Phang Nga Bay has to be one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. At dawn it takes on an almost otherworldly appearance, as towering limestone karsts rise up out of the mist towards a sky streaked with shades of pink. In recent years, a new favourite spot for viewing this magical bay has been on the lips of locals and travellers alike: Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. “Discovered” recently by a local Thai photographer, Samet Nangshe has since become the favourite place for watching the sun rise over the bay. Read on for my guide on how to find it.
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What to see
The Samet Nangshe viewpoint is a lookout point at the top of a steep hill looking out over Phang Nga Bay. Steep limestone karsts jut out of the sea, surrounded by emerald green water and acres of mangrove forest dotted with small fishing villages.
Where is the Samet Nangshe viewpoint
Phang Nga Bay is located in the south of Thailand, not too far from Phuket, Khao Lak, and Krabi. The drive from Phuket to the Samet Nangshe viewpoint is around 70km, so it’s worth staying in the local area the night before and scoping out the entrance, as it can be easy to miss. Unfortunately when we went there was no public transport, so you’ll need a car or a motorbike. There’s a car park at the bottom of the hill where you can leave your car before walking up a steep dirt track to the viewpoint. You’ll need to pay 50 baht per person – 30 baht for locals – at a little shack at the bottom of the hill to be allowed up.
The hike to the Samet Nangshe viewpoint
The ascent to the viewpoint is quite long and steep. So make sure you allow yourself enough time to stop and have a break on the way up. It can take around 15 to 20 minutes to make it to the top, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Want to enjoy the view without the effort? For a small fee you can be taken up the hill in a 4×4. Just enquire in the little shack at the bottom of the hill.
When to go to the to hike the Samet Nangshe viewpoint
Samet Nangshe viewpoint is definitely best enjoyed at sunrise, as the sky slowly changes colour from magnificent pinks and purples to orange and finally green and blue. With this in mind, I’d recommend spending the night in the local area so you can hike up the hill before dawn. The sun rises at about 5.30am to 6am, depending on the time of year.
Best time of year to hike the Samet Nangshe viewpoint
The best time of year to visit this part of Thailand is the dry season: November – May. Nevertheless, there are good sunrises all year round so it is possible to visit at other times, you might just get a bit soggy on the walk up. One benefit of visiting during rainy season is that the cloud formations can be more dramatic.
What to bring to hike the Samet Nangshe viewpoint
We did the ascent in trainers as it’s short enough to be ok without hiking boots. Definitely bring bug spray though. I’d also recommend water and some snacks as you’ll want time to hang around and enjoy the view at the top. Wear light layers as it will be chilly in the early morning, but will heat up quickly after sunrise. If you’re camping bring earplugs and an eyemask.
Where to stay near the Samet Nangshe viewpoint
There are quite a few local accommodation providers in the area capitalising on the popularity of the viewpoint, so it’s easy to find somewhere to stay. You can either camp at the viewpoint itself (there’s a small campsite set up there), stay at the Samet Nangshe Boutique resort nearby, or find your own place through airbnb or booking.com. We stayed at Baan Nern Suen Jungle Lodge Phang Nga.
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