A Visit To Phuket’s Big Buddha

One of the top highlights of any visit to Phuket has to be a visit to the Big Buddha. This imposing structure sits atop the peak of mount Nagakerd in a national conserved forest and can be glimpsed as far as Karon Beach to the west. From this location, you can also capture sweeping views of much of the south of the island, including Phuket Town, Chalong Bay, and Kata.

It is a key landmark that is greatly revered for its beautiful detailing and imposing size. It is in fact the third tallest statue in Thailand, measuring an impressive 40 metres in height and 25.45 metres in width. This Buddha statue depicts Gautama in a seated position. It is made of reinforced concrete that is covered with layers of Burmese white jade marble. This helps give it a much-admired brilliant shine when the sun is out.

Next to this is another Buddha statue that though smaller, is made of brass covered in gold. There are also several other smaller statues of Buddha and other celebrated monks. It is a popular island destination, often attracting as many as 1,000 visitors a day. It was built and is maintained through donations. When you donate you can receive a tile to sign your name on and have it placed in the Big Buddha for posterity.

Guests of Trisara should not miss out on a visit to this magnificent site. It is just an hour’s drive via route 4024. If you however prefer to keep the scenic coastline in sight, then take route 4030 that is about 15 minutes longer. A stay at Trisara offers a tranquil respite made all the more enjoyable by luxury amenities, stunning natural vistas, and exclusive resort accommodation in Phuket. You can create even better memories of your trip to the island by adding in some cultural experiences like a visit to this renowned religious site.

The Cultural Melting Pot That Is Phuket

Even the most casual visitor to Phuket will have noticed that the region is a mix of ethnicities and cultures. While Thai culture does dominate, there are many other influences made evident, particularly that of the Chinese. Many Chinese shrines are not only religious sites, but also make up the focal point of such celebrations as Chinese New Year and the Chinese Vegetarian Festival.

 

The Jui Tui Shrine in Phuket town is the oldest Chinese shrine and is a mere 40-minute drive from Trisara. It is beautifully and colourfully decorated for festival celebrations. From firecrackers to processions, it can be quite rousing during such events, providing an immersive experience for cultural visitors.

The Vegetarian Festival takes place in the ninth lunar month, with devotees and visitors congregating at Chinese shrines across Phuket for festivities. It is a lively event with processions, displays of self-flagellation and mutilation, and firecrackers being a part of the festivities.

While shrines in and around Phuket town are popular, guests at Trisara may appreciate a visit to the closer Tha Rua shrine. Just a 20-minutes drive away, it is the island’s largest shrine and the 4^th oldest Taoist temple. Made up in green, red, and gold colours it offers wonderful depictions of dragons and other Chinese art.

Phuket also plays host to other important cultural events including the Loy Krathong, Patong Carnival, the Phuket Old Town Festival, the Songkran Festival, the Kathu Festival, and the Hungry Ghost Festival, to name a few. Many have their roots in Chinese and other Asian cultures, but others are based on local folklore and tradition. There are also many sporting events and showcases to attend including the Laguna Phuket Marathon, the Bay Regatta, and the Phuket International Boat Show.

When booking your stay at Trisara luxury beach resort you may want to look up the local calendar of festivals to identify events to attend. Most are within easy driving distance of the resort and provide an excellent opportunity to add some excitement to your Thai vacation.

Trisara offers the perfect island retreat bordered by calm glittering sea waters. The luxury residences and villas are complemented by fine dining and spa services to ensure a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing stay. When not relaxing on the beach or indulging in a spa treatment, consider a jaunt further inland to experience the wonders of the local and foreign cultures that make Phuket so unique.