Thursday, 30 August 2018

2018 Bigfoot Beaches of Thailand II – 04 Samet Nangshe Phang Nga Bay

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same…” - Francesca Reigler

(The view of Phang Nga Bay)

Date: 27 August 2018
Route: Ranong – Phang Nga Bay
Attraction: Samet Nangshe Viewpoint


From Bang Ben Beach we drove towards Krabi and detoured to visit the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint just 30-minute drive from Phuket.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is one of the few destinations that is not yet overrun with tourists. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in southern Thailand overlooking the Phang Nga Bay National Park. This breath-taking spot boasts 180-degree views of islands in the distance and lush mangrove forest below. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint has very quickly gone from being practically unheard of to one of the most popular panoramas in Phang Nga.

Getting there is a bit of a challenge. Aside from the drive, you then need to pay Baht30 to board a tuk-tuk at the small ticket hut at the car park at the foot of the hill. The ascent is quite a long and steep one. While the hill itself is covered in rainforest, the top is home to the elegant Sumet Nangshe Boutique Resort and Restaurant. There is a small campsite with tents costing Baht400, if you want to include a simple breakfast.

Another way of getting to the summit is to hike using another path for roughly 15-20 minutes, but it is well worth the effort. There are benches at intervals along the way for you to stop for a break. There is a small campsite once you reach the top and the views are particularly gorgeous in the early morning as the sun rises behind the towering limestone karsts. 

If you visit the site at sunset, it’s possible to see the Milky Way on certain nights throughout the year.

(A car park at the foot of the hill)
(Phang Nga Bay with  limestone and rock formations)
(A panoramic view from the balcony)
(Relaxing way of absorbing the beautiful scenery)
(The entrance to Samet Nangshe Resort & Restaurant)
(Many vantage viewpoints from the upper floor)

(A posh restaurant at the summit)
(Reasonably priced Nasi Goreng lunch)


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