12 Best Viewpoints in Phuket
Where to Take Great Landscape Photos in Phuket
Phuket has views that would make any landscape painter rush out and buy an easel and brushes. And the great thing is that you don’t have to trek halfway across the country to appreciate them.
Whether it’s a sunset-watching spot, a 360-degree panorama of the south of the island, a vista from the top of Phuket Town, or a glimpse of swathes of tropical lushness, it’s all within your grasp in minutes just a short ride away. Here are some of the best places to enjoy fantastic views of Phuket.
1. Black Rock Viewpoint
Outstanding views from atop a great black rock
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Black Rock Viewpoint, known as Pa Hin Dam in Thai, is challenging to get to, but certainly worth the effort. Totally unknown before 2016, it’s located high up in the rainforest above Ao Sane, and it offers a stunning view to the south of Phuket, including Nai Harn Beach, Promthep Cape, and Koh Man.
Black Rock Viewpoint looks like a large terrace made of soil with its front side, above the cliff, featuring a huge black granite stone, hence its name. The outstanding view and the remoteness of the place give you a great rewarding feeling. Read more
Location: Soi Laem Mum Nok, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Black Rock Viewpoint
2. Karon Viewpoint
Three amazing beaches from one hill
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Karon Viewpoint is one of the most visited viewpoints in Phuket. Sometimes called Kata Viewpoint (because it’s a lot closer to Kata than it is to Karon), it’s possible to take in views of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, and Karon beaches from here.
Located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, the viewpoint is busy most days of the year and is a staple of many tour itineraries. It’s easy to get to by road, and just a 10-15 minute walk up from Karon Beach. Read more
Location: 4233 Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Karon Viewpoint
3. Khao Rang
The beauty of Phuket from one of its most famous viewpoints
Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo
Khao Rang (Rang Hill) is one of Phuket’s most famous viewpoints. Located to the northwest of the city center, its summit offers views out over the town and towards the south of the island, the neighboring islands, and along the hills forming the “spine” of the island upon which sits the impressive Big Buddha.
The climb is easy, with 2 possible routes, one of which is paved, so you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to make the trip. When you reach the top, there’s a wide, open terrace and a souvenir shop. Read more
Location: Khao Rang, Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Khao Rang
4. Laem Singh Viewpoint
A stunning spot for a rest
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Laem Singh Viewpoint is a popular stop on the coastal road between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach. It’s easy to get to, with no steep climb and only a few steps along the way, meaning the natural beauty at the top is more accessible than many of the other viewpoints in the area.
Offering a pleasant place to rest awhile, with seating and a roof providing shelter from the sun, you can enjoy great views to the south across the namesake beach below and it’s also a popular place for watching Phuket’s impressive sunsets. Read more
Location: 4025 Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Laem Singh Viewpoint
5. Monkey Hill
A beautiful spot popular with humans and monkeys alike
Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual
Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town is sometimes referred to as Monkey Hill. The reason why becomes fairly obvious after a few hundred yards when you come across a troupe of macaques munching away on fruit brought to them by locals.
Khao Toh Sae is the highest hill in Phuket Town. It’s home to a few TV and radio stations and a popular recreation spot where many locals come to jog. The hill has a number of great viewpoints at different levels. Read more
Location: Rassada, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Daily from 11 am to 9.30 pm
Monkey Hill
6. Panwa Viewpoint
An out-of-the-way vista
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Panwa Viewpoint (also known as Khao Khad Views Tower) has full 360-degree views out over southern and eastern Phuket. Located on the way out to Cape Panwa, it’s not a busy spot like Promthep Cape or Big Buddha but is every bit as spectacular.
There’s ample parking here as well as cafes and shops. The stairs are a bit of a climb but it’s more than worth it once you’re at the top. Head here for a quieter experience, if you’re up for a bit of a walk. Read more
Location: Wichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Daily from 6am to 7pm
Panwa Viewpoint
Good for: History, Photo
Phuket’s Big Buddha is one of the island’s most important and revered landmarks. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and, at 45 meters in height, it’s easily seen from far away.
The lofty site offers the best 360-degree views of the island (think sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata and Karon beaches, Chalong Bay and more). Easily reachable via a 6-km road leading from Phuket’s main artery route, it’s a must-visit island destination. Read more
Location: Soi Yot Sane 1, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Open: Daily from 6am to 7pm
Phone: +66 (0)81 891 3827
Phuket Big Buddha
8. Promthep Cape
The setting sun seen from Phuket’s most unforgettable location
Good for: Couples, Photo
Promthep Cape is the island’s most photographed and perhaps best-known location. Every evening, large tour buses, scooters, and private cars sweep through Rawai Beach and up the island’s southernmost hill to watch the sunset. On the top of the hill stands a busy parking lot where vehicles disgorge crowds of people from every corner of the world.
Cameras flash, fingers point, and lovers cuddle as Phuket’s most fabulous free show is re-enacted nightly, the sunset. Gorgeous colors paint the Thai landscape and silhouette the palm trees against the sky. Read more
Location: Laem Promthep, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Promthep Cape
9. Patong Mountain Bar
Spectacular views of the city of Phuket
Good for: Families, Food, Nightlife
If you head toward Soi Nanai in Patong then turn up Hassip Pee Road by Montes Restaurant, you’ll come across some virgin countryside and obtain good views over the town. Okay, so they have built quite a few condominiums there on the best viewing spots but there’s still a lot to see.
Stop off at a restaurant if you’re hungry for food and a good view. If you carry on for 1.2 miles, the road forks left into a track that goes even higher.
Location: Hasippi Rd, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Patong Mountain Bar
10. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Phang Nga Bay from the perfect angle
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint has very quickly gone from being practically unheard of to one of the most popular panoramas in Phang Nga. Located on a hilltop just a 30-minute drive from Phuket, it provides stunning views over the limestone islets of Phang Nga Bay.
Enjoy being so far away from civilization, as out here you can avoid light pollution. The darkness means the Milky Way is even visible at certain times, scattering the sky with a glorious, glittering display unseen in more built-up areas. Read more
Location: Khlong Khian, Takua Thung, Phang-nga 82130, Thailand
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
11. Wassa Homemade Bar
Good for: Photo, Nightlife
Wassa Homemade Bar is the ultimate sundowner spot in Patong Beach. Located off Hasip Pee Road (the street parallel to and above Nanai Road), this open-air platform offers one of the most outstanding views of the whole bay of Patong on Phuket’s west coast.
A drink at Wassa Bar has a taste of reward as the cement road to reach it is narrow and extremely steep (inexperienced motorbike drivers should especially be careful), making the access pretty challenging. Once there, the cool sea breeze, the serene atmosphere gently rocked by R&B tunes, and the extraordinary panorama give guests a wonderful feeling of being on top of the world.
Location: Hasippi Rd, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Open: Daily from 4pm to 12am
Phone: +66 (0)91 882 9322
Wassa Homemade Bar
12. Windmill Viewpoint
Sea breezes with a scenic vista
Good for: Couples, Photo, Unusual
Windmill Viewpoint is located between Ya Nui and Nai Harn beaches in south Phuket. It has several tall, slim white windmills facing out to sea, giving it its name. This hilltop viewpoint features west-coast vistas similar to Promthep Cape’s but is quieter.
This viewpoint is relatively small, keeping things simple. There’s just a covered sala with a sitting space and the occasional drinks vendor but the views are tremendous and you can enjoy them without the bustle of the larger and more developed viewpoints. Read more
Location: Wisit Road, Rawai, Muang, 83100, Thailand
Windmill Viewpoint
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.