When you travel through Asia, you’ll quickly notice that Buddha’s image is immortalized in countless statues. With millions of these sculptures scattered across the continent, each one reflects the calm and wisdom central to his teachings. These statues, however, are far more than just artistic creations—they are deeply rooted symbols of spiritual devotion and cultural significance. As you stand before a towering Buddha or stumble upon a hidden figure in an ancient cave, you’re drawn into the rich traditions that have shaped Buddhism for centuries. Visiting these renowned Buddha statues offers you a unique opportunity to witness the profound influence of Buddhism on art and architecture. Each statue has its own story, offering a window into the enduring legacy of the Buddha’s teachings. While there are statues or sculptures of the Lord Buddha worldwide, the most famous are all in Asia. With this in mind, please explore some of the world’s most famous Buddha statues, including some that rank among the tallest statues on the planet.
Most Famous Buddha Statues in the World
Buddha Dordenma
Thimphu, Bhutan
Overview
When you visit Thimphu, you can’t miss the Buddha Dordenma. After all, at 54 meters or 1777 feet tall, it’s one of the tallest seated Buddha statues in the world. What’s more, this gigantic statue of Shakyamuni Buddhi houses 125,000 smaller Buddhas inside. In detail, you can see 100,000 Buddhas that are 8 inches tall and 25,000 more that are gilded bronze and 12 inches tall. The entire complex covers nearly 1,000 acres.
Why It’s Famous
As you explore, you’ll find that this statue symbolizes peace and happiness, making it a prominent spiritual symbol in Bhutan. It;s also one of the largest and most famous Buddha statues in the world. You’ll find that it’s part of a larger meditation hall and temple complex.
How to Get there
Located about 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles, you can reach Buddha Dordenman by public bus, taxi or tour operator. Of course, you can also walk south, although you’ll be walking on an incline up to 2,659 meters or 8,694 feet along the way.
Additional Information
Buddha Dordenman’s hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for Mondays and holidays. There is no admission fee to visit this famous giant Buddha. Completed in 2015, this enormous statue was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan. Also within the sprawling complex is the ancient palace Kuensel Phodrang, which dates to the 17th century.
Gal Viharaya Buddha
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Overview
Translated as the “rock monastery,” Gal Viharaya is an ancient temple that features four Buddha statues carved into granite. Dating to the 12th century, the most famous of the statues is the reclining Buddha, extending 14 meters (46 feet) in length. Yet another prominent statue is the standing statue of Buddha, at 7 meters or 23 feet tall. As you walk around, you’ll also see seated and standing Buddha statues, each with remarkable detail.
Why It’s Famous
As you explore this site, you’ll appreciate it as a prime example of Sinhalese rock carving and a testament to the height of Buddhist art during the Polonnaruwa period.
How to Get There
The best way to reach Gal Viharaya from the city center of Polonnaruwa is by personal vehicle. However, public buses, taxi cabs, and tour operators are also available.
Additional Information
The carved Buddhas are located within the historic capital of Polonnaruwa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sri Lanka’s second capital dates to the 11th century. According to the latest information available, the admission fee to visit Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park is $25. However, you should purchase tickets only through the official museum complex or through the Sri Lankan Central Cultural Fund website.
Giant Buddha of Leshan
Leshan, Sichuan, China
Overview
When you visit Leshan, you can’t miss the Giant Buddha carved into the cliff face of Mount Lingyun. For one, at 71 meters (233 feet) tall, it holds the title of the tallest pre-modern statue in the world. Furthermore, it’s also the world’s tallest Buddha, which is made from stone. Built between 713 and 803 AD during the Tang Dynasty, the statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, was originally intended to calm the dangerous waters threatening nearby vessels. Today, you can see the Giant Buddha of Leshan via a tour boat along the Ming Jiang River from Leshan.
Importance
The location of the famous Giant Buddha is close to where the first Buddhist temple was built in China. Dating to the 1st century A.D., the Mount Emei Scenic Area is a UNESCO Heritage Site. As you stand before this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll join the millions of pilgrims and tourists who visit each year to marvel at its grandeur. However, if you wish to climb the summit of Mount Emei, you must use extra caution when accessing the stairs. While it’s not as tall as the Spring Temple Buddha, the Buddha statue of Leshan might be more famous.
