Phuket is one of the best holiday destinations in Thailand, which is not just about the beaches but also magnificent viewpoints for admiring the scenery of the island. Here you can find main details about the top 9 best viewpoints in Phuket offering the best views for island’s visitors.
Best Phuket Viewpoints
Below are listed the best Phuket viewpoints offering the most beautiful views of the island.
1. Kata / Karon Viewpoint
Karon Viewpoint, which is also called Kata Viewpoint, is one of the best-known viewpoints in Phuket. It’s local name “Khao Saam Haad” literally means "Hill of Three Beaches". As the name suggests, from here you can overlook the magnificent views of the three beaches in the southwestern part of Phuket - Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach (with the small island Koh Phu) and Karon Beach.
The name Kata / Karon Viewpoint can be a bit misleading as it is actually located on the road leading from Kata Beach to Nai Harn Beach in the southern part of the island. However, it is marked on maps with names “Karon Viewpoint” or “Kata Viewpoint”. It takes 10 minutes by car from Kata Beach, and then 10 minutes down to Nai Harn Beach. You can easily reach the viewpoint with the scooter as well.
The site itself is small. There is a small shop and few mobile stands on site next to the viewpoint where you can buy some drinks and snacks or souvenirs. There is plenty of free parking space near the observation deck.
Karon Viewpoint might be more commercialized over the years and is also the main point of many organized day tours and excursions but it is never overcrowded and it is worth to stop by if you are on the coastal road.
Tips:
- You can combine your trip to Karon Viewpoint with a day spent at Kata Noi Beach.
- You can come in the late afternoon for the perfect sunset photos.
- This viewpoint is accessible 24/7 and is free of charge.
Address: Karon Viewpoint, 4233 Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 24 hours
2. Promthep Cape Viewpoint
Promthep Cape or Laem Promthep in Thai language, is located on the southernmost tip of Phuket. It is one of the most popular sunset spots on the island. The Promthep Cape rises more than 200 meters above sea level and offers an amazing view.
The name of Promthep comes from the Hindu word "Phrom" - Brahma, and "Thep" - God, that’s why at the top of the cape, there is a small shrine in honor of the god Brahma surrounded by thousands of elephant statues.
There is a restaurant called Phromthep Cape Restaurant on the site. Over the years, more stands have been popping up here, selling all sorts of tourist souvenirs. There are also a few food vendors selling drinks and snacks.
During the high season, it gets extremely crowded with tourists at sunset. There is a large parking lot not only for tourist buses, but also for private cars and motorbikes.
Tips:
- You can visit an old Promthep Cape Lighthouse with a small museum inside on the cape that once served as a landmark for sailors.
- Mornings is also a nice time to enjoy a great view.
Address: Promthep Cape, Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 24 hours
3. Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint
It can be said that Khao Rang Hill is the Phuket City’s viewpoint as it is very centrally located in Phuket Town. Khao Rang Hill is the most popular spot among Phuket residents as it is not only the observation deck but also the park where you can walk, exercise or play sports.
With 140 meters above sea level, Khao Rang Hill is the second highest hill in the city, offering a panoramic view of Phuket Town, the Big Buddha, the port, and the islands in the distance. At the entrance, you can see the monument to the Governor of Phuket, Phraya Ratsadanupradity. In the area, there are also stands of drinks and food, as well as restaurants with views of the surroundings.
Tips:
- Be careful with your stuff, sometimes you can see monkeys here.
- Not far from Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint, there is the Monkey Mountain with a small platform overlooking the city.
Address: 145/5 Thanon Patiphat, Tambon Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 24 hours
4. Big Buddha Viewpoint
Since the Big Buddha is in the list of the main attractions in Phuket, the Big Buddha Viewpoint became one of the most visited viewpoints on the island. Most of the visitors come here because of the 45 m high Buddha statue made of white marble on the Nak-Kerd Hill, but the view from up here is also spectacular.
The location offers some of the best views in Phuket, as you will see the beaches of Kata and Karon, parts of Phuket town and panoramic views of the island, in particular, Chalong Bay.
Tip: As it is a religious place, please wear the proper clothes, avoid beachwear or short skirts.
Address: Nak-Kerd Hill, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00
5. Windmill Viewpoint
Windmill Viewpoint is located between the beaches of Yanui and Nai Harn in the south of Phuket. The viewpoint is located directly on the coastal road and therefore is very easily accessible. You can't miss this viewpoint as there are several large windmills at the top of the hill that can be easily seen from several points. Here you have an amazing view of Yanui Beach which is visible on the left, Koh Kaew Yai and Noi in the center, and Nai Harn Beach on the right.
