Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

BY Paul ChappellFebruary 18, 2021

The Best View of Phang Nga Bay - Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Evidenced by the ample online photography, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is the 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 for some from Phuket though and why a boat tour option to the region is highly desirable. Traditionally, those seeking to travel here via the mainland would need to do so with a car or a bike. If you are driving, it will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there from Phuket. From the moment that you traverse the Sarasin bridge that connects Phuket to the mainland, that remaining drive in the backcountry of Thailand is extremely 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 if I can't access a car?

If you are keen to witness the magnificent Samet Nangshe Viewpoint but don't fancy driving in a country whose traffic you are unfamiliar with, we would suggest you consider joining the Simba team on a private charter boat adventure to the Phang Nga Bay region. Our tours to the Phang Nga Bay region include visits to James Bond Island, Hong Island and more depending on what interests you and your private party.

What’s good at this Phuket viewpoint?

While there are a large amount of viewpoints in Phuket that are well worth your time, Samet Nangshe Phuket is one of the viewpoints that has the most 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.

About Paul Chappell

Paul Chappell is the owner and operator of Simba Sea Trips, one of Phuket's most established boat tour companies, founded in 2005. With over 23 years as a professional airline pilot and more than 11 years in Phuket's tourism industry, Paul brings a unique blend of aviation-grade safety standards and hands-on marine expertise to every tour. He has been on the water since childhood — from waterskiing and houseboats to operating luxury charter boats across the Andaman Sea. Today, Paul oversees the Simba Group's four brands: Simba Sea Trips, Two Sea Tour, Soho Pool Club, and Simpro Academy.

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