Promthep Cape Sunset Viewpoint

Sunsets at Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape, locally called “Laem Promthep”, seems to be an irresistible spot for a good old sunset photo at the very south of Phuket island, not far from Nai Harn Beach on the way to Rawai Beach.

This landmark has always been a daily meeting point for hundreds of tourists to line up with a camera facing west. Colourful buses download hordes of tourists hungry for a sunset picture, and the place starts buzzing with flashes. It’s also funny to see how many people still take sunset photos with a flash!

With its elevated location and a few small islands nearby, the Promthep Cape is a nice place to admire the sunset, but it is not always impressive. Watching the crowd is almost more entertaining: most people are texting or playing Facebook games while waiting for the six o’clock moment.

If you feel courageous, and not many visitors seem to be, walk down to the end of the cape. It is relatively easy to go there, but without training, you might wonder why you have to inflict this on yourself on the way back.

What does Laem Promthep mean?

Laem Promthep is a cape located at the southernmost tip of Phuket island in Thailand. In Thai language, “Laem” means “cape” and “Promthep” is a combination of two words: “prom,” which means “the best,” and “thep,” which means “view.” Therefore, Laem Promthep can be translated as “the cape with the best view.”

What to do around Promthep Cape?

Apart from the cape itself and the iconic palm trees you always see in the photos, there is not much to do in the vicinity. The Lighthouse, also a mini-museum, doesn’t display much to look at, and even from the rooftop doesn’t offer any particular view.

The shrine surrounded by hundreds of elephants, statues and carvings in all sizes and colours may be more interesting than the museum. As you walk around, you can’t miss it.

Promthep Beach

This tiny beach is not well known, we don’t even know if it has a name, so we call it Promthep Beach. For a long time, it was not accessible but lately, a path appeared, starting opposite a new cafe across the street called CY Cafe. Now don’t hold your breath! The hill is so steep that they added some ropes to help you go down, and the last part of the way is really scary. The beach is small and swimming is not possible, but the little secret or hidden beaches of Phuket are hard to resist! 😀

Where to eat at Promthep Cape?

Once done with your sunset photo, there are only two things left to do: a bit of touristic shopping if you like stuff made of shells or ‘I love Phuket’ tee shirts or what I recommend instead, have dinner on the spot.

Did you know?

Promthep Cape cape is also the image of Phuket you will see on car plates. If you pay attention, you will recognise its iconic tall sugar palm trees on car plates having a lucky number. In Thailand, you can buy a particular ‘lucky’ number on a plate decorated with the most iconic landmark of your province for a large amount of money.

Useful Tip:

If you made it that far south and like viewpoints, continue driving toward Nai Harn Beach and stop at Ya Nui Beach and the Windmill Viewpoint.

Read about Ya Nui Beach

More Photos

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This story was first published on June 6, 2012

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