Visiting the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint in Thailand

The Samet Nangshe viewpoint in Thailand is one of the most stunning locations to explore during your travels. It is conveniently accessible by car from the popular tourist spot of Phuket. This viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay, a national park filled with numerous small islands. The sunrise at Samet Nangshe is particularly beautiful as it rises right over the bay!

Visitors have the option to take a day trip from Phuket or to enjoy an extended stay at the Samet Nangshe Boutique hotel, which features a swimming pool and rooms with magnificent views of the landscape. This travel guide will detail how to reach the viewpoint with various transportation options, accommodation suggestions, and essential tips to enhance your visit!

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint: What To Expect

In Phang Nga province, you have two locations to enjoy the spectacular view of the bay: the Samet Nangshe viewpoint and the Samet Nangshe Boutique hotel. Both offer nearly identical views, with multiple vantage points available at different elevations.

While most of the images in this article are from the boutique hotel, the vista is equally mesmerizing from the viewpoint, featuring many islands and an impressive karst island that stand out beautifully, resembling a fantasy setting.

Drone photography is permitted at both locations, allowing for stunning aerial shots of the bay. However, the hotel requested that we operate drones in designated areas to minimize disruptions, which is a reasonable request.

Upon arrival at Samet Nangshe, be prepared for some climbing. The viewpoint is situated atop an 800-meter hill. You can either take a 4×4 shuttle or hike up in approximately 15-20 minutes, which is economical if you are physically able.

Driving your own vehicle to the summit is not permitted, so these are your options. For the early morning sunset, I suggest utilizing the shuttle for convenience. On the hilltop, you will find a cafe along with some fun swings and birds’ nests for unique photo opportunities, perfect for families.

There are primitive bungalows available for rent at a price of 700 Baht (~$20 USD) per night, or camping is an option for 200 Baht. Keep in mind that prices may rise as this location continues to gain popularity!

At the Samet Nangshe Boutique hotel, the access process to the viewpoint is similar; a shuttle service or hiking option is available. The hotel possesses several vantage points, with the Bay View Cafe providing the most remarkable viewpoint in our experience.

After experiencing the sunrise, feel free to indulge in food and drinks at the cafe while taking in the breathtaking scenery. We could have easily relaxed there for a week, enjoying the views and perfecting our photography skills.

While you cannot clearly see Thailand’s famous James Bond Island from the viewpoint, it is easily accessible from Samet Nangshe on a day trip. The hotel can help arrange trips for guests.

Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for the Samet Nangshe viewpoint is 30 Baht (~$1 USD) per person, with a roundtrip shuttle fee of 90 Baht. Meanwhile, the hotel itself does not charge an entry fee, but a shuttle fee of 50 Baht applies, and you are welcome to dine at their restaurant even if you are not an overnight guest.

Best Time To Visit Samet Nangshe Viewpoint: Sunrise!

To fully appreciate the beauty of the viewpoint, the best time to visit is at sunrise. Depending on the month, sunrise occurs between 6:00 to 6:45 AM. It is advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes beforehand to witness the captivating color displays.

As the sun rises directly over the islands of Phang Nga Bay, witnessing this spectacle is an extraordinary experience, arguably one of the best sunrise views worldwide.

Besides sunrise, late afternoon or evening is another excellent time for photography, with well-lit landscapes with the sun behind you. Conversely, the late morning until noon is not ideal for photos, as the sun can be too harsh.

During our visits, the viewpoint was remarkably calm, even during peak visit times, with most tourists departing shortly after sunrise. As this remarkable location gains popularity, it remains spacious enough to accommodate visitors without feeling overcrowded.

How To Get To Samet Nangshe From Phuket

Located about 45 kilometers northeast of Phuket International Airport (HKT), Samet Nangshe viewpoint is easy to reach from Phuket. You can travel via car, motorbike, taxi, or through a tour, as there is currently no bus service available.

• By Car / Motorbike

From Phuket, you will follow Route 4031, cross the Sarasin Bridge, and continue onto Highway 1004 until you see clear signage for Samet Nangshe viewpoint. Utilize this Google Maps location for direct navigation, providing ample parking, or navigate to the Samet Nangshe Boutique hotel as your destination.

The drive usually takes around 1 hour from the airport, 1.5 hours from Patong Beach or Old Phuket Town, and about 2 hours from Karon or Kata Beach.

• By Taxi / Private Driver

For those less familiar with driving in Thailand, hiring a taxi or private driver is a convenient option for reaching the viewpoint. Your hotel in Phuket can typically assist in arranging transportation.

During our stay at the Samet Nangshe Boutique hotel, the driver provided by them was both comfortable and reliable. For convenience, we also booked our return transport through the hotel, utilizing credit cards for payment.

The transport cost came to 1,800 Baht ($50 USD) from Old Phuket Town, which is reasonable for two people traveling outside of Phuket island, while from the airport, it was 1,200 Baht ($33 USD).

If you are not staying overnight, you can negotiate with the driver to wait while you explore and photograph the area before returning to Phuket.

• By Tour

An additional convenient option is to join a tour to Samet Nangshe. For instance, GetYourGuide features a day tour from Phuket, which also includes a visit to Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park. This can be a great way to explore both locations efficiently.

Where To Stay: Samet Nangshe Boutique Hotel

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the spectacular views—particularly of the sunrise and sunset—consider booking a stay at the Samet Nangshe Boutique hotel. We enjoyed a two-night stay during the rainy season and were thoroughly impressed.

While on the more expensive side, all hotel rooms have excellent views of Phang Nga Bay and the sunrise right at arm’s reach. The hotel features a public infinity pool, and some luxury suites include private pools or bathtubs with views of the bay.

We selected a basic room (the Deluxe King room), which did not provide direct bay views but was located just steps away. Additionally, we walked to the Bay View Cafe for a superior perspective, where most of the photos in this article originated.

Every room was clean, comfortable, and equipped with decent WiFi. The primary allure of this hotel is undoubtedly the breathtaking views that can be savored for as long as you wish.

What To Bring

• Sun Protection: Consider wearing a hat or applying sunscreen, as the sun can be intense at the viewpoint.
• Bug Spray: It is wise to carry insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes while hiking, though we experienced few.
• Flashlight: A small light or headlamp is helpful for navigating in the dark when hiking to the viewpoint.
• Waterproof Bag: For those planning to visit James Bond Island, a waterproof bag or phone pouch is advisable to safeguard your electronics during boat rides.
• Power Bank: Planning to camp overnight at the viewpoint? A power bank will be useful as there are no charging options available.

Frequently Asked Questions (Samet Nangshe)

• How can you get to Samet Nangshe?
  You can travel to Samet Nangshe by car, motorbike, taxi, or guided tour. It is easily accessible from either Phuket or Krabi.

• Is there a bus to Samet Nangshe?
  Currently, there is no bus service directly to Samet Nangshe. Buses from Phuket to Phang Nga arrive far from the viewpoint, requiring additional taxi arrangements.

• Can you get there with the Grab app?
  Yes, you can utilize the Grab app for transportation. However, some drivers may decline due to the distance from Phuket, and alternative arrangements for the return journey might be necessary.

• Is Samet Nangshe viewpoint worth it?
  Definitely! This viewpoint is one of the most picturesque spots in Thailand, especially around sunrise, making it a standout favorite.

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Thank you for exploring this travel guide regarding the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint in Phuket, Thailand. This destination is celebrated as one of the finest sunrise locations globally!

It is also beneficial to check out the complete Thailand Travel Guide for more insightful information before your journey!