Promthep Cape (Laem Phromthep)

The basics

While the colorful elephant statues at the shrine make great photos, and the bizarre modernist lighthouse, shaped like a robotic crab topped with a gilded spire, is interesting to look at, travelers mainly come to Cape Promthep for the views over the water. You can visit on a Phuket day tour by scooter, by tuk-tuk, or in air-conditioned comfort; swing by independently to catch the sunset; admire the cape from below on a catamaran cruise; or enjoy dinner with a view at the restaurant.

Things to know before you go

• Cape Promthep is a must for Instagrammers and nature photographers.
• The top of Cape Promthep can get very crowded at sunset. Head down the rocky headland or eat at the restaurant for a less hectic experience.
• Stalls in the parking area sell food, drinks, and souvenirs.
• The main Cape Promthep viewpoint is accessed by stairs from the parking lot. It’s not adapted for travelers who use wheelchairs.

How to get there

Cape Promthep protrudes into the ocean in southern Phuket, about an 11-mile (18-kilometer) drive southwest from Phuket Old Town. It’s easy to access from the main coastal road, but many travelers prefer to join a tour rather than drive themselves.

When to get there

Big buses, smaller tour groups, and independent travelers alike flood to Promthep Cape in the early evening to see the sunset. For views without the crowds, go early in the morning.

Phuket’s best viewpoints

A mountainous island, Phuket offers a wealth of viewpoints to choose from. The 148-foot (45-meter) Chalong Big Buddha perches atop a hill with 360-degree views over southern Phuket. The Karon View Point delivers a gorgeous vista of three curving beaches: Kata Noi Beach, Kata Yai Beach, and Karon Beach. Or watch sailboats, longtails, catamarans, and more gliding across Chalong Bay from the Kao Khad Views Tower viewing platform.