How to Get to the Famous Giant Buddha of Leshan
The quickest way to the Giant Buddha is by car or taxi, taking about 16 minutes. However, it may be practical to walk to the Buddha, as it’s under 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the city center. The most affordable way to reach the Buddha is by public bus from
Great Buddha at Bodh Gaya
Bihar, India
Standing 18.5 meters or 61 feet, the Giant Buddha at Bodh Gaya isn’t among the world’s tallest statues. What’s more, it’s also not among the oldest of its kind, with a completion date of 1989. On the other hand, Bodh Gaya is the location for the Bodhi Tree, the primary pilgrimage site of Gautama Buddha. That’s because the Bodhi Tree is said to be where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment.
Importance
The descendant of the original Bodhi Tree still rests within the Mahabodhi Mahavihara complex in Bodh Gaya. However, access to this tree is restricted due to its importance to the Buddhist religion. Nevertheless, you can visit other sections of the Mahabodhi Temple complex. The complex, which dates to the 3rd century B.C., has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
How to Get There
The Great Buddha at Bodh Gaya is in eastern India, approximately 116 km or 72 miles south of Patna. The best way to visit Bodh Gaya is by taking a sightseeing tour through Viator, Expedia, and other reliable travel sites.
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The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu)
Kamakura, Japan
Overview
Without question, one of the world’s most famous Buddha statues is the Great Buddha or Kotoku-in in the ancient capital of Kamakura. Furthermore, it’s also one of the most photographed Buddha sculptures and among the most visited. When you visit Kamakura, you must travel to Kotoku-in, the historic temple that features this colossal bronze statue of Amida Buddha. Cast in 1252, the Great Buddha is in a sitting position and has a height of 13.35 meters (44 feet). This beloved statue originally resided inside a large temple hall, but after a tsunami in the 15th century, it now sits outdoors. You’ll appreciate its serene expression and the historical significance that makes it a treasured cultural icon. While it’s not the largest Buddha statue in Japan, it’s among the country’s most cherished landmarks.
Importance
As you explore, you’ll see how this famous statue symbolizes Kamakura’s importance as a center for Buddhist learning and practice, attracting pilgrims and visitors alike. In addition, you’ll have a chance to explore Kamakura, the ancient capital of Japan for nearly 150 years.
How to Get There
The historic city of Kamakura is approximately 45 km or 30 miles south of Tokyo. The best way to reach Kamakura is by taking a JR East train. From the train station in Kamakura, public buses can take you to a bus stop very close to the entrance of Kotoku-in temple. Additionally, there is a local train service that can take you to Hase station, about a 10-minute walk to the temple entrance.
Additional Information
There is a small admission fee of 300 yen or $2.01 to enter Kotoku-in and see the Great Buddha. You cannot purchase tickets in advance although you might be able to obtain tickets through a tour agency. After you walk past the entrance, you’ll find the ticket office to purchase tickets. For an additional fee, you can also visit the interior of the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
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Monywa Buddhas
Monywa, Myanmar
Why It’s Famous
When you visit Monywa, you’ll encounter two of the world’s largest Buddha statues. The Laykyun Sekkya, a standing Buddha statue, is an impressive 116 meters (381 feet) tall, and nearby, you’ll find a 90-meter (300 feet) long reclining Buddha. These statues are part of the Bodhi Tataung site, offering you an insight into Myanmar’s rich Buddhist tradition. Also nearby is Thanboddhay Pagoda, which is home to over 500,000 Buddha sculptures.
Importance
As you visit these colossal statues, you’ll appreciate their significance in Buddhist art and architecture, drawing numerous pilgrims and tourists. The standing Laykyun Sekkya Buddha is the third tallest Buddha statue in the world. Further south in Cambodia, yet another giant Buddha statue is currently being built. Upon completion, it will stand at 103 meters or 343 feet, making it among the world’s tallest statues of Buddha.
How to Get There
The famous Buddha statues at Bodhi Tataung are approximately 80 miles (128 km) west of Mandalay. Because of its great distance from Myanmar’s second-largest city, the most practical way to visit the giant Buddhas is by car or tour operator. From Monywa, you can take a taxi or motorbike to Bodhi Tataung.
