An Amazing Panoramic View of Phang Nga
Samet Nangshe is a superb panoramic viewpoint in Phang Nga Bay. It’s a little far outside Phuket Island, but if you have a car or a big bike, it is worth the drive. From up there, you can admire the fantastic limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay, but it requires a good deal of effort. You need to drive 25 kilometres past the Sarasin Bridge that connects Phuket to the mainland, but the drive in the backcountry of Thailand is fantastic.
Samet Nangshe Video
The road is surrounded by trees and palm trees all the way, and when you approach your destination, you are rewarded by the jaw-dropping Nangshe Bay which is beautiful, even from the road. To give you a better idea of the distance, Samet Nangshe is 76 kilometres away from Patong Beach, which would take about 2 hours to drive.
Getting up to the Viewpoint
There used to be steep 20 minutes of climbing (and in a way there still is), but a pickup truck will be waiting for you to drive you up there regularly. We recommend you use it. 90 baht is definitely worth the energy saved! Note that if you choose not to use the pickup truck, there is still an entry fee to go up. If you plan to sleep up there, you can rent a tent for 130 baht or a tiny bungalow for 700 baht per night.
Once you reach the top, don’t expect a peaceful, solitary hilltop. There is always a small crowd of avid photographers, amateurs, and professionals. Families and teens are all over the place, taking all kinds of creative poses for their selfies. It’s a real Instagram playground.
Some advanced photographers even stay all night to capture the Milky Way and the sunrise around 5:30 a.m. If you are planning to go at night, remember to bring not only a headlight but also a sleeve jacket because it’s colder than you think. And some mosquito repellent! (You will thank me later for that.)
On the way up, there are two viewpoints. If you find the climb too challenging, you can stop at the first one; it’s already impressive.
What to Do Once There?
You can buy food and drinks from the restaurant built at the top of the hill and even enjoy some cold coconuts and ice cream. You can sit down at one of the many tables available all around. It’s a relaxing break with a jaw-dropping bird view you will never forget.
If you plan to climb to Samet Nangshe by yourself, you better remember to take some water with you as it can get scorching. You can buy some at the main road parking when you arrive. It’s a steep and long climb, but not worth the sweat.
How to Get to Samet Nangshe?
Where to Stay in Samet Nangshe?
Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel
Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel Phang Nga is a three-star hotel with amazing views of the now iconic Phang Nga limestones. This charming boutique resort provides cosy accommodations just a short 10-minute drive away from Ao Phang-nga National Park. The hotel has 14 rooms and amenities such as a minibar fridge and coffee and tea-making facilities. The units are thoughtfully designed to ensure a comfortable stay for guests who enjoy picturesque views.
Check the rates:
More Photos of Samet Nangshe
Samet Nangshe Info
Distance from Patong: 76 km
Distance from Phuket airport: 44 km
Samet Nangshe Map
Get the directions on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/yZcdvedf44afZpN88
