A: Half Day City Tour Chalong Temple – Big Buddha Phuket

This five-hour private Phuket city tour with Big Buddha views covers the island’s best-known southern sights in one easy half-day: Wat Chalong, the Big Buddha, Promthep Cape, the Windmill Viewpoint, Ya Nui Beach and the Karon (three-beach) Viewpoint. You travel in your own air-conditioned car with a local driver who knows the roads, so you can spend longer where you like and skip what you don’t.

Updated October 2026 by the Phuket Dream Company team (TAT licensed).

Highlights of this Phuket city tour with Big Buddha

• Private car and driver for your group only, with a morning or afternoon start.
• Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple.
• The 45-metre white-marble Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill, with views over Chalong Bay and Kata.
• Promthep Cape, the southern tip of the island, plus the quieter Windmill Viewpoint.
• A stop at little Ya Nui Beach and the famous viewpoint over Kata Noi, Kata and Karon.
• Free pickup from Patong, Kata, Karon and Phuket Town.

The six stops

Wat Chalong

Officially Wat Chaiyathararam, Wat Chalong is the island’s busiest temple and a working place of worship. Locals come to pray and to set off firecrackers in thanks for wishes granted. Take your time around the tall chedi, which houses a relic believed to be of the Buddha.

Big Buddha

The Big Buddha sits high on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata. The site closed after a landslide on the hill in August 2024 and reopened to visitors in March 2026, now managed by the temple. Entry is free and donations are welcome. It is usually open from 9am to 6pm (last entry about 5.30pm), but access can be restricted after heavy rain. If it is closed on the day, your driver will suggest another stop.

Promthep Cape

A rocky headland at Phuket’s southernmost point, with a lighthouse, a shrine covered in elephant figures, and wide views of the Andaman Sea. It is Phuket’s most famous sunset spot, so expect crowds in the late afternoon.

Windmill Viewpoint

Between Ya Nui and Nai Harn, this small hilltop lookout has wind turbines and a covered sala. The view takes in Nai Harn, Ya Nui, Promthep Cape and Koh Man, and it is usually much quieter than the cape.

Ya Nui Beach

A tiny cove between the two viewpoints, popular for snorkelling and kayaking towards Koh Man when the sea is calm. Bring swimwear if you would like a quick dip.

Karon Viewpoint

Also called the three-beach viewpoint, it looks north over Kata Noi, Kata and Karon bays – one of the classic Phuket photos.

Times and pickup

• Morning: 09.00 – 14.00
• Afternoon: 14.00 – 19.00

Pickup is free from Patong, Kata, Karon and Phuket Town. For other areas, ask us before booking. Extra hours can be added (see the rates below). On the afternoon tour, the driver visits the Big Buddha first so you arrive before it closes, and you can finish at Promthep Cape for sunset.

What to bring and wear

• Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees for Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha (sarongs are usually available at the Big Buddha).
• Sunscreen, a hat and water. The viewpoints have little shade.
• Cash for donations, drinks and snacks.
• Swimwear if you want to swim at Ya Nui.

Tips from our team

• The morning tour is cooler and less crowded at the temples.
• Your driver knows the routes but is not a licensed guide. Ask us if you would like a guide added.
• Want a different mix of stops, such as Old Town or a market? This tour is flexible within its time, or see our other city tour programmes.

FAQ

Is the Big Buddha open in 2026?
Yes. It reopened in March 2026 after the 2024 landslide closure. Access can still be limited after heavy rain, so your driver will check on the day.

Do I need tickets for the Big Buddha?
No. Entry is free, and donations are optional.

Is this tour private?
Yes. The car and driver are for your group only. Prices are per person with a minimum of two people.

Can we change the order or skip a stop?
Yes. Tell your driver what you would like. The tour runs for five hours, and extra hours can be added.

Is there a dress code?
Yes, at Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes where signs ask.

Is it suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. Most stops are a short walk from the car park.

How to book

Book online on this page. Our team confirms your car and driver and stays in touch on WhatsApp (+66 95 038 5535) with your pickup time.

Half Day Program A: Phuket City Tour 5 hours.
Chalong Temple – Big Buddha – Promthep cape
Windmill View Point – Yanui Beach – Karon View Point
Pickup from Phuket (in the area)
*This price is from 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027*
*Operate Everyday!*

1. Half Day Morning : Start 09.00 am. – Finish 14.00 pm.
2. Half Day Afternoon : Start 14.00 pm. – Finish 19.00 pm.

(Area 1.) Free Pickup Transfer