Wat Phu Khao Phra Maha Bodhisattva, also known as the Mountain Buddha Temple, is located in Ao Nang, just over three kilometers from the beach. Often overlooked by Western tourists, it's definitely worth a visit for its golden Buddha statue, the other statues, and the breathtaking views. As you enter the avenue leading to the temple, you'll be greeted by the benevolent gaze of the large Buddha statue atop the mountain. You can ascend via a rather steep main staircase with narrow steps. To the left of it is a slightly easier staircase with normal-width steps. I personally went up the main staircase to admire the statues along the way and down the side staircase. There also appears to be some kind of cable car, but it was neither operational nor in good condition on my last visit (August 2023) and probably won't be operational again anytime soon. On the way up, you pass several stages with statues, including depictions of Buddha in various poses, white elephants, the Chinese goddess of compassion, Guan Yin, sampao boats, and much more. At the summit, a golden Buddha towers over the valley. Just below is a platform with incredibly lifelike statues of three revered monks. The view is magnificent. Some come here to watch the sunset, even if the sun doesn't set at the exact right moment. Nevertheless, the warm colors that adorn the sky above the summit panorama offer a breathtaking sight.

No entrance fee. You can receive a blessing from a monk in the hall at the foot of the stairs on the right-hand side.

The Mount Buddha Temple in Ao Nang is located 3.5 kilometers from Ao Nang Beach and 18 kilometers from Krabi Town. The easiest way to reach Wat Phu Khao Phra Maha Bodhisattva (its official name) from Ao Nang is by tuk-tuk (there are always plenty of tuk-tuks waiting in front of the 7-Eleven opposite the Wake Up Hotel). The driver will take you to the temple, wait for you during your visit, and then drive you back. I don't know the exact price, as I went by car, but it should be around 300 baht.

The Ao Nang Mountain Buddha Temple is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do I get to the Ao Nang Mountain Buddha Temple? The Mountain Buddha Temple in Ao Nang is located 3.5 kilometers from Ao Nang Beach and 18 kilometers from Krabi Town. The easiest way to reach Wat Phu Khao Phra Maha Bodhisattva Temple (its official name) from Ao Nang is by tuk-tuk (there are always plenty of tuk-tuks waiting in front of the 7-Eleven opposite the Wake Up Hotel). The driver will take you to the temple, wait for you during your visit, and then drive you back. I don't know the exact price, as I went by car, but it should be around 300 baht.