The giant Buddha statue crowns Mount Nakaked in the Chalong area. It is about 50 meters tall, and if you add the mountain's height of 400 meters above sea level, it creates an epic composition that can be seen on the island of Phuket almost from anywhere.
At the foot of the statue, the Big Buddha Temple is being built, promising to become one of the most significant attractions in Phuket and all of Thailand. Construction, which began at the start of this century, is still not finished, as the project is conceived on a grand scale both culturally and financially.
Funds for the temple are being raised, as the saying goes, by the whole world – donations come from ordinary Thais, tourists, local officials, and the royal family. You can also help the construction by buying a small marble plaque for 100 baht and writing something nice on it.
Mount Nakaked is mentioned in many legends. One of them says that the mythical serpent Naga lived here, while another tells how Buddha himself once sailed here and decided to meditate on the mountain's summit. As a result, light began to stream from the mountain, which was seen by the residents of the surrounding villages.
There are many interesting things on the complex grounds: a magical gong that sings when stroked, gold and marble sculptures dedicated to deities, monks who bless visitors. You may enter the temple only in decent clothing, not beachwear or sportswear.
