An Amazing Panoramic View of Phang Nga
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is one of the most spectacular viewpoints near Phuket. It overlooks Phang Nga Bay and its famous limestone karsts from a hilltop in Phang Nga province. The view is especially dramatic at sunrise, when mist often hangs over the bay, and the light turns golden. The viewpoint is about 76 km from Patong Beach, roughly a 2-hour drive. You’ll cross the Sarasin Bridge and continue 25 km into the Phang Nga mainland. The drive itself is beautiful, passing through palm plantations and quiet villages. Once you arrive, a pickup truck takes you up the steep hill for 90 Baht. You can also walk, but it’s a tough 20-minute climb.
At the top, there’s a small restaurant, drinks, and plenty of spots to sit and take photos. It gets crowded, especially on weekends and during sunrise. Photographers come from all over Thailand to capture the Milky Way and the first light of day. If you want to stay overnight, basic tents and bungalows are available.
Quick Summary
Phang Nga Province
5 am – 10 pm daily
30 Baht (walk) / 90 Baht (pickup truck)
Sunrise (arrive by 5:30 am)
130 Baht per night
500–700 Baht per night
From 8,000 Baht per night
76 km (2 hours)
44 km
Samet Nangshe Video
Getting up to Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
There used to be steep 20 minutes of climbing (and in a way, there still is), but a pickup truck will be waiting for you to drive you up there regularly. We recommend you use it. 90 baht is definitely worth the energy saved! Note that if you choose not to use the pickup truck, there is still an entry fee to pay. If you plan to sleep up there, you can rent a tent for 130 baht or a tiny bungalow for 700 baht per night.
Once you reach the top, don’t expect a peaceful, solitary hilltop. There is always a small crowd of avid photographers, amateurs, and professionals. Families and teens are all over the place, taking all kinds of creative poses for their selfies. It’s a real Instagram playground.
Some advanced photographers even stay all night to capture the Milky Way and the sunrise around 5:30 a.m. If you are planning to go at night, remember to bring not only a headlight but also a sleeve jacket because it’s colder than you think. And some mosquito repellent! (You will thank me later for that.)
On the way up, there are two viewpoints. If you find the climb too challenging, you can stop at the first one; it’s already impressive.
What to Do Once There?
You can buy food and drinks from the restaurant built at the top of the hill and even enjoy some cold coconuts and ice cream. You can sit down at one of the many tables available all around. It’s a relaxing break with a jaw-dropping bird ‘s-eye view you will never forget.
If you plan to climb to Samet Nangshe by yourself, you’d better remember to take some water with you as it can get scorching. You can buy some at the main road parking when you arrive. It’s a steep and long climb, but not worth the sweat.
Where to Stay in Samet Nangshe?
Staying overnight at Samet Nangshe is the best way to experience this viewpoint. The sunrise here is famous, with mist rolling over Phang Nga Bay and soft golden light hitting the limestone karsts. At night, the area has almost no light pollution, making it one of the best spots in southern Thailand for Milky Way photography.
Accommodation ranges from basic tents at 130 Baht to luxury resorts starting at 8,000 Baht per night. At the viewpoint itself, you can rent a simple tent with mats, pillows and blankets, or a small bungalow with a fan and mosquito net. Bathrooms are shared Thai-style bucket showers. These basic options suit photographers who want to wake up already at the top.
For more comfort, two hotels nearby offer panoramic views: Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel and Beyond Skywalk Nangshi. Both are within minutes of the viewpoint and cater to couples and families looking for a special experience.
Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel
Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel Phang Nga is a three-star hotel with amazing views of the now iconic Phang Nga limestones. This charming boutique resort provides cosy accommodations just a short 10-minute drive away from Ao Phang-nga National Park. The hotel has 14 rooms and amenities such as a minibar fridge and coffee and tea-making facilities. The units are thoughtfully designed to ensure a comfortable stay for guests who enjoy picturesque views.
Check the rates:
Beyond Skywalk Nangshi
Beyond Skywalk Nangshi opened in 2023 as part of a 500-million-baht investment by Kata Group. The resort is just 580 metres from Samet Nangshe Viewpoint and features Thailand’s highest glass-floored skywalk, spanning 180 metres at 80 metres above sea level. The property has 57 rooms, including sea view tents, forest tents, sea view pavilions and pool villas. Facilities include an infinity pool, gym, two restaurants, a bar and café. Non-guests can visit the skywalk for 500 Baht, which includes food and drink credits.
Check the rates:
More Photos of Samet Nangshe
Samet Nangshe Info
Distance from Patong: 76 km Distance from Phuket airport: 44 km
Samet Nangshe Map
Get the directions on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/yZcdvedf44afZpN88
Samet Nangshe Satellite View
More about Phang Nga Bay
