Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Big Buddha. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full-Day Private Tour of Lantau Island including Big Buddha and Tai O

• A Visit Beyond Cable Car, Big Buddha, and Fishing Village

• Lantau Island: Big Buddha, Crystal Cabin Cable Car, and Tai O Pickup

• Private Lantau Tour: Big Buddha, Crystal Cable Car, and Tai O Pickup

• Private 5-Hour Driving Tour of Lantau from Hong Kong

It’s free to visit the Big Buddha, although some experiences inside may cost money. Most visitors climb the steps and admire the views from the top. There are lots of affordable tours to get to the statue and back. These begin at around US$75 for shared tours, and private tours with transportation are upwards of US$177.

Yes, the Big Buddha is definitely worth visiting. This huge bronze sculpture on Lantau Island is a top photo opportunity and one of the world's largest outdoor Buddha statues. Rather than figuring out how to get there, book a guided tour for the ultimate convenience—these typically include pickup, a boat ride, and sometimes a cable car ride, too.

Per one customer who booked the Full-Day Private Tour of Lantau Island including Big Buddha and Tai O, "We had an incredible tour with Sinclair—truly the best guide we've ever had. He was knowledgeable, funny, and super accommodating to our group's needs. His energy made the entire experience unforgettable. From the Big Buddha to the rest of Lantau, every stop was made better by his insights and humor. 10/10—Sinclair is the best!"

Located on the top of Mount Muk Yue, the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) is one of the top landmarks on Lantau Island. The bronze statue is one of the largest seated outdoor Buddhas in the world, weighing more than 250 tons (250,000 kilograms) at a height of 112 feet (34 meters).

The Big Buddha is located on Lantau Island. From Hong Kong Island, you can take a ferry from Central pier #6 to Mui Wo, then bus 2. You can also take the MTR to Tung Chung, then take the Ngong Ping cable car, taxi, buses 11 or 23, or hike. Many Lantau sightseeing tours include the Big Buddha and will organize transportation.

There are a total of 268 steps to reach the Big Buddha. It’s best to avoid visiting during the heat and humidity of the summer, as the hike will be even more strenuous. There is an option to take a road up for visitors with mobility issues, but it must be arranged with staff from Po Lin Monastery or special tours.

No, you don’t need Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) tickets to visit the Big Buddha, or to see the mausoleum beneath it for singer Anita Mui. However, there is an entrance fee to access the three halls at the base of the Big Buddha, which are the Hall of the Universe, Hall of Benevolent Merit, and the Hall of Remembrance.

Avoid the Big Buddha on weekends and public holidays, as it is typically very crowded, and aim to visit on a clear day when you’ll enjoy the best view. Be aware that Hong Kong’s hot and humid summers can make the 268-step climb more strenuous.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Big Buddha. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Hong Kong:

• Victoria Harbour

• Victoria Peak

• Upper Lascar Row

• Wan Chai

• Hong Kong Park

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Hong Kong.