Viewpoints are ideal for getting an overview of the country. Maybe it’s just because we Swiss have to climb every little hill we can find, but Khao Lak actually has some very pretty viewpoints. The area behind the beach is hilly and in the morning there is fog in the valleys. In recent years we have discovered a number of places with panoramic views, some of which are still quite unknown and have a correspondingly simple infrastructure, others are now famous tourist attractions:
Here are our Top Ten Viewpoints near Khao Lak:
Phu View
Phu View is actually a restaurant and not specifically a viewing point, but from here you have the best view over Khao Lak – the town of La On on the main road and the Nang Thong Beach behind it. The restaurant is located up a narrow street steeply up the hill, with little parking space at the top. Reservations are recommended for dinner at sunset; they will also pick you up down at the highway 4.
Andaman View Point
Viewpoint just north of Khao Lak. It is easy to reach by scooter or car, there is a parking space and the possibility to have a drink. View of the Andaman Sea from a slightly elevated position. It’s beautiful during the day, often lonely, but a bit unspectacular – maybe that’s something for the sunset too? Location: located just before Bangsak Village to the north, inland.
Khao Khao Nuoy
Also called Khao Khai Nui. Located south of Khao Lak inland, the viewpoint offers wonderful views especially early in the morning when the hills are covered in the morning mist called Talak Noi (Sea of Mist). From the approximately 300 m high hill you have a beautiful view at any time of day. The road goes up from the top of the 4240 road triangle. With a normal car it can be difficult, especially if it has rained, it is better to have a 4WD or scooter. Or you can be transported up with the pick-up service.
Phu Ta Cho / Phutajor
The viewpoint, located inland and very remote behind Kapong, has a view over the hilly, wide country. In the morning you have a view of the sea of fog from the 860m high summit, which primarily attracts northern Thai visitors. It is over an hour’s drive from Khao Lak and is not easy to find. You can get to the administration buildings, where you pay 200 baht, by normal car or motorbike, then the 5 km up only on foot, with 4-wheel drive or a good motorbike (very difficult route!). However, you always have to walk for the last 10 minutes. At the top you are often alone with the view, at least during the day.
Bangmara Hill and Dredger Café at Takua Pa
There is a new viewing platform on Bangmara Hill directly opposite the iron bridge at Takua Pa. It belongs to the Dredger Café – and is a somewhat strange mixture of a colorful plaster animal figure park, a café on several floors with a view, suspension bridges and many Instagram photo points. The most famous is the large white hand, but it also has a door to heaven and colorful frames of different colors. You can see the iron bridge from above and also have a good view over the beautiful country. To get up, you pay 60 baht per person at the bottom of the road directly opposite the bridge to walk up about 200 steps (or a little more if they drive you up). Part of the entry fee is deducted when you buy drinks in the café upstairs. The drinks are fine, the view is good.
Khao Sok Viewpoint
The viewpoint, located right next to the main road, can be found on the way to Khao Sok National Park, about an hour’s drive north of Khao Lak. Unfortunately, even today transport or taxis won’t stop here. It’s worth stopping as it’s one of the few places in the park where you can get an overview of the hilly landscape of the national park – without cables hanging in front of it. According to local legend, the prominent mountain in the background is a reclining woman.
View from Rajiaprabha Damm
The Rajiaprabha Dam – meaning Light of the Kingdom – was named in an opening ceremony by Thailand’s last king on his 60th birthday. In addition to generating electricity, it is used for flood control, irrigation and fish farming. It dams Cheow Lan Lake, which today forms a wonderful part of Khao Sok National Park. At the dam itself there is a viewing point with a spacious parking lot and a beautiful view of the dam and the lake.
Samet Nangshe und Ao Toh Li Viewpoint
The viewpoint of the fantastic Phang Nga Bay is just over an hour’s drive from Khao Lak. The altitude almost makes you believe you are flying. The viewing point, which was only opened in 2016 (and discovered by us in 2017), is now well developed: a covered viewing area, picnic shelter, seating, toilets and, now, a small restaurant. 2023 a glass floor path has been opened right next to it. The best and most spectacular view is at sunrise early in the morning, the sun rises directly behind the islands in the bay. There is a ticket booth down on the street, you pay for the visit: 30 baht per person to walk up. 90 baht for transport up and down. You are not allowed to drive yourself up to the Samet Nangshe viewpoint.
A little further west is the Ao Toh Li Viewpoint – it offers the same view of Phang Nga Bay and you can still drive up yourself. The visit is also cheaper at 50 baht – and you can also stay overnight here.
Similan Sail Rock
On the “main island” number 8 of the Similan Islands there is a viewing point at the famous Sail Rock. The path up is a short climbing section that you can do barefoot (it’s a hot thing when the sun is out). It’s better to have trekking sandals with you. From the top you have a view of the bay where the speedboats dock and the white sand and the turquoise sea.
Remarkable further viewing points:
3 Beaches Viewpoint (Karon Viewpoint)
One of the most iconic views on Phuket. You can see the beaches of Kata Noim, Kata Yai and Karon (in that order). The island of Ko Pu can be seen in front of Kata Beach. Directions: Coming from Kata, head towards Kata Noi, then turn left up the steep hill.
Phi Phi Viewpoint
On the main island of Phi Phi Don, three places in a row that you have to climb yourself. No surprise, as there are no vehicles on the island. Entry for the first two is 30 baht per person, another 20 baht for the third.
Even more tips and information can be found in our travel guide Discovering Khao Lak Compact. It is regularly revised and kept up to date. The book is available from amazon and bookstores (ISBN 978-3033075955) and as ebook.
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