Additional Information
Construction is currently underway for a third giant Buddha at Bodhi Tataung. Upon completion, this statue is expected to be the world’s largest sitting Buddha sculpture. There is no admission fee to visit Bodhi Tataung or the giant Buddha statues.
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(credit: Thailand Temples Foundation)
Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin (Great Buddha of Thailand)
Ang Thong, Thailand
Why It’s Famous
At 92 meters high or 202 feet, the Great Buddha of Thailand is the tallest Buddha sculpture in the country. Furthermore, it’s the second tallest statue in Southeast Asia, as well as the world’s ninth tallest. Built between 1990 and 2008, this imposing figure depicts the Buddha in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, symbolizing enlightenment. The Great Buddha Thailand is the most popular visitor attraction at Wat Muang temple.
Importance
As you stand before this grand statue, you’ll understand its significance as a religious site and a symbol of devotion and faith, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike.
How to Get There
The famous Great Buddha of Thailand is approximately 116 km or 71.8 miles north of Bangkok. In other words, you can visit this enormous structure as part of a day trip from the capital of Thailand. Wat Muang Buddhist temple has a history that dates to the Ayutthaya era in the 18th century. The museum at Wat Muang is open daily except on holidays. Along your way to or from Ang Thong, you should visit Ayutthaya, the country’s second capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Shakyamuni Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Why It’s Famous
The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew is small in comparison to most of the world’s most famous Buddhas. In fact, this small statue within the Grand Palace complex is just 66 centimeters or 26 inches. However, the Emerald Buddha is said to be a protective deity, protecting the king and all of Thailand. Made of jade, the statue is dressed in seasonal robes, which are changed three times a year by the King of Thailand. As you observe this statue, you’ll learn about the legends surrounding its origins and its central role in Thai spirituality.
Importance
During your visit, you’ll realize why the Emerald Buddha is Thailand’s most sacred religious icon and why Wat Phra Kaew is a must-visit site for tourists and pilgrims alike. What’s more, Wat Phra Kaew is said to be the most important Buddhist temple in the country. The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha require an entrance fee. However, you should purchase tickets from a reliable source and not from scalpers outside the Palace. Please note that you must wear appropriate clothing when visiting the Grand Palace. In other words, you should not wear shorts, short pants or hats, among others.
How to Get There
The Emerald Buddha is inside Wat Phra Kaew, within the Royal Grand Palace complex in Bangkok. The world-famous Royal Grand Palace can be reached via tuk-tuk, taxis, public buses, and the Bangkok Subway Blue Line.
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Overview
When you journey to Lantau Island, you’ll be greeted by the Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. This enormous bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha stands 34 meters (112 feet) tall. Completed in 1993, the statue sits on a lotus flower atop a three-tiered platform. To reach it, you’ll need to climb 268 steps, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Tian Tian Buddha is adjacent to Po Lin Monastery and is well worth your time to visit.
Importance
As you take in the scenery, you’ll feel the statue’s powerful symbolism of harmony between man, nature, and spirituality. It’s a major pilgrimage site and a popular attraction.
How to Get to Lantau Island
There are several ways to reach Lantau Island, which is also home to Hong Kong Disneyland. For one, you can take a ferry boat from Hong Kong Central Ferry Pier to Mui Wo. From Mui Wo, you will take buses to complete your journey. On the other hand, the fastest and most popular route is taking Hong Kong’s MTR, which is the transfer to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.
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Wat Pho Reclining Buddha
Bangkok, Thailand
Overview
When you visit Wat Pho, you’ll be struck by the sight of the Reclining Buddha, one of Thailand’s largest Buddha statues. Measuring 46 meters (151 feet) in length and 15 meters (49 feet) in height, this statue is covered in gold leaf and represents the Buddha in a peaceful state of entering Nirvana. Don’t forget to look at the soles of the Buddha’s feet, which are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, displaying 108 auspicious symbols.
Importance
As you explore Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples, you’ll have a chance to see some of the largest collections of Buddha images in Thailand. A must-see highlight revered by Thai Buddhists, Wat Pho is listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program. As one of the most famous Buddha statues in Thailand, you may learn that this historic temple is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and has nearly 25 years of experience in the transportation industry.
