Samet Nangshe: Best Viewpoints Overlooking Phang Nga Bay

Samet Nangshe is one of the most beautiful places near Phuket, attracting thousands of tourists annually for its famous panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay. From here, dozens of limestone islands rise directly from the sea, and the sunrises are considered among the most beautiful in all of Thailand.

Over the past few years, several viewpoints, cafes, and new tourist attractions have emerged around Samet Nangshe. This often confuses many travelers, leading them to believe there's only one viewpoint. In reality, it is now a complex of locations with varying levels of comfort, admission costs, and recreational opportunities.

Where is Samet Nangshe located?

The viewpoints are situated in Phang Nga Province, approximately an hour's drive from the northern part of Phuket. Most tourists come here at dawn, as the bay is gradually illuminated by the first rays of the sun.

You can get here independently by car or motorbike, or as part of an organized tour from Phuket.

Is it true that the movie "Avatar" was filmed here?

No. Despite the enormous number of publications online and stories from tour sellers, Samet Nangshe has no connection to the filming of "Avatar".

This myth emerged relatively recently and is still actively spread on social media and by some travel blogs. In reality, the first Samet Nangshe viewpoint appeared less than ten years ago. It was local tour operators who first brought tourists here long before anyone came up with the romantic story about "Avatar" filming.

James Cameron's movie was not filmed in Thailand. Most scenes were created using computer graphics, and the inspiration for Pandora's famous "floating mountains" came from the mountains of Zhangjiajie National Park (Wulingyuan) in China, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Yes, the landscapes of Samet Nangshe indeed resemble the fantastic worlds from the movie, so the comparison is understandable. However, stating that "Avatar" was filmed here is incorrect.

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All Samet Nangshe Viewpoints

Today, tourists can choose from several locations with views of Phang Nga Bay.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

This is the very first and highest viewpoint, which started Samet Nangshe's popularity.

It is from here that you get the classic panoramic view seen in most online photos.

However, it's worth noting that this viewpoint is not the most convenient to visit. The ascent is very steep and is done in special pick-up trucks with chains on their wheels. After rain, the road becomes slippery, and in the dry season, a lot of dust makes the trip not the most comfortable.

If desired, you can walk up early in the morning, but during the day, visitors are usually directed to use the transport.

At the top, there are several photo zones, a small cafe, restrooms, as well as a few bungalows and tents for those who wish to watch the sunrise.

Admission cost:

entrance — 30 baht;
pickup truck ride — 60 baht per person.

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Bay View Café

If you want to enjoy almost the same view but without a difficult ascent, visiting this cafe is an excellent option.

The viewpoint is located slightly lower than the classic observation point, but the panorama is practically just as beautiful.

Many people come here to watch the sunrise, then have breakfast right in the cafe with a view of the bay. Prices here are quite reasonable, and the area is equipped with several beautiful photo zones.

Admission cost:

pickup truck ride — 200 baht, which can be used as a discount at the cafe (the cafe may change conditions without prior notice)

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Beyond Skywalk Nangshe

The newest and most modern viewpoint in the region is Beyond Skywalk Nangshe.

The main feature of the complex is a large glass bridge that literally hangs over the valley and offers panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay.

You can reach the platform on foot or by pickup truck, and then take an elevator.

Before stepping onto the glass bridge, all visitors are given special shoe covers to prevent damage to the surface. Drone use is prohibited within the complex.

In addition to the bridge itself, there are cafes, a restaurant with a Thai buffet, relaxation areas, and modern photo locations.

Admission cost:

700 baht per person.

Of this, 200 baht is already included in the ticket price and can be used at the cafe or to pay for lunch at the Thai buffet.

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When to visit

The best time to visit is at dawn.

It is in the morning hours that a light mist appears between the islands, and the first sun rays paint the sea and limestone cliffs in golden hues.

In summer, during the rainy season, the views become particularly picturesque thanks to the lush greenery and clouds, creating a three-dimensional landscape effect.

Samet Nangshe Tours from Phuket

If you prefer not to travel to the viewpoints independently, choosing an organized tour is the most convenient option.

During the tour "Amazing Phang Nga + Mai Khao with Glass Bridge", tourists visit Beyond Skywalk Nangshe. The entrance ticket to the glass bridge is already included in the tour price, so no additional payments are required on site. In addition to the viewpoint, the program includes visits to other beautiful places in Phang Nga province and Mai Khao beach.

For those who want to see less touristy corners of the region, the tour "Exotic Phang Nga" is suitable. The program includes a visit to Samet Nangshe Goodview — a modern viewpoint with a panoramic terrace and a famous photo zone in the shape of a giant hand, seemingly holding a person above the bay. This location has become one of the most popular for social media photos.

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Detailed descriptions of both tours, photos, and current prices can be found in the bus tours section of our website.

Is Samet Nangshe worth visiting?

Absolutely, yes. Samet Nangshe is one of the few places near Phuket where you can experience a completely different Thailand. There are no beaches, noisy resorts, or crowds of holidaymakers by the sea. Instead, you'll find impressive panoramas of Phang Nga National Park, some of the best sunrises in the country, and several modern viewpoints, each interesting in its own way.