Kata-Karon Temples Guide: Wat Kitti Sangkharam & Wat Karon (2026)

Why Visit These Temples?

Wat Kitti Sangkharam sits near Kata Beach and runs the 45-meter white marble Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill. Declared Phuket’s Buddhist Treasure in 2008. The statue symbolizes enlightenment and offers panoramic views of Kata, Karon, and the Andaman Sea. Climb is steep but the view pays off.

Wat Karon (also called Wat Suwan Khiri Khet) is near Karon Beach. Main draw is the jade Buddha statue inside the main hall. Locals believe it holds cosmic energy and immortality. The temple also has a monument to Chan and Mook, two sisters who defended Phuket around 1785. Ornate Naga serpents and Yak guardians decorate the entrance.

Both temples are active community centers. You will see monks, locals making offerings, and temple dogs lounging in the shade. Not tourist traps. Genuine spiritual sites.

Visitor Rules & Etiquette

Standard Thai temple rules apply. Cover your shoulders and knees. Tank tops and short shorts are a no-go. Sarongs available at Big Buddha entrance if you forget.

Remove shoes before entering main halls. Leave them on racks outside. Socks are fine.

Photography allowed but be respectful. No flash on Buddha images. Don’t pose disrespectfully or point your feet at statues. Feet are considered low and dirty in Thai culture.

Keep quiet inside prayer halls. Monks may be chanting or meditating. Don’t interrupt or ask for selfies during ceremonies.

No major scams reported at these temples. Watch for temple dogs. They are harmless but territorial. Don’t pet without checking if they are friendly.

Top Highlights

1. Phuket Big Buddha: 45 meters tall, white Burmese marble. Sits on Nakkerd Hill 400 meters above sea level. Managed by Wat Kitti Sangkharam. Views stretch across southern Phuket. Bring water. Climb is hot and exposed.

2. Jade Buddha at Wat Karon: Small but revered statue in the main hall. Locals say it symbolizes cosmic energy and immortality. Legend claims a larger jade Buddha is buried nearby but excavation is forbidden.

3. Chan and Mook Monument: At Wat Karon. Honors two sisters who rallied locals to repel Burmese invaders in 1785. Part of Phuket’s heroic history. Statue shows them in traditional dress holding weapons.

Wat Karon also features colorful Naga serpents and Yak guardians at the entrance. Main hall has murals depicting Buddha’s life. Recent renovations added bright paint and gold leaf.

Getting There

Both temples sit along Patak Road connecting Kata and Karon beaches. Wat Kitti Sangkharam is closer to Kata. Wat Karon is near Karon Circle.

From Phuket Airport, take a taxi or minibus to Kata-Karon. Check Phuket International Airport to Kata-Karon for transport options. Songthaews (shared trucks) run along Patak Road for 30-50 baht.

Big Buddha access road branches off Patak Road between Kata and Chalong. Look for signs. Motorbike or taxi recommended. Road is steep and winding. No public transport goes directly to the top.

Parking available at both temples and Big Buddha. Free. Motorbike parking near entrances. Car parks can fill up on weekends.

If you are staying in Patong, check Patong to Phuket Town for connections. From Phuket Town, catch a songthaew south to Kata-Karon.

Visitor Info

Opening Hours: Wat Kitti Sangkharam and Wat Karon open daily 6-7 AM to 6-8 PM. Big Buddha accessible 6 AM to 6 PM. Last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Ticket Price: Free entrance for all visitors. No foreigner fees. Donations welcome but not required. Donation boxes near main halls.

Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon on weekdays is quietest. Mornings and evenings attract locals for prayers. Weekends get crowded, especially Saturdays when Wat Karon hosts a small market. Avoid 8-9 AM and 5-6 PM if you want solitude.

Big Buddha is busiest 10 AM to 2 PM when tour groups arrive. Go early (7 AM) or late (4:30 PM) for fewer people and better light.

Wear comfortable shoes for Big Buddha climb. Steep incline and uneven steps. Bring sunscreen and water. No shade on the hill.

Temple dogs are common. Harmless but keep distance if they bark. They protect the grounds.

If you want deeper context on Buddhist rituals or architecture, consider a guided tour from Viator. Local guides explain symbolism and history you might miss solo.

For combined tickets to other Phuket attractions, check Klook for passes that include Big Buddha and nearby viewpoints.