Viewpoints in Phuket

Thanks to its mountainous terrain, Phuket Island impresses with its viewing platforms with breathtaking views. It is difficult to imagine a walk around the island without visiting at least a few of them. After all, the most striking photos are taken against the backdrop of these “photo wallpapers”. In this article, I will provide a list of the most popular viewing platforms on the island and indicate the approximate time of their visit - this is the average amount of time that can be spent at a particular point. To get to them, simply enter the name in the online maps and plot a route.

Viewpoint "Black Mountain" or "BlackRock"

Not the most popular viewpoint, as there is no direct access to it and you will have to walk on foot over rough terrain. Therefore, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and using sunscreen. The path to this site takes about 20 minutes on foot. From there, you can see Promthep Cape and Nai Harn Beach.

Estimated visit time: about an hour

Observation deck "Promtep"

It is located on the eponymous Promthep Cape, in the southern part of the island. It offers a gorgeous view of the very south of Phuket. This place is popular at sunset among locals and tourists. There is a large parking lot, shops, a small cafe. The territory itself is well-groomed and suitable for visiting with children. On the territory there is an altar with elephants, a monument to the Thai admiral and a lighthouse. Inside the lighthouse there is a museum, which can be visited during the daytime.

Estimated visit time : 10-15 minutes

Viewing point "Windmill"

It is located 5 minutes drive from the Promthep viewpoint. There is a small parking lot, in the evening there are not enough places and it is better to arrive early to meet the sunset. There is a small tent with drinks and ice cream, a paid toilet. In the middle of the day you can hide from the sun in a covered gazebo. From there you can see the beaches of Nai Harn and Yanui, as well as the nearest islands.

Estimated visit time: about 10 minutes

Viewpoint Karon or Karon Viewpoint

Despite its name, it is located 5 minutes drive south of Kata and Kata Noi beaches. It bears this name because of its administrative affiliation with the municipality of Karon. There is a small parking lot on the territory - it is difficult to park a car during rush hour. There is also a shop and a toilet. The small territory of the observation deck is well-kept, but the gazebos require repair. We recommend climbing to the very top tier, from there you can see three beaches: Kata Noi, Kata and Karon.

Estimated visit time: 10 minutes

Viewing platforms near the Big Buddha temple complex

There are several viewing platforms located literally in a circle in several tiers. The first one is right in front of the stairs. The rest are at the top - around the statue of Buddha, and also to the left of it (you need to go along a narrow path and steps). I wrote about this place in detail in the article "Big Buddha".

Estimated visiting time: minimum 25-30 minutes.

Observation deck "Stone/At the Stone"

It is located on the way to the Big Buddha Temple, on the right when going up. There is a cafe right next to this stone, so to get to the observation deck, buy a drink in this cafe. There is a small parking lot, the prices in the cafe are quite reasonable. Therefore, you can safely visit this place at lunchtime to have a snack there.

Estimated visit time: 5 minutes (if you take a drink with you and don’t sit in the cafe)

Viewpoint "Khao Kad"

An incredible view opens up at Cape Panwa on the road from Phuket Town towards Ao Yon Beach. There is a parking lot to the left of the road and several pavilions to the right. During the day, you can hide from the sun there. There are no shops, tents or toilets.

Estimated visit time: 5 minutes

Observation deck "Khao Kad Tower"

It is located a little further than the Khao Khad observation deck – deep into Cape Panwa. You need to climb up the mountain, so the view from there opens up to 360 degrees. You can see the city of Phuket and the east coast of the island. Nearby there is a small Thai restaurant with very reasonable prices, several stalls with drinks and ice cream. The parking lot is quite large, and there are practically no people. Therefore, there are no problems with parking cars yet. The tower itself has several levels, the territory is well-kept, but the buildings have not been repaired for a long time. You will have to climb the stairs here.

Estimated visit time: 15-30 minutes

Viewpoint near the temple of Sir

It is located on the island of Si Re, which is connected to Phuket by a small bridge. The ascent is possible either by bike or on foot. There is no parking for cars at the top and the passage is very narrow. You can leave your car at the temple parking lot below. Since the temple is active, do not forget that your shoulders and knees should be covered with clothing. It takes about 15-20 minutes to walk up the mountain, so visiting this viewpoint is not suitable for everyone. It offers a view of the east coast of Si Re Island and Phuket Town. There are no cafes or shops nearby. Therefore, I recommend combining the visit with the next viewpoint from this list.

Estimated visit time: about an hour

Starbucks Observation Deck

Not exactly a viewing platform, but highly recommended. A great view opens up from the Starbucks coffee shop located in the Sinae Phuket Luxury Hotel. You need to buy a voucher at the bottom (in 2023 - 300 baht per person), and then take a transfer up to the cafe. You can buy drinks and desserts for the amount of this voucher. The cafe overlooks Si Re Island and in clear weather you can see the islands of the Phi Phi archipelago.

Estimated visit time: about an hour

Viewpoint "Rang Hill or Khao Rang"

One of the most popular viewing platforms among locals and expats. Situated in the heart of Phuket Town. There are two restaurants where you can have a tasty and fairly budget dinner. There are monkeys in the parking lot near the viewing platform that you can feed. They are not as intrusive and aggressive as on the monkey mountain, but do not forget about the safety rules when interacting with wild animals. From here you can see Phuket Town, Sapanhin, Cape Panwa, Chalong and in clear weather you can see the Big Buddha. You can also visit this viewing platform at night.

Estimated visit time: 10 – 15 minutes

Laem Sing Lookout

Situated on the west coast of Phuket, on the way from Kamala Beach to Surin and Bangtao Beaches. There is a small parking lot and a gazebo. The view opens onto Laem Sing Beach (closed to visitors by land, as it is private territory) and Kamala Beach.

Estimated visit time: 5 minutes

Viewing platform in a cafe in Patong (the cafe is called Patong Sunset View Restaurant)

It's not exactly a viewing platform, but it's definitely worth a visit. If you're planning a sunset visit, it's best to book a place in advance.

Estimated visit time: about an hour

Viewpoint near the monastery Doi Thep Nimit (Wat Doi Thep Nimit)

There is a very extreme climb and an even more extreme descent, so be sure to check your brakes before you go. You can go up there either by car or by bike. The climb by car can be complicated by oncoming traffic, as the road is narrow. You should not risk visiting it during heavy rains, as the road can be slippery. There is a small parking lot near the temple, no shops or toilets. There is a view of Patong. Since the monastery is active, do not forget about appropriate clothing: shoulders and knees should be covered with clothing.

Estimated visit time: 15-20 minutes

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

It is not located in Phuket, but I can’t help but mention it. Many vacationers strive to visit it. It is also popular among locals and expats to meet the sunrise. The observation deck is located in Phang Nga province and overlooks Phang Nga Bay. You can get there on your own by rented transport or visit as part of an excursion group on the “Amazing Phang Nga” program.