One of the most popular types of attractions in Phuket are observation decks. There are several of them here, and all of them are worthy of visiting, some to a greater and others to a lesser extent. Usually they are visited on their own during trips around the island by rented transport, but the most popular of them are sometimes brought by tourists during sightseeing tours of the island. Here is a complete list and description of the observation platforms Phuket:
Karon Observation Deck (Karon View Point)
Karon Observation Deck (Karon View Point) in Phuket is also sometimes called and marked on maps as Kata View Point. Indeed, this site is located next to Kata Noi beach, and Karon Beach is quite far from it, although it is perfectly visible from there.
The site offers a gorgeous view of all three beaches: Karon, Kata and Kata Noi. Many people come here to meet the sunset, because it is on this side of the island, in the west, that the sun goes below the horizon. Also from here you can see the statue of the big Buddha on the top of the mountain. The playground is well equipped, there is a gazebo and free Parking. There are several restaurants nearby (there is one Russian restaurant right next to the site, and another Heaven Restaurant a little further towards the shore), where you can sit and spend the sun over the horizon.
Learn more about the Karon observation deck and photos here...
🕐 Working hours: around the clock.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.
🚶 How to get there: The observation deck of Karon is located right next to the main road 4233 between the beaches of Kata Noi and Naiharn on a hilltop at an altitude of 190 meters (on the map). It is impossible to miss it, it is perfectly visible from the road. You can only get there by rented transport or taxi (tuk-tuk).
Promtep Cape Observation Deck and Kanjanaphisek Lighthouse
This is the most popular observation deck, which offers spectacular views of the coast and the beaches of Janui and Naiharn. There are always a lot of people here, including locals, and in the evenings before sunset tourists are brought here by whole buses. The playground is well equipped, there is a mini market with food stalls, several restaurants, including those with sea views. There are a lot of interesting things here besides just beautiful views, and we recommend that you definitely visit it. What's good, visiting the site is included in many sightseeing tours, and it's especially good if you manage to get here shortly before sunset and spend the sun over the horizon. Keep in mind that sunsets in Thailand take place from 18 to 19 hours, depending on the time of year, and are very fast, literally 5-10 minutes.
The most active tourists can go down directly to Promtep Cape, which juts out into the sea and offers even more spectacular views along the coast, but be careful: the descent is not equipped, high waves are also dangerous.
Learn more about the Promtep observation deck and the Kanjanaphisek Lighthouse Lighthouse and photos...
🕐Working hours: the playground is available around the clock, but it's best to come here during sunset from 18:00 to 19:00. The Lighthouse Museum is open from 08:00 to 19:00.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.
🚶 How to get there: the observation deck is located almost in the very south of the island along the main road 4233 near Naiharn beach (on the map). From the beach of Naiharn or Janui, you can get here on foot, and from other beaches of the island by rented transport, taxi, or as part of an excursion.
Windmill Hill Viewpoint – Windmill observation deck
In the southern part of Phuket there is a quiet and cozy area for exploring the surroundings. It is little known among tourists, but those who know about it usually come back here again. An attractive landmark is the huge wind turbines for generating electricity, the snow-white blades of which are directed towards the sea.
From Windmill Hill it is convenient to admire the view of the adjacent beaches of Nai Harn and Ya Nui, as well as the picturesque Man Island, which is green in the center, which has a slightly elongated shape. Visitors will not have to observe a monotonous picture due to the dimensional movement of waves and rotating "propellers". Hiding from the sun's rays in a specially equipped gazebo, it will be possible to follow the rare cruising oil tankers and incredible size and beauty liners scurrying through the waters with fishing schooners or small longtails.
The site is usually sparsely populated, but on some days you can catch fans flying kites or sending controlled models of airplanes into flight. Soaring paragliders is a unique sight: the features of air currents allow desperate "pilots" to climb several hundred meters and then land on one of the nearest beaches. Daredevils can pay about 1 thousand baht to personally experience extreme planning.
It is often possible to catch the moments of departure for the hunting of kites, which find food in the azure waters of the adjacent bays.
Parking at the Windmills is very small, so there are difficulties with parking vehicles. You can buy drinks, food, ice cream in tents set up upstairs or in beach restaurants.
🕐Working hours: the playground is available around the clock, but it's best to come here during sunset from 18:00 to 19:00.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.
🚶 How to get there: the observation deck is located almost in the very south of the island along the main road 4233, but you will have to move off it a little (Windmill site on the map)
Khao Khad View Point – observation deck in the tower at Cape Panva
Not all tourists going to Phuket Island know about this observation platform. To get here, you need to follow the signs specially placed on the cape.
At the foot of the tower there are shops, cafes, pavilions with food and drinks, a large parking area. A staircase leads to the observation deck. After climbing, tourists have an incredible 360-degree view. From here you can see the cape itself, the surface of the Andaman Sea, urban landscapes. Continuing the inspection, you can observe the bays of Makham and Chalong, as well as a nearby chain of islands. Interest is aroused by the small island of Sire – the place of residence of a unique group of sea gypsies.
Regardless of the weather conditions, visitors will be able to see the Big Buddha peacefully contemplating the eternal mountains, the sea, the sky. In especially calm weather, if you look closely, you can find the outlines of the exotic island of Phi Phi in the distance.
🕐Working hours: the playground is available around the clock, but it's best to come here during sunset from 18:00 to 19:00.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free of charge.
🚶 How to get there: the observation deck is located on Cape Panwa on the east coast of the island (Khao Khad View Point on the map)
Radar Hill – observation deck over Patong
This place is also known as Khao Mai Thao Sip Song or the Hill of 12 Reeds. One of the highest platforms, and at the same time one of the least visited. There is almost never anyone here. You can get to it through rubber plantations, bypassing villages, along the road, sometimes representing a steep serpentine. The name of the observation deck is associated with a military weather station, so entry by car is prohibited. However, Thai military personnel allow tourists to walk through the gate to the equipped viewing point.
The ascent to the site itself is a fascinating route with many opening and striking views of breathtaking beauty. Stopping along the way, you can capture the waters of Chalong Bay in a round dance of small islets, the surface of the Bang Wad basin, coastal beaches, the huge Bang Wad reservoir, picturesque nature. An inspection from the top will bring an amazing view of Patong, which from a half-kilometer height looks like a toy town.
🕐 Working hours: around the clock.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.
🚶 How to get there: the observation deck is located near Patong Beach (Radar Hill on the map)
Wat Khao Rang – observation deck at Wat Khao Rang Temple
While climbing Monkey Hill, you can stop at the observation deck with an amazing overview Phuket town. In the evening, tourists can expect beautiful paintings created by city lights and the glare of the waters of the Andaman Sea. During the day, you can see places with lush vegetation, mountain ranges. You will not see beaches and shores from here.
In addition to the natural beauties, there is a view of the monument erected to the governor who ruled the island territory more than a century ago. Those who wish to refresh themselves can go to a restaurant or cafe.
Not far from the site there is a stadium, for which there is no proper care. However, people come here in groups or alone to do fitness surrounded by pristine nature. Travelers are warned that there are a lot of wild monkeys in these places, which sit in flocks on the side of the road leading to the site. The nuts and bananas taken with you will be gladly accepted by animals accustomed to such gifts (see how to behave with monkeys, precautions).
🕐 Working hours: around the clock.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.
🚶 How to get there: the observation deck is located near Patong Beach (Khao Rang playground on the map)