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Update March 2026 – Big Buddha Phuket Reopened
The Big Buddha Phuket is open to visitors again. After a temporary closure following a landslide in 2024, the site on Nakkerd Hill has undergone safety inspections and improvements. Since March 2026, visitors can once again visit the 45-meter-tall statue and enjoy the panoramic viewpoint overlooking Chalong and southern Phuket. The Big Buddha is once again one of the island’s most important landmarks and viewpoints.
Upate: December 22, 2024
The Big Buddha Phuket is still closed for Visitors.
Date: August 23, 2024 (Big Buddha Phuket Closure)
On August 23, 2024, a severe landslide struck near the Big Buddha in Phuket, resulting in 13 tragic deaths and significant damage to the surrounding area. The landslide occurred in the parking area of the Big Buddha.
Status of Reopening:
The Big Buddha remains closed to the public until further notice. Local authorities are investigating the cause, and there is no timeline for reopening. There is a possibility that all structures, including the Buddha statue, may be removed for safety reasons.
Next Steps:
For updates on the reopening of the Big Buddha, check official
sources or local news portals. We will provide further information as it
becomes available.
Before the closure, the Big Buddha was a popular attraction, open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Entry was free, and visitors were asked to dress modestly. Sarongs were provided on-site if necessary.
Our Condolences:
We offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this tragic event.
Big Buddha:
The massive Buddha statue sits on a hill and provides spectacular panoramic views of the island.
Highlights: Breathtaking views, a spiritual atmosphere, insights into Buddhist beliefs, and local culture.
Wat Chalong:
Phuket’s most significant Buddhist temple, renowned for its impressive architecture and spiritual importance.
Experience: Temple tours, prayer rituals, and a museum detailing the history and significance of the temple.
Update, February 5, 2026: Big Buddha Phuket
Current situation, background, and realistic assessment
Since the severe landslide in August 2024, the Big Buddha in Phuket is no longer a normal tourist destination, but a sensitive issue—technically, legally, and politically. Even though rumors of an imminent reopening continue to circulate, the situation has not yet been clearly resolved. The fact is that the Big Buddha was completely closed for a long time, was briefly opened for a few days at the turn of 2025/2026 for religious reasons, and then closed again. There is currently no permanently stable opening.
Several investigations were launched after the accident. These focused not only on geology and slope stability, but also on the question of whether parts of the facility had been built beyond the approved areas. This is precisely where the core problem lies: as long as these issues remain unresolved, there can be no real planning certainty. Reopening “on demand” would be politically and morally unacceptable.
What we are currently seeing is a cautious approach on the part of those responsible. Cleaning, securing, checking, and negotiating are all underway. At the same time, compensation issues for those affected by the landslide and legal proceedings are continuing in the background. This explains why there are announcements but no binding dates. Anything else would be window dressing.
For visitors, this means quite simply that
The Big Buddha is currently not a reliable part of the itinerary. It can be seen from a distance, sometimes even from surrounding roads or vantage points, but the classic visit with access to the platform is not guaranteed. Anyone traveling to Phuket should be prepared for this and plan alternatives.
In the long term, the Big Buddha will probably be accessible again – but under stricter conditions, with clearer responsibilities and significantly more control. The landmark will not disappear, but its status has changed. It has gone from being a freely accessible attraction to a place where safety, responsibility, and transparency must be paramount
While the Big Buddha is currently not a reliable stop, Phuket still offers plenty of cultural landmarks and scenic viewpoints worth exploring.