Windmill Viewpoint is often referred to as Yanui Viewpoint or Nai Harn Viewpoint, because from here you have a beautiful view of these two beaches. The viewpoint has not yet been well known, so it's a good place to enjoy one of the best views in Phuket. At the sight, there are also a few stands selling drinks and snacks.
Tips:
- This Windmill Viewpoint is located on the road going to Promthep Cape so you can combine a visit to both these viewpoints.
- The Windmill Viewpoint offers views of the west coast similar to Promthep Cape, but quieter.
- The Windmill Viewpoint is accessible free of charge.
Address: Windmill Viewpoint, Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 24 hours
6. Khao Khad Viewpoint (Cape Panwa)
Khao Khad Viewpoint, also known as the Panwa Observation Deck, is located at the very end of Cape Panwa. The viewpoint is located directly by the sea and is not overcrowded, unlike Cape Promthep or Big Buddha, so you have more peace here.
To get to the observation deck, you need to use stairs to climb up to the Khao Kad Tower. The tower itself is a two-story building and has signs indicating the names of the surrounding islands. Khao Khad Viewpoint offers stunning views of Chalong Bay, Cape Panwa, and nearby islands of the eastern part of Phuket.
The landscape is well maintained. There is a large parking lot at the sight, as well as cafes and shops with beautiful views.
Tip: From Khao Khad Tower, you can even see the Koh Phi Phi archipelago and the shores of Krabi province in the clear sky.
Address: Khao Khad Views Tower, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 6:00-19:00
7. Monkey Hill
Toe Sae Hill in Phuket Town is often referred to as Monkey Mountain or Monkey Hill as there is a large number of wild monkeys living freely on the slopes of the mountain.
This place is another fun place to go in Phuket. There is an observation deck with a view of Phuket Town. However, there is not much of a view from the hill as there are many big trees blocking the view. The hill is a bit high and you need around 20-30 minutes to hike to the viewpoint so bring your most comfortable shoes.
If you go there for encountering with monkeys, there are stalls with bananas or peanuts at the foot of the hill so you could feed the monkeys but you should be extremely careful as monkeys can bite and steal your things. There is actually a sign not to feed the monkeys as it could be dangerous but everyone just seems to ignore it.
Tip: Don't trust the monkeys, make sure you keep your belongings with you and keys zipped safely.
Address: Monkey Hill Viewpoint, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 24 hours
8. Black Rock Viewpoint
Black Rock Viewpoint, known as Pa Hin Dam in Thai, is located very close to the Karon viewpoint at the southern end of the island.
To get there, you need to hike up through the rainforest. However, the highlight here is the beauty of the scenery as from this Phuket viewpoint you have a wonderful panoramic view overlooking Nai Harn Beach, Windmill Viewpoint, Ya Nui Island, Promthep Cape and many other places.
Tip: Be careful when going to Black Rock Viewpoint during the rainy season, it's not convenient in some parts and may be slippery.
Address: Black Rock Viewpoint, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Opening Hours: 24 hours
9. Radar Hill Viewpoint
Radar Hill Viewpoint, or Khao Mai Thao Sip Song Viewpoint, is the highest in Phuket at an altitude of 529 m above sea level. Radar Hill has the round radar dome on top that looks like a golf ball and is actually a radar station of the Thai army.
From Radar Hill Viewpoint you have a good view of Chalong Bay as well as Patong Beach shoreline and Phuket Town, where you can see the Big Buddha. There is a café on the hilltop for the sightseeing of beautiful views.
Due to the place being less accessible, it can be quite a challenge to get there, so tourist groups are not taken to this Phuket viewpoint. If you want to visit it, we would suggest to go there with a local guide.
Tip: On the top of the viewpoint is the area of the Air Force’s Radar Station so you cannot hit the summit.
Address: Radar Hill View Point, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket
Bonus! Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint was completely unknown few years ago but it became a very popular destination for locals as the place offering one of the most beautiful views in Thailand.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is located just outside Phuket in Phang Nga province and it boasts stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. The best breathtaking views are at sunsets and sunrises.
You need to pay for a 4-wheel truck drive up and down the hill, which costs 90 THB per person. There's also a restaurant on top with decent food.
Excursions
To fully experience Phuket best viewpoints, you can join one of organized tours and explore several Phuket attractions in a short time!
Check out a few options below:
Phuket: Half-Day City Highlights and Viewpoints Group Tour includes a visit to the Big Buddha, Promthep Cape and the Karon Viewpoint
Phuket: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Instagram Tour includes a visit to the Big Buddha, Promthep Cape and Cape Krating viewpoint
Phuket: Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Great Buddha Van Tour includes a visit to the Big Buddha, Karon, and Rang Hill viewpoints.
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