Kyle is the writer behind The Travel Runner. He’s a full-time traveler and adventurer who’s visited over 20 countries, including places like Thailand, Mexico, Vietnam, and Albania. He prefers a slower pace to his travels to explore destinations more in-depth and to get a feel for what life is actually like there. When he’s not writing, he’s usually off exploring trails with his fiancée, Kaitlyn.
Phuket has tons of viewpoints scattered around the island. But what are the best viewpoints in Phuket? Click here to learn more (including some hidden options).
Stop me if you’ve already read these in Phuket’s list of best viewpoints: Black Rock, Karon, Big Buddha, Monkey Hill.
Now, stop me if you’ve heard these: Manik Mining Trail, Kalim, The Hill Bar, and Samet Nangshe. I bet most (if not all) of those are new names to you. And that’s what living in Phuket gets you.
The top viewpoints on the island are great, and you should absolutely visit them. But there’s nothing like adding in a few lesser-known options also. So, that’s what I’ve done for you here.
Having lived there for three years, I had the chance to visit all of these and sort out the best to make your trip to Phuket worth it.
So, let’s dive into them.
1. Manik Mining Trail Viewpoint
This is one of the best viewpoints of Phuket island, largely because many people don’t know about it.
If you can get to the top early enough, you can catch the sun rising in the east, making for a gorgeous scene. Reds and oranges fill the sky, and the entire northeast of the island comes alive. Few people know about this trail, making it one of the best non-touristy things to do in Phuket.
Take your time up here. It’s one of the best places to see the whole island — from the northeast to the southern part.
Be warned, though. The trip will be a 6-mile hike up and back down from Manik Dam.
Can you drive to the Manik Mining Trail Viewpoint?
No, unfortunately not. You can drive to the bottom of the trail, which is located near Manik Dam, and then it’s a hike to the top and back (but it’s worth it).
You can find the viewpoint here. The start of the trail is located here.
2. Kalim Viewpoint
Kalim Viewpoint is only known by people who have been on the island for an extended time.
It takes some work to get to it, but the view you get once you’re there is amazing. Or, just get an Airbnb discount nearby and save yourself some time. Plus, there’s a shop nearby with drinks and smoothies to help cool off.
And they’ve already got the fancy writing ready for your photos.
It just needs the photographer.
Can you drive to Kalim Viewpoint?
There is a road that arrives at Kalim Viewpoint. However, the road isn’t in the best condition, and there isn’t a lot of parking at the viewpoint. So, it’d be best to work this viewpoint into a hike.
You can find the viewpoint here.
3. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Samet Nangshe is actually outside Phuket, but it’s close enough you can make an overnight trip.
And that’s precisely what you should do. At the viewpoint, you’ll find Samet Nangshe Boutique, where you can rent a place to stay. But get up early and catch the gorgeous sunrise views of Phang Nga Bay and its limestone karst.
If you want a jaw-dropping view, this is the place for you.
Can you drive to Samet Nangshe Viewpoint?
Yes! The roads to Samet Nangshe have improved, and it’s now easier to take your car for an overnight stay or a quick visit!
You can find the viewpoint here. And Samet Nangshe Boutique here.
4. The Hill Restaurant Viewpoint
The Hill Bar is a perfect place to spend an evening relaxing with friends or celebrating a birthday party. It does a little of both.
With a beautiful sunset view, comfortable hammock-like areas, and a relaxing vibe, it’s the perfect place to take in everything this island offers. Plus, the food is good, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
So, all in all, pretty good. Plus, you’ll get an excellent sunset view from the hill. So, sit back with a drink and enjoy the views.
Can you drive to The Hill Restaurant Viewpoint?
Yes! It’s a restaurant/bar with enough parking to hold many people. And the main road runs right to the restaurant, so it’s easy to get to.
You can find the restaurant here.
5. Black Rock Viewpoint
Black Rock Viewpoint in Phuket (also spelled BlackRock Viewpoint) is one of the most well-known viewpoints in Phuket, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it.
Black Rock’s view down over the beautiful Nai Harn beach, with Windmill Viewpoint in the distance, creates one of the best views on the island. And it makes the hike up worth it.
Bring a blanket and a camera. You can spend all day here taking pictures and relaxing.
Also, it’s a fantastic sunset spot; just bring a flashlight on the way down.
Can you drive to Black Rock Viewpoint?
Kind of. You can take dirt roads near the viewpoint, but you’ll have to walk some, no matter what.
If you’re looking for an extra challenge, start near Nai Harn Beach and hike to the top.
You can find the viewpoint here.
👉 Want one of the best resorts in Phuket?: Keemala Phuket Review: Is the Resort Worth the Money?
6. Monkey Hill Viewpoint
Located in Phuket Town, Monkey Hill Viewpoint in Phuket is the perfect viewpoint for some animals and a gorgeous view.
But be warned. You should hide any valuables. The monkeys can get aggressive; if they see you carrying something, they’ll come straight for it.
This shouldn’t deter you from visiting, though. The monkeys running around make for an exciting afternoon. And you can feed them by buying some peanuts and other food at the bottom of the hill.
Keep climbing to the top until you arrive at the Monkey Viewpoint of Phuket, which you can’t miss.
One of two popular Phuket Town viewpoints.
Can you drive to Monkey Hill Viewpoint?
Yes, to a point. Eventually, you’ll reach a barrier where you’ll have to get out and walk to protect the monkeys.
However, there is a fair amount of parking, so it’s easy to find and walk.
You can find the viewpoint here.
7. Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint
Not far from Monkey Hill, you’ll find Khao Rang Viewpoint in Phuket (sometimes just called Rang Hill Viewpoint), which sits 140 meters above sea level.
A popular spot for sunsets and catching dinner with a view, Khao Rang is a popular area for foreigners and Thais. You’ll even find a bronze statue of a former governor of Phuket at the top of the viewpoint!
You can head here any time during the day, but I recommend catching a Phuket sunset. As the sun sets and the lights begin to flicker on in Phuket Town, it offers a truly remarkable panoramic.
And the Viewpoint Restaurant Phuket offers a perfect view of this paired with a meal. Not many other areas have a Phuket viewpoint restaurant.
Can you drive to Khao Rang Viewpoint?
Yes! And it’s straightforward.
A winding hill leads up to Khao Rang, and there is plenty of parking for you once you arrive.
You’ll have no issues getting to Rang Hill.
You can find the viewpoint here.
8. Windmill Viewpoint
Windmill Viewpoint is close to the Black Rock, Karon, and Phromthep Cape viewpoints.
It’s safe to say the south of the island is one of the best places for viewpoints! You can easily drive and visit all three!
And you’ll want to. Windmill Viewpoint Phuket offers a gorgeous view onto Nai Harn Beach on the right and Ya Nui Beach on the left.
Just a quick drive and an excellent place to enjoy a small picnic next to wind turbines, Windmill Viewpoint shouldn’t be skipped.
And if you’re looking for the best views of the island, head to the south of Phuket.
Can you drive to Windmill Viewpoint?
Yes! It’s easy to get to Windmill Viewpoint, and there is enough space for a few cars to park.
Most people don’t spend long here, so traffic is consistently moving.
You can find the viewpoint here.
9. Karon Viewpoint
Want to see a view of Phuket, views of 3 famous beaches, and visit the best-known viewpoint in Phuket?
Then Karon Viewpoint in Phuket is for you.
From the top of the hill, you can see a bit of Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, and Patong Beach lined up perfectly. This is one of the best views in all of Phuket and one you often see in magazines.
Afterward, head down to Kata Beach and Karon Beach to enjoy two gorgeous beaches. Or, if you’re traveling south from Kata Beach to Nai Harn Beach, you can stop off at Black Rock Viewpoint, which is next to the viewpoint and less than a kilometer away.
Can you drive to Karon Viewpoint?
Yes! It’s straightforward to drive to Karon Viewpoint. Whether coming from Patong/Karon or Nai Harn, the main road runs right past the viewpoint and offers a quick stop-off.
You can find the viewpoint here.
10. Big Buddha Viewpoint
It’s hard to miss Big Buddha if you visit Phuket.
The colossal statue sits high above the southern part of the island, with its entrance near Wat Chalong.
But, you should also make the trip to the top to see the Big Buddha and get the fantastic view it sees every day.
Big Buddha Viewpoint in Phuket gives you a full panoramic view of the island’s east coast, with the aqua waters sitting in Chalong Bay.
Can you drive to Big Buddha?
Yes, you can drive to Big Buddha, and there’s plenty of parking.
The first thing you’ll notice is that Big Buddha is one of the most visited viewpoints in Phuket. Tons of people flock to this area to get the incredible views of Chalong Bay and Cape Panwa, visit one of the top attractions in Phuket by seeing Big Buddha, and get blessed by a monk! You can see Khao Khad View Tower, the Cape Panwa viewpoint!
Just be sure to dress appropriately, as you won’t be allowed to visit Big Buddha if you’re wearing revealing clothing.
The viewpoint is located between Chalong and Karon. You can find the viewpoint here.
11. Laem Singh Viewpoint
Laem Singh Beach Viewpoint gives you one of the most picturesque beaches on the island.
It’s that beach you see in movies that everyone treats as the “hidden spot.” And Laem Singh is kind of like that.
I put this as one of the best non touristy things to do in Phuket because there are only a handful of people there daily.
And that makes for a perfect picture opportunity from Laem Singh Viewpoint. Looking down over the beach, you even see a bit of Kamala in the distance.
Can you drive to Laem Singh Viewpoint?
Yes! The viewpoint is only a small building on the roadside where you can pull off and relax.
It gives a perfect view down the beach, so have your camera ready.
You can find the viewpoint here.
12. Promthep Cape Viewpoint
Everyone says Phromthep Cape is the best Phuket viewpoint, offering some of the best sunsets in Phuket.
And it’s hard to argue, especially when it’s sitting 200 meters above sea level and giving you an excellent vantage point.
People flock to the Phromthep Cape (Promthep Cape) each night to watch the sun setting over the horizon of the Andaman Sea. Oranges, purples, and deep reds fill the sky, putting a Michelangelo painting in the sky.
But you’ll want to get here early to grab a good seat as the area gets busy quickly.
Can you drive to Phromthep Cape Viewpoint?
Yes! This is another major attraction on the island, and you can find a large parking lot when you arrive.
You can find the viewpoint here.
So, what do you think are the best viewpoints in Phuket?
When people think of the island, they think of Phuket’s hotels and resorts, as well as Phuket’s beaches.
But there’s a lot more to this tiny island in the south of Thailand that you need to see. There are more viewpoints to check out, like Mai Thao Sip Song Viewpoint (Radar Hill), which is like being on top of the world in Phuket. However, this top point of Phuket is relatively challenging, and parts of it are closed to the public. So, I left it off this list.
So, I hope I helped you find the viewpoints offering the best views — no matter what part of Phuket you’re staying in.
If you plan to visit Phuket, do not miss the beautiful islands of Koh Yao Yai or Koh Samui. There are plenty of viewpoints on both islands!
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