The Samet Nangshe viewpoint in Thailand is among the most beautiful places that I have ever visited. The island of Phuket is a good place to start.
This view overlooks Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, a national park with dozens of islands. Sunrise at Samet Nangshe has a special charm because the sun rises directly over the bay.
The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is a great day trip destination from Phuket. You can return the next day or stay overnight at the Samet Nangshe boutique hotel. It has a pool, and the rooms overlook the same beautiful scenery.
This guide will tell you how to reach Samet Nangshe without or without a tour. It also includes information on where to stay and other important things to know.
Samet Nangshe’s Viewpoint: What to Expect
You can get a stunning view of Phang Nga Bay from two places: either the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint or the Samet Nangshe Boutique Hotel, which offers multiple viewing points on different levels.
The majority of photos in this post were taken in the boutique hotel. However, the view was the same from either location. The view is spectacular, with many small islands scattered in the bay and a large karst-shaped island towering above them all. It’s a dreamy landscape.
You can get some amazing aerial photos of the bay. Drones are permitted at the viewpoint. The hotel also allows drones but asked us to park in the parking lot to avoid disturbing anyone. This was fair.
You’ll have to climb a little bit when you arrive at Samet Nangshe.
If you are fit and want to save money, you can either take a shuttle or hike yourself up the 800-meter steep hill.
You can’t take your car up to the top, so you have two options. I recommend the shuttle, particularly if you are coming in the darkness for sunrise.
It is a great place for families and kids to take Instagram pictures. There are swings, nests of birds and a café on the hilltop.
You can camp in a tent or rent a small primitive bungalow for just 700 Baht per night (about USD 20). As this place becomes more popular, I’m certain that the prices will increase.
You can reach the same viewpoint by taking a shuttle or hiking up to it.
The Bay View Café is located at the top of the hotel and offers a great view.
After sunrise, you can enjoy the view and buy drinks or food at the café. We could have stayed for a week, taking pictures and enjoying the view.
The famous James Bond Island is somewhere in the bay, but you can’t see it. You can easily go on a day trip from Samet Nangshe. If you stay in the boutique hotel, they will arrange it for you.
Best Time To Visit Samet Nangshe Viewpoint: Sunrise!
Sunrise is the best time to take pictures and visit Samet Nangshe. It’s amazing!
The sunrise in Phang Nga can vary from 6 to 645 AM depending on the month and day. Check it out on your weather app. Get there 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise for the best chance of seeing the first colours.
It is a stunning scene to see the sun rise directly over Phang Nga Bay’s islands. This is probably the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen.
Sunrise colours — this is a truly special view to wake up to
The rocks will be well-lit, and the sun will be at your back.
The sun can be too harsh in the afternoon and early morning, as the bay will be backlit.
The viewpoint was not very crowded with tourists any time that we visited, and the majority of people left after sunrise.
The popularity of this place will surely change with time, as it is in a beautiful location. Fortunately, the hilltop has a lot of space and should be able to accommodate many visitors without becoming too crowded.
How to Get to Samet Nangshe from Phuket
Samet Nangshe is located about 45 km northeast of Phuket International Airport in Thailand’s Phang Nga Province.
From Phuket, you can ride a motorbike or car, hire a taxi, or take a tour. There is no bus service yet.
By Car / Motorbike
From Phuket, follow Route 4031 and cross the Sarasin Bridge. Turn onto Highway 1004 and continue until you see a road sign for Samet Nangshe.
Use this Google Maps location for directions to the Samet Nangshe Boutique Hotel or to the viewpoint, where there is plenty of parking.
It takes approximately 1 hour to drive from Phuket Airport, 1.5 hours to reach Patong Beach and Old Phuket Town, or 2 hours to reach Karon and Kata Beaches in South Phuket.
Taxi or Private Driver
If you have little driving experience in Thailand, it’s easier and safer to hire a private driver or taxi. Ask your hotel to arrange for a driver in Phuket.
We booked a driver through Samet Nangshe Boutique while we were there. The driver picked us up with a large, air-conditioned van. When we left the hotel, they helped us arrange for another driver to take us back home to Phuket. Both times, we were able to pay by credit card.
Transport was priced at 1,800 Baht (50 USD), which is a reasonable price for two people to travel outside the island of Phuket. It costs 1,200 Baht (33 USD) to get from the airport.
You can ask your driver to wait while you take photos and then drive you back to Phuket.
By Tour
A tour is another quick and easy option to reach Samet Nangshe. GetYourGuide offers a day trip to Samet Nangshe from Phuket that includes a stop at Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok National Park.
This company has always been good to us. It’s of great value to those who want to visit Khao Sok.
Where To Stay: Samet Nangshe Boutique Hotel
Stay at Samet Nangshe Boutique Hotel if you want the best sunrise and sunset views. The hotel was absolutely amazing. We stayed for 2 nights in the rainy season.
The hotel is expensive, but it has a view of Phang Nga Bay with the sunrise outside. It has a large infinity pool, and some luxury rooms have their own private bathtub or pool with views of Phang Nga Bay.
The Deluxe King Room was the cheapest room we rented. It didn’t offer a direct view of the bay or sunrise, but it was still possible to see them from the door of our room in the morning. The majority of these pictures were taken at the Bay View Café, which is a short walk away.
There is decent Wi-Fi, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The main reason for coming here is to enjoy the view as long as possible. It’s truly exceptional.
What to Bring
Sun protection. At the viewpoint, the sun is scorching during the day.
Bug spray. It’s a good idea if you encounter mosquitoes on your hike up to the viewpoint, even though we didn’t see any ourselves.
A Flashlight Headlamp or a small light may come in handy when hiking at night to a viewpoint.
Waterproof bag. A waterproof bag is also a good idea if you are planning to visit James Bond Island and stay for a longer period.
Power Bank. A power bank will come in handy if you’re planning to camp at the viewpoint. There is no other way to charge your phone there.
Frequently asked questions (Samet Nangshe).
How do you get to Samet Nangshe from your home?
To reach Samet Nangshe, you can drive a motorbike or car, take a taxi, or go on a tour. You can also fly to Samet Nangshe from Phuket or Krabi.
Does Samet Nangshe have a bus?
There is no public transportation or bus service to Samet Nangshe at the moment. Buses run from Phuket to Phang Nga, but it’s quite a long way. You’ll be dropped off far away from the viewpoint, so you will still need to hire a taxi. Logistically, it wouldn’t make sense.
Can You Get There With the Grab App?
Grab, Southeast Asia’s Uber is a ride-hailing service that can take you to Samet Nangshe. Some drivers might cancel the trip because it is a long way from Phuket, and they may not find it economical to return without passengers. Even if you make it to the viewpoint, you will need to find an alternative way to return to town since there won’t likely be another Grab driver in that area. This is what I did.
Is Samet Nangshe’s viewpoint worth it?
It’s worth every penny. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand, particularly if you visit at sunrise. This is my favourite sunrise location anywhere in the globe.