Promthep Cape “Sunset Viewpoint”

Promthep Cape is the island’s most photographed and perhaps best-known location. Every evening, large tour buses, scooters and private cars sweep through Rawai Beach and up the island’s southernmost hill in order to watch the sunset at its peak. On the top of the hill stands a busy car park where vehicles disgorge crowds of people from every corner of the world. Cameras flash, fingers point and lovers cuddle as Phuket’s most fabulous free show is re-enacted nightly – the sunset.

But is this all there is to it? Hardly, Promthep also has a lighthouse that houses interesting historical maritime artifacts and commands spectacular views over the east and southeast of the island and its environs. The lighthouse/museum is air conditioned inside and if you go up to the outdoors viewing balcony you can see the distinctive shapes of the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi on a clear day and of course a whole raft of nearer islands such as nearby Koh Kiaow with its Buddhist monastery. The view from the cape is like a huge eternity pool from which you can mentally project the far-flung shores of Sri Lanka and the Indian Subcontinent. Some people make the rather demanding trek down to the end of the cape’s promontory, but most stay up in the viewing part for sunset.

There is also a beautiful Buddhist Elephant Shrine with hundreds of elephant statues in all sizes.

By the car park there are handicraft shops and a series of stalls that sell shells, batik, snacks, sarongs, shawls, toys and beachwear.

Kata-Karon Viewpoint

Kata-Karon Viewpoint is one of the most frequented viewpoints in Phuket and it just around the corner from the Mangosteen Resort. From here, it is possible to take in views of Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches. Located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, the viewpoint is busy most days of the year and is a staple of many tour itineraries. Called locally ‘Khao Saam Haad’ (Three Beaches Hill), the local municipality for some reason has officially renamed it ‘Karon Viewpoint’. It’s located just to the south of Kata Noi Beach and looks out directly out to the Andaman Sea but most people have their cameras trained due north at the undeniably impressive eight-kilometers vista of the three west coast beaches with Mom Tri’s Villa Royale in the foreground and the distant Hilton Arcadia on Karon Beach in the background. There’s plenty of parking space at Kata Viewpoint and when things do get a little crowded people simply park roadside. You’ll find drinks and snack stands here along with a large gazebo (with seats) to provide shade.

The viewpoint is about a 10-minute drive from Mangosteen Resort, just turn right at the only section on the way to Nai Harn Beach.

Phuket Big Buddha Viewpoint

Phuket’s Big Buddha is one of the island’s most important and revered landmarks. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and at 45 meters high it is easily seen from far away. The lofty site offers the best 360-degree views of the island (think sweeping vistas of Phuket Town, Kata, Karon beaches, Chalong Bay and more.) Easily reachable via a six-kilometers road leading from Phuket’s main artery, it’s a must-visit island destination.

The Big Buddha is visible from the Mangosteen Resort. We recommend combining the Big Buddha and Chalong Temple visits, as both attractions are not far from each other and close to the resort anyway. Views from the top of the hill are stunning, so try to choose a day with good visibility.

Nai Harn Windmill Viewpoint

Windmill Viewpoint is located between Ya Nui and Nai Harn beaches in south Phuket. Not far from Cape Promthep, it has several tall, slim white windmills facing out to the sea, which look like airplane propellers. This hilltop viewpoint features west coast vistas similar to Phromthep but is quieter. There’s not much to this relatively small viewpoint except a covered Sala with a sitting space and the occasional drinks or jewelry vendor but the views are tremendous and take in Ya Nui Beach to the south, Phromthep further south, Nai Harn Beach to the north and a lusciously verdant oblong-shaped island called Koh Man almost opposite.

Nowadays, Windmill Viewpoint is the hot spot for paragliders. Come and watch them going off from there and stay in the air almost forever due to the strong upwind.

Khao Khad Viewpoint

Khao Khad Viewpoint, located on Cape Panwa, is standing alone on top of one of the highest and most remote hills of Phuket. It’s an amazing location, absolutely worth a visit, but it remains a mystery why it has been planned in such a remote place. With a car park designed to accommodate many buses and cars, a shop and a massive staircase leading to a large tower, you would expect to find a crowd up there, but when you arrive, the solitude of the place is striking. There is hardly anyone going here, so try it!

Black Rock Viewpoint

This viewpoint can be reached best by hiking from the main road, near the Kata-Karon Viewpoint. Go with us, we organize hiking trips and take you there! The way is quite steep, so it’s a good idea to wear good shoes and be fit enough for the challenge. The views however, are rewarding and nice and very much worth the hike. Bring your camera with a good wide-angle lens, for some great pictures, ideally during sunset. You might not be the only photographer up there.
Enjoy the views to Nai Harn Beach and Promthep Cape, to Racha Islands, Bon Island and Coral Island. There is also a way from Krating Cape (or Laem Krating) up to Black Rock Viewpoint.