Samet Nangshe Viewpoint in Phang Nga

Considered one of the most beautiful places in Phang Nga, Thailand. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint offers stunning 180-degree views overlooking Phang Nga Bay and its hundreds of fantastic, limestone formations and small islands. Visitors reach the Viewpoint after a 10 – 20-minute climb up a dirt path. The view is so vast that one photo will not do it justice.

Photographers from around the world spend days in order to get the perfect photo of the spectacular sunrises seen from Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, which faces due east. Even at night, the views are amazing and as there is no light pollution, the Milky Way and many constellations are brilliant. It gets quite cool at night, so a light jacket or sweater is recommended along with a torch and mosquito repellent.

As walkers climb the hill, there are benches along the way to sit and rest. In some places, stairs have been carved into the road. There are two viewpoints where they can stop to rest. The first viewpoint is impressive and may be the best place to stop for some people. Because the area is private property, there will be a nominal entry fee to the viewpoints. You can buy water and snacks at the parking area or bring your own. It can be hot during the day, so carrying drinking water is important, but making the short trek up the hill is worth the effort.

The view includes about two kilometres of mangrove forest and a chain of islands that stretches as far as the eye can see in both directions. The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint was discovered by Theerasak Saksritawee, a professional photographer whose photos from the hilltop were seen by expatriate Thais and locals. While there may be a small group of visitors at the top, the Viewpoint is still relatively unknown by overseas visitors.

There is a small campsite at the top for those who are determined to get a photo of the sunrise or the Milky Way. You can rent tents and get a simple Thai breakfast. However, the area is not quiet for long as people start arriving by 4 am to get the perfect photo.

Phang Nga Bay achieved world fame in the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. A tour from the Aleenta Phuket Resort and Spa will take you near the lush, mangrove forests, turquoise lagoons and hidden grottos in the bay. James Bond Island is a limestone stack that was formed by nature. It has a wide top and narrow base that has been photographed so many times it is a symbol of Phuket.

Phang Nga province is quieter than Phuket and more rural with untouched fishing villages and secluded beaches. The limestone islands that are so spectacular from Samet Nangshe Viewpoint are riddled with caves. If you take a tour, you will wear a head torch and see spectacular rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes, limestone dams and much more.

Kayaking and canoeing are the best ways to explore the shores of Phang Nga Bay. You will see waterfowl, marine life and Lagoon Cave, Panak Island and Diamond Cave as you paddle on the crystal clear water. Many grottos can only be seen by canoe.

If whitewater rafting is your idea of a great way to spend the day, you are in the right place. Surrounded by the verdant rainforests of Phang Nga, you will race down the rapids. On the way to the starting point, you may stop at a cave that contains an impressively large reclining Buddha statue and many monkeys. You will reach the headwaters about mid-morning and start careening down the mountain. A delicious Thai lunch is provided as well as the opportunity to zip line through the jungle.

The Thai Muang Turtle Sanctuary helps protect four species of turtles that live in the Andaman Sea, including Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles. The turtles are hatched and cared-for in the conservation programme until they are eight months old. At that time, they are returned to the sea.

If you are yearning for a secluded, tranquil beach away from the glitz and glamor of many of the tourist spots in Thailand, then Natai Beach is for you. It has warm, crystal clear water full of colourful tropical fish and pristine white sand beaches that are virtually empty. You can walk along the shore for hours in this paradise without seeing another person.

The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is a great place to begin your Thai adventure at Phang Nga Bay and can be arranged for you when staying at our luxury Phang Nga Beach Resort Aleenta.

How to Get to Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

At the moment Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is located on the intersection of two unnamed roads but they can be accessed via the 402, 1004 and 3086.

From Phuket

• Head out of Phuket on the 402, across Sarasin Bridge
• Make a U turn at the Ban Tha Nun Health Center
• Turn left at next left turn, (Shop on corner + sign saying James Bond)
• This road eventually becomes the 1004
• Turn left onto Pao Phangnga 3086
• Follow until T junction, turn left (unnamed road)
• Road will bend round following Phang Nga Bay
• Entrance to Samet Nangshe will now be on your right. Look for wooden fence painted white with wooden hut marking the entrance.
• 8.240598, 98.449070

The Perfect Phang Nga Resort

It is not always easy to protect the environment but this Phang Nga Resort & Spa has found the perfect balance. Its innovative design is a perfect marriage of modern technology and classical Thai styling.

Aleenta’s suites and villas features striking and original room designs that range from spacious lofts to grand villas with five bedroom, each very different from the last. Many of their accommodations come with a private pool or a beach front view, all will give you the ultimate feeling of privacy.

While the pristine sandy Natai beach and crystal blue waters are the perfect remedy for the tension of modern life, you will also find that Aleenta spa facilities are second to none. The Ayurah Spa & Wellness centre’s professionals work to not only rejuvenate the body but also restore spiritual balance and well-being. Experience Ayurah ‘Epicurean Spa’ and their exclusive line of Linda Meredith skincare products and therapies. Aleenta has also developed a special yoga program to help you get back to your spiritual center.

The Ayurah Spa offers a wide variety of medicinal and cosmetic treatments for your indulgence. You can also join programmes of meditation, tai chi and yoga. It offers state-of-the-art anti-aging treatments, oxygen therapy and the latest light-therapy treatments. The attractive and serene treatment area provides a post-treatment relaxation chamber, a Vichy shower and a chromo-therapy room. Visitors can look forward to hydrotherapy, detoxification, massage therapy, mind balance, body rejuvenation and holistic wellness therapies. The spa therapists are all trained and qualified by the Spa Association of Thailand.

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• Why is Phang Nga Bay Famous
• Ao Phang Nga National Park
• Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe