View From the Top: Reaching Thailand’s island viewpoints
As much as we love being at sea level, sometimes it pays to get a different perspective of paradise. These viewpoints are worth the hike, even if that means ditching the Havaianas for some trusty Converse.
Kai Bae Viewpoint, Koh Chang
Kai Bae Viewpoint on Koh Chang is just 1 kilometer from the main village of Kai Bae. It offers a magnificent view of the northwest coast of the island. On a clear day you can even see the mountains behind White Sand Beach.
Promthep Cape, Phuket
In Phuket head to Promthep Cape for 360 degree ocean views from the southernmost point on the island. It’s worth trekking out onto the rocky edge of the cape. You’ll leave most of the selfie-stick toting tourists back on the concrete walkway and have all the natural beauty to yourself.
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
Hike to the main viewpoint on Koh Phi Phi Don from the eastern side of Lo Dalum beach for a memorable sunset and view of the back to back beaches of Lo Dalum and Ao Ton Sai. Be warned, the steep hike will take around 20-30 minutes. Go early to secure a prime spot on the boulders and watch the sun go down. Or better yet, go past the main viewpoint entrance, down the forested pathway to a “secret viewpoint.” There are just a few tables, a hammock, a small menu of snacks and drinks and epic views from Koh Phi Phi Leh to Krabi.
Koh Sok National Park, Krabi
In Krabi there are a few viewpoints worth a hike. We suggest heading to Koh Sok National Park where the rugged, swampy terrain gives way to lush foliage and jungle covered mountains. San Yang Roi viewpoint is a 2 kilometer hike from the National Park Visitor Center, and it’s only accessible with a guide.
Bottle Beach viewpoint, Koh Phangan
Flickr / Christian Haugen
Check out the viewpoint at Haad Kuad, or Bottle Beach, on Koh Phangan’s northern shore for an epic view. The beginning of the steep hike is marked on the beach. Follow the signs up and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the white sands of Bottle Beach.
Ao Mamuang viewpoint, Koh Tao
Photo: / Eddy Milfort
When you visit Koh Tao be sure to check out the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. But it’s also worth a hike up to Ao Mamuang viewpoint on the main island for amazing views of the open ocean. Ao Mamuang, or Mango Bay, is one of the best dive spots on Koh Tao, but high above the water it feels like a wild, untamed jungle.
The only thing that makes these spectacular views even more enjoyable is bringing a couple cold beers for a sunset cheers with friends. Enjoy!
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