Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is the best and most popular spot if you want to get the perfect panoramic views of the fantastic limestone formations of  Phang Nga Bay. The viewpoint is a bit far from Phuket though. But with a car or a bike, this viewpoint is worth the cycling or drive. This spot is located on a hilltop. If you are driving, it will take you about 30 minutes to get there from Phuket. Much as you will be forced to drive 25 kilometers past the Sarasin bridge that connects Phuket to the mainland, that drive in the backcountry of Thailand is worthwhile. The palm trees as well as other trees that surround that road are fantastic. You will also come across the breathtaking Nangshe bay whose view is just as beautiful even from the road.

What’s good at this Phuket viewpoint?

Samet Nangshe Phuket is one of the viewpoints that have breathtaking photographic potential. It was discovered by Theerasak Saksritawee,  a Thai professional photographer. The images this guy took on the hilltop spread like wildfire among the locals first, then later to expatriates.

The place isn’t that popular with most tourists because of how far it is from  Phuket’s Sarasin Bridge and the twisting country roads that you have to maneuver as you drive those  25 km. That said though you will find at least 50 people there especially if you go to watch the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint Sunrise. That view is usually breathtaking. 

While at the viewpoint, you get to enjoy the view of the chain of islands that stretch out from both sides of Phang Nga Bay across almost 1.6 km of fantastic limestone formations. Depending on the time of year, the sun usually rises between 5.30 am to 6 am setting its beautiful rays on the limestone karsts. Before it rises you can catch a glimpse of the Milkyway though depends on the season.

Things you should know about Samet Nangshe Phuket

One of the things you need to know is that getting to this viewpoint can be a bit of a challenge. It is quite a long and steep 20-minute climb up the hill. Luckily there is  a pickup truck that can get you there. So if you don’t feel like hiking, at least you have that option. There are also benches as you climb up so you can take breaks and catch your breath. But you know what, it is worth all that effort especially if you are going there to take the beautiful pictures of Phang Nga Bay.

You need to also have some cash on you because when you get to the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, at the car park, before you start climbing the hill, there is a fee of 50  baht per person for tourists. For Thai locals, the fee is 30 baht. Then if you are going to opt for the pickup truck option up the hill, that energy saving will cost you 90 baht.

The hill is covered in rainforest. When you reach the top, there is also a campsite there. So if you are planning on sleeping at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, renting a  tent will set you back 130 baht per person. If you want breakfast included, then that will cost you 400 baht. A tiny bungalow costs 700 baht per night. I would recommend the sleeping option especially if you want to catch a glimpse of and take pictures of the Milky Way. That said though if you are the kind of person that loves to sleep well, then be prepared for your sleep to be interrupted at around 4 am by people climbing up the hill to come to see the sunrise.

Otherwise, have fun at the top enjoying the views and the sunrise.