Discover the Mountain Vistas of Phuket
December 09, 2019.
Tags: Phuket, Travel
The beaches of Phuket are known throughout the world for their tropical, scenic beauty. But just as spectacular are the mountain views of the island.
Phuket is a mountainous island, and the peaks of this paradise shouldn't be ignored if you're a visitor to the island. There are several viewpoints scattered around the island that each affords the visitor a stunning view of the island and surrounding Andaman Sea.
We’ll tell how where the best of these viewpoints are located and how to get to them. But these viewpoints require the use of a car. They are not on any public transportation line. Luckily, there are many car rental agencies on the island that make renting a car an easy task.
We’ll start with the largest statue on the island, which also serves to mark one of the best viewpoints in Phuket.
Phuket Big Buddha
Between Chalong and Kata on the western coast of Phuket sits a white marble Buddha at the top of the Nakkerd Hills. It is reached by taking a winding, 6-km road up from the island’s main artery road.
It offers 360-degree views of practically the entire island and if you make the journey up to the statue, be sure to bring your cameras along. The image was constructed in 2004, and the base of it is 25-metres across, and it stands 45-metres tall. The site includes many other smaller statues of Buddha and revered monks of Thailand.
If you visit the site, be aware that it’s considered a sacred site and you should dress appropriately as if you were visiting a Buddhist temple.
Promthep Cape
You've undoubtedly seen this viewpoint if you frequent the tourist shops in Phuket because it's prominently featured on many postcards of Phuket. Near Rawai Beach, this beautiful cape looks southward towards Koh Kaeo Yai and Koh Kaeo Noi.
It’s very popular with tourists for the brilliant sunsets it offers. Each evening, as well as throughout the day, tour buses make the climb from Rawai Beach bringing crowds of tourists to take selfies with the cape in the background.
Panwa Viewpoint
This often-neglected viewpoint offers spectacular views of the southern parts of the island and Koh Lon out in the bay. It’s a bit out of the way of the regular tourist traffic around the island. But if you head out towards Cape Panwa on Sakdidet Road, then look for the signs for Khao Khad View tower after about 3-km, you’ll easily find it.
It offers a two-level tower atop the hill and ample parking. Slightly down the hill, there is a restaurant called ‘Best Food Good View’ which is a great place to enjoy a cold drink and take in the view across Chalong bay.
Phuket Town’s Toh Sae Hill
This hill is also referred to as Monkey Hill for the number of macaques happily enjoying the food brought by visitors to the viewpoint. There are as many as 400 macaques on Toh Sae Hill, so it's an apt nickname for the site. However, the apes are not aggressive and will not approach you. But take care with small children, don't let them chase or harass the macaques.
During daylight hours, driving a car or motorbike to the peak of the hill is permitted, but after 5 PM the road is closed to traffic. The hill is a popular place to exercise for the Phuket Town residents, and it gives the locals a chance to walk along the road up to the summit and watch the sunset.
It’s also the place to get a great view of practically the entirety of Phuket Town and the surrounding hills and area.
Patong Mountain
Head towards Soi Na Nai in Patong then turn onto Hassip Pee Road near Montes Restaurant, and you'll find yourself heading up the mountain behind the town of Patong. Krua Chom Restaurant, Wassa Homemade Bar, and Patong Sunset View Restaurant all offer great views and place to sit and watch the sunset while you enjoy food and drinks.
The view also faces slightly north-west, which makes for the perfect angle to enjoy the sunset over Patong Bay. Get a panoramic view of one of the leading tourism destinations on the island when you make the climb to the top of Patong Mountain.
If you're interested in checking out these viewpoints all over Phuket but have no idea where on the island you'll be staying, contact Rental for the Holidays. They have spacious and modern apartments all over the island of Phuket for rent. For single and multi-bedroom accommodations with all the modern conveniences, look to Rental for the Holidays to provide the perfect holiday rentals.
