39points · on 4 of 4 lists: Phuket 101, Hostelworld, Airial and CleverThai
The Big Buddha is a 45-meter seated statue faced in white jade marble, on a hilltop that looks over Chalong Bay and down the island's coast. Entry is free, and the way up the last stretch is a long white Naga staircase. It is a working temple, so cover shoulders and knees, with sarongs lent at the entrance, and come early in the morning for the quietest hour.
“The atmosphere is calm and respectful, even with plenty of visitors around.”
a Google reviewer
“Arriving in the late afternoon, there wasn't much traffic, so I could take a leisurely stroll”
a Google reviewer
- Price
- Free
29points · on 4 of 4 lists: Phuket 101, Hostelworld, Airial and CleverThai
Phuket Old Town is a few blocks of restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses and mansions painted in strong colors, and walking it costs nothing. Thalang Road is the main street, and on Sunday evenings it closes to traffic for the walking street market. Between the houses are small museums, cafes and old family restaurants, enough for an easy half day on foot.
“a great photographer's playground”
Phuket 101
“it's less crowded, affordable, and you can always drive to the beach later in the day”
Bucketlistly
- Price
- Free
27points · on 4 of 4 lists: Phuket 101, Hostelworld, Airial and CleverThai
Wat Chalong is one of Phuket's most important Buddhist temples, a cluster of halls and a tall chedi with gold detail on the rooflines, and entry is free. Go early in the morning, when it is cool and quiet, and allow a couple of hours to walk the grounds and the market stalls around them. Cover shoulders and knees, and at Songkran, join in pouring water over the Buddha statues as a mark of respect.
“a famous and beautiful, colourful, and superbly crafted temple”
Phuket 101
“Despite being a popular spot, the temples felt peaceful and quiet.”
a Google reviewer
- Price
- Free
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
The lists we counted
- Phuket 101 · February 2025
- Hostelworld · September 2026
- Airial · January 2026
- CleverThai · March 2024
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
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