Phuket Viewpoint: Where to Watch the Sunset
After a hard day enjoying Phuket’s stunning beaches you’ll need an equally stunning location to watch one of the famous sunsets. So where should you head for the best views?
Phuket is blessed with gorgeous scenery, golden sands and a long west-facing coastline that is tailor-made for watching sunsets. From bars to beaches and beyond, here are a few of our top recommendations for making the most of those views as the sun heads south.
Karon Viewpoint
Perched on a hill behind Karon beach, this viewpoint has wonderful views across Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon and consequently it’s a busy spot at sun-down. Make sure you arrive early to guarantee a good view out over the ocean and don’t forget your camera to make the most of the glorious colours as they spread across the sky. Not a solitary experience, but a beautiful one nonetheless.
Open: Always
Location: 4233 Tambon Karon, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat 83100
360 Degrees Bar
Fancy sipping an ice-cold cocktail in stylish surroundings while the last of the sun’s rays sparkle on the Andaman Sea far below? 360 Degrees is an upmarket ‘destination’ bar and restaurant perched on a hill high above the western beaches. What are the views like? Well the clue’s in the name; panoramas stretch in all directions and the sunset views are spectacular. Stay for dinner to enjoy some of the island’s best cuisine.
Open: 4PM to 12PM, Daily
Location: 31/1 Moo 6, Cherngtalay, Thalang 83110
Contact: 076 317 600
Promthep Cape (Laem Promthep)
Nature is at the forefront at Promthep Cape, a popular but beautiful spot to watch the sun go down. Ocean waves crash over a bouldered coastline at your feet as you sit and soak up the view; bring your own refreshments and make the most of one of the most photographed spots on the island. If you’re lucky then monkeys may swing past to make your photos complete- just don’t let them get too close or you may lose your camera!
Open: Always
Location: Rawai Viewpoint, 4233 Highway, Mueang Phuket
Wassa Homemade Bar
Wassa Homemade Bar is a Patong institution. A large open-air deck gives awesome views over the bay, with sea breezes keeping the place cool while the cocktails flow and the sun sets. If you’re hungry then the western and Thai tapas-style menu is highly recommended and it’s a great place to meet fellow travelers for a chilled-out sunset experience. Access is via a steep concrete road but it’s easy enough to grab a red Songthaew truck in town and avoid the slog uphill.
Open: 4PM to 12PM, Daily
Location: 50 Pee Road, Ban, Patong, Phuket
Contact: 091 882 9322
Big Buddha
The Phuket Big Buddha is not only a beautiful religious monument, it’s also a viewpoint with stunning vistas across the south of the island. If you time your visit right then you can enjoy the white marble of the Buddha statue glowing in the dusk light, as well as a glorious view of the sun setting behind Karon Bay. Make sure to bring your wide angle camera to make the most of the views both near and far. Highly recommended.
Open: Always
Location: Soi Muang Phuket, Tambon Karon, Amphoe Mueang, Chang Wat 83100
Baba Nest Rooftop
Think polished wooden boards, sumptuous cushions and stylish lamps; Baba Nest Rooftop is a beautiful venue in its own right before you even add sunset into the mix. Turn up in plenty of time before the sun hits the horizon to make the most of their extensive cocktail list. This is truly the kind of view that postcards are made of!
Open: 5PM to 9PM, Daily
Location: 88/5 Moo. 8, Sakdidej Road, Tambon Vichit, Mueang Phuket
Contact: 076 371 000
The Phuket Sunset is More Than Instagram-Worthy
As you’ve probably realised by now, Phuket isn’t short of lovely places to chill out and watch the sun go down. Grab a drink, kick back and soak up the Thai experience. You’ll never want to leave!