If you’ve never been to Thailand you’re in for a real treat! This country has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, and many of them can be seen on the islands. The way the sky turns a deep shade of red and lights up the ocean is simply magical. If you’re visiting Phuket, watching the sunset should be a nightly tradition. We spent two months here and rarely went a night without heading to the coast or some kind of lookout to see it. While there are endless great spots, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 6 favorite places to watch the sunset in Phuket Thailand!
4 Amazing Sunset Phuket Tips
1. No two sunsets are the same! You can go to the same beach every day and it will always be different. If possible, don’t ever miss a sunset in Phuket Thailand! They are absolutely insane.
2. Don’t rule out overcast or rainy days when trying to see the best sunset in Phuket. Sometimes the most gorgeous sunsets come from the colors peeking through the clouds.
3. If you are within walking distance to the beach from your hotel (never drink and drive) stop by the mini-mart to grab some drinks for the beach! You’ll often less than half the price you will at a beach bar or restaurant.
4. Stay after the Phuket sunset! At many of the popular spots as soon as the sun dips everyone gets up and leaves. However, often the most stunning colors come out a little after the sun has gone down.
→ When’s the Best Time to Visit Thailand For Perfect Weather?
6 Best Phuket Sunset Spots
1. Sunset in Phuket From the Beach
Sorry, but it’s impossible to pick just one! It should be no surprise that some of the most incredible sunsets in Phuket Thailand are seen at the beach. Spending golden hour sipping an ice-cold Chang between swims in the ocean is Thailand at its best.
While there are many amazing beaches to watch the sunset in Phuket Thailand there are a few that become our go-to locations. Check out Kata, Kata Noi, Karon, and Nai Harn if you have the chance!
→ 15 Best Beaches in Phuket Thailand For Your Next Vacation
2. Phuket Sunset Above Kata Noi Beach
If you’re coming from Kata Beach, cruise the mountain road up towards Karon Viewpoint lookout. Here there is a strip of restaurants built into the hillside. While they all offer amazing views, we found ourselves heading to GU Bar Café and Restaurant and The Sundeck very often.
The Gu is more of a relaxed local vibe, whereas the Sundeck is more upscale. At both spots you’ll find fun music, music is fun, delicious local Thai food and drinks, and can’t miss views of the Phuket sunset!
→ 6 Fun Facts About Phuket’s Kata Noi Beach
3. Sunset in Phuket From the Big Buddha Hill
Driving or hiking up to the Big Buddha is easily one of the best things to do when visiting Phuket Thailand! The giant white marble statue can literally be seen from all over the Southern part of island. We recommend going to see Big Buddha first thing in the morning if you can.
However, on the road up to this Phuket monument, there are a few restaurants that have incredible views. By motorbike, it will only take a few short minutes to blast up the mountainside. So if you’re in the area stop on the hill leading up to the Big Buddha for dinner or snack and enjoy the sunset in Phuket Thailand.
→ How to Get to Big Buddha Phuket & Why It’s a Must Visit!
4. Sunset at the Phuket Windmill
This is an iconic spot to watch the Phuket sunset and you can tell how great it is by the number of people that show up here every night.
Even though it’s crowded, there should be plenty of room to grab your own slice of grassy hillside to enjoy the view. Often there is someone playing music, paragliders cruising through the sky, and of course the beautiful Phuket sunset going down before you.
We recommended bringing a small towel or blanket to sit on. Before claiming your spot, make sure to visit the top near the windmill where there is a small viewpoint. It also makes for the perfect place to go after spending the day at the surrounding beaches of Yanui and Nai Harn.
→ Nai Harn & Yanui: Discovering Two of Phuket’s Most Stunning Beaches
5. Phuket Sunset at Promthep Cape
Not far from the Phuket Windmill is the ever-so-popular Promthep Cape. Just like the windmill, you’ll quickly see why it draws the crowds for sunset time. Palm trees line the walkway which show off an expansive view of the cape and Phuket sunset in the distance.
Feeling a little adventurous? Make the short hike down to the Promthep Cape peninsula and get a different view from below! We loved having the option of the two Phuket sunset spots as the top viewing platform gets crowded on some nights.
→ Promthep Cape Sunset Guide: 2 Best Locations and Need to Know Tips
6. Cape Panwa Phuket Sunset
Originally when we made our list we didn’t have this sunset spot! While it’s one of the most popular on the island whenever we made the trip to this area either we went early in the morning.
We knew we couldn’t leave Phuket without visiting this famous sunset spot and wow was it worth it! There is the well-known Kao Khad viewpoint or another secret one to check out.
It isn’t online but there is a small bar (google location link) overlooking the area where you can pull up and grab a cheap drink or dinner from a local family. All while enjoying one of the best sunset spots on Phuket!
Where to Stay in Southern Phuket
5 Star Resort – The Shore At Katathani – Kata Noi – Ultra-luxury 5-star hotel offering rooms with private pools. Located on the far end of Kata Noi overlooking one of the best beaches on the island.
Ultra Luxury – The Nai Harn – Nai Harn Beach – Known as one of the nicest hotels in not just Phuket, but all of Thailand! Amazing beach and sea views from luxury rooms. If you ever want to leave you will be literally steps from the famous Nai Harn Beach.
Royal Experience – Mom Tri’s Villa Royale – Kata Noi– Once a home of the Royal family of Thailand, this converted residence is one of the most unique places to stay on Phuket.
Phuket’s First Hotel – The Memory at On On Hotel – Old Town – Built in 1927, the On On Hotel was constructed in the signature Sino-Portuguese style and retains its historical charm. It was even featured in the 2002 blockbuster “The Beach” with Leanardo DiCaprio.
Unique Stay – Roost Glamping – Yes you can go glamping in Phuket Thailand! These upscale tents are set around a gorgeous pool and the cafe serves up healthy tropical dishes.
Hostel Life: – Sino Hostel @ Kata – Hostels are very popular in Phuket and Sino is in a great location. Choose from dorms and private rooms as you use it as a base to see Kata Beach from.
For more of the best hotels in Phuket Thailand explore the latest prices here!
Where do you think offers the best sunset in Phuket Thailand? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Thailand Travel Planning
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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Helpful Thailand Articles
Phuket: Old Town Food Guide – Rawai – Elephant Sanctuary – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – Renting a Motorbike
Koh Phi Phi: Ferry from Phuket – 25 Things to Know – Maya Bay Private Tour – 3 Viewpoint Hike – Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Don Boat Tour
Koh Lanta: 10 Things to Do – 8 Best Beaches – One Day Motorbike
Railey Beach: 12 Things to Do – 3 Epic Beaches – Krabi to Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to Know – Bottle Beach Koh Phangan – Koh Tao 12 Things to Know – Freedom Beach Koh Tao – Koh Samui
More: Planning Thailand Trip – Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai