The Stunning Beauty at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Located in Ban Samet Nangshe, Khlong Khian Subdistrict, this breathtaking viewpoint sits 800 meters high, offering visitors amazing views of Phang-Nga Bay. From here, you can admire the clear, turquoise waters, the stunning limestone cliffs, and the bright green mangrove forests below.

At sunrise, the scenery becomes even more magical when the golden sunlight shines over the bay and fishermen begin their day. Many visitors find these peaceful moments unforgettable. In the evening, the sky transforms, filled with twinkling stars, making it a great spot for camping or stargazing from nearby lodges. The area opened to tourists in 2016 and now features places to stay, restaurants, and other facilities.

How to Reach Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Samet Nangshe is in Phang Nga province and can be reached from different areas: about 75 km from Khao Lak, 40 km from Phang Nga Town, and 70 km from Phuket.

You can rent a car or moped to get there on your own, or hire a taxi -- though taxis can be costly. Navigation is easy with Google Maps, but be ready for a rough road during the last 15 minutes. If you’re planning to watch the sunrise, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early — this gives you enough time to find a good spot, set up your camera, and settle in.

Remember, the path to the viewpoint is a steep, 10-15 minute hike, so wear comfortable shoes — avoid flip-flops or sandals!

Things to Remember

Getting to the viewpoint can be challenging but very rewarding, especially for those who love taking photos. There is a small entrance fee—50 baht per person (30 baht for Thai nationals). The walk to the top is long and steep, but you’ll find benches to rest along the way. The top area includes a simple campground.

For those who prefer more comfort, the Samet Nangshe Boutique hotel below the main viewpoint offers luxurious rooms and a good restaurant/cafe.

What to See and Do at Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

There are two main spots for admiring the views. The “official” Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is the highest, with basic facilities and a simple restaurant. For a more relaxed experience, try the Bay View Cafe, which is slightly lower but offers great views too.

The viewpoint faces east, so it’s perfect for sunrise. You’ll see a line of islands stretching across Phang Nga Bay, just above the lush green mangroves. Depending on the month, the sun rises between the unique limestone formations at around 5:30 to 6:00 AM.

Sometimes, if the sky is clear, you can even see the stars and the Milky Way before dawn. The viewpoint was made famous by Thai photographer Theerasak Saksritawee and has grown in popularity, though it’s still not crowded like other famous spots.

Try the Amazing Samet Nangshe Skywalk

A new and exciting way to see the beauty of Phang Nga Bay is the Samet Nangshe Skywalk. Opened in early 2024, this is an 180-meter-long glass walkway standing 80 meters above the ground. It gives visitors safe, clear views of the entire area, including the limestone rocks and mangroves.

The skywalk is open every day from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the best time to visit is sunrise. The entry fee is 500 THB for adults and 300 THB for children under 130 cm. Part of your ticket can be used for food and drinks at the onsite café.

Best Time to Visit

The best, most beautiful time to visit Samet Nangshe is definitely at sunrise, when the colors are incredible and the bay looks amazing. Sunrise times can change between 6:00 to 6:45 AM depending on the season — check your weather app for the exact time. Arrive 30-45 minutes early to catch the sky changing colors.

Late afternoon and evening are also great times for photos, as the rocks glow in the sunlight.

Avoid visiting in the late morning or noon, as the bright sun will make photos less beautiful.

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