel here.
What is at the big Buddha site?
Our trip to big Buddha with kids was on a Saturday in July 2021. As Phuket had only just reopened post COVID it was quiet with very few tourists around. It was a special experience being there with so few people. A very tranquil trip aside from the odd whine of ‘I’m thirsty’ or ‘I need the toilet’.
A trip to big Buddha with kids is free, with no entrance fee. You will find a few stalls open where you could buy cold drinks, ice cream and some souvenirs on the way in.
Make sure to wander past the steps to the far side, around the corner. We were lucky enough to see a big family of monkeys playing and jumping around. A trip to big buddha with kids made better with watching monkeys.
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Climbing big Buddha with kids
There are 94 steps to climb to get to the top which our kids clambered up pretty easily. Bring a baby carrier if you are visiting big buddha with kids of a young age. You will be able to leave a buggy or pram at the bottom of the steps. Shoes have to be removed to climb the steps so plan easy kids shoes or flip flops on this trip.
Reaching the top of the steps and big Buddha is probably a little underwhelming if we are completely honest. There was a lot of building/renovation work going on so the main attraction at the top is the selection of golden monk statues. However, the views are spectacular.
Meeting the monks
If you walk in a circular route around the big Buddha you will find little view points looking out at different areas of the island. The only issue here is that shoes were left at the bottom of the steps and there’s lots of small, sharp and pretty annoying stones to trample over to get to see the views.
Coming down the steps we arrived into a room where people were praying with monks. One monk sat with orange handmade bracelets and he beckoned the boys over to gift them and give us a blessing with sprinkled water. He was very smiley and friendly asking where we were from and throwing water on the boys making them laugh, a very special moment during a trip to big Buddha with kids.
Lastly we went and gave a donation and got some small bowls of coins where the boys (and us!) could make a wish. Put the coins into the bowls for the monks and offer alms. I asked the boys their wishes; Dylan ‘to be the best footballer in the world’, Elis ‘to be a superhero’. Let’s see…..
Tip: bring some change and smaller notes for donations. Make sure knees and shoulders are covered.
If you enjoyed reading our post on a trip to big Buddha with kids check out a Phuket itinerary for a family holiday. Read here for 5 best beaches in Phuket. Make sure to include a trip to Phuket town during your holiday to Phuket and fun family activities in Phuket.
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Wonderfully written with great pictures. ❤️Loved it.
Thank you so much!