For most people that come to Thailand, Samet Nangshe is not on their list of places to go.
While they are certainly missing out, I’m not complaining. Part of the beauty of this place is that it does not attract a lot of tourists. While it has become more popular in recent years, it is not yet tainted with hundreds of people all trying to take the same picture or block your perfect view. However, if you are reading this and planning to go to Thailand, I highly recommend you put this on your list of places to go. Samet Nangshe is located in between Phangnga and Phuket and will take about an hour by motorbike. Upon arrival you are required to pay a 30 Baht (about $1) entrance fee. If you do decide to make the trip, here what you need to know before visiting Samet Nangshe Viewpoint:
Wear Tennis Shoes
Prior to my trip to Samet Nangshe I read about a “10-15 minute walk” that made you “have to really work” to get to the viewpoint. I mocked this person. A 10-15 minute walk, I questioned. How lazy are these people, I asked. Correction: 10-15 minute trek up a “hill” at 90-degree angle. I may be exaggerating a bit, but not much. While it does only take about 10-15 minutes to the first viewpoint, it is an extremely steep hill and sandals are not ideal. However, if you’re feeling lazy, there is a truck that will drive you up the hill for 60 Baht (about $2). I chose to walk in my sandals…impressive or stupid? You decide.
Camp
Samet Nangshe is beautiful at any time of the day or night, but in my opinion, it is most breathtaking at sunset and sunrise, which makes camping the perfect option to see both. You are able to rent a tent upon arrival for just 350 Baht (about $11) or a little wooden hut for 450 Baht (about $14). We were unaware of the latter option, so we ended up with a tent, but if I went back I would definitely spring for the wooden hut. Considering it is Thailand, you should count on it raining at some point during the night. It rained for about two hours when we were there and soaked everything in our tent…good times. Luckily, there was an abandon hut with no walls that we were able to hide out in during the rain.
BYOB
Bring your own beer. We found out the hard way that Samet Nangshe is located in a Muslim town which means there is nowhere to buy alcohol. And I feel like alcohol is kind of a necessity when camping, but I mean maybe that’s just me. There are a couple of options to buy snacks, but your options are also a bit limited, so I would suggest bringing your own snacks as well. There’s not even a 7 Eleven close by, which is saying a lot considering there are 7 Eleven’s on every corner in Thailand. Shout out to the group of Thai people that shared their feast with us unprepared fa rangs, we appreciate you.
Up until this past weekend, I had never been camping before.
After this weekend, I am truly impressed with the people who camp at Coachella every year. I am pretty positive I smelled and looked highly unattractive after camping for less than 24 hours, so props to the people who can camp for 3 days and attend a music festival. The mud, the rain, and the trek will all be worth it when you see the view, I promise. Don’t forget to put Samet Nangshe on your list of places to go when you head to Thailand, you won’t regret it!
~Tar
No mention of Lattes or Frappuccinos I like it even more. I’m sending my family there.
Hey Tarah,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We would be in paradise by March and your words are really inspiring me to consider camping here
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Hope you make your way there, it’ll be worth it!
haha some perfect points! Comfort and beer should be on the top of everyones list! My friend is actually headed to Thailand in a few days so I will spread the word if she plans on going here 🙂
Always top on my list haha I hope your friend has the time to make it here!
Oh this is lovely, if it is not too crowded then that’s more fantastic. Guests will have more privacy and peace of mind while touring.
The less people the better!
Totally my kinda place! I love non-touristy places where most people don’t go and I love to trek!!! So, thanks for this. Hopefully I’ll venture to Thailand sometime in future!!!
Sounds perfect for you, I hope you make it there!
This is such a gorgeous view! totally worth the hike and time it would take to get there. Love it!
The view is even better in person!
Those views are incredible!!! I will definitely head to plan my own journey there soon.
😀
The view really is amazing! Let me know if you have any other questions when planning your trip there!
Your photos are gorgeous! I can’t believe that one of you isn’t photoshopped, but I’ll take your word for it! And I think it’s impressive that you walked in your sandals. Sounds like a great experience!
Thank you so much! Haha I know it really does look photoshopped, I was laughing when I got home and found that one one my camera!
This post is so handy, I’m travelling to Thailand in a couple of months for the first time, and I had no idea that this place existed! The views are fantastic, definitely something to consider for my itinerary!
I’m glad you found it helpful! If you make your way there, let me know if you have any other questions!
Loved the portrait of the smiling lady! Traveling to Thailand and I must say this is extremely useful. Camping here would be blissful!
I’m glad you found it useful!
Hey thank you so much for sharing, my friend and I are actually contemplating on making an over-night trip here pretty soon however we’re a little skeptical over it. Would it be possible if we could bring out our own tents instead of renting one there? And how were the facilities like, if you don’t mind my asking haha
Hey Suji! You should absolutely visit Samet Nangshe, truly one of my favorite places I’ve been! I’m sure you could bring your own tent, but I think they might still charge you to stay over night…Not 100% sure about that though! Haha there was a bathroom, but like most in Thailand…it’s a squatty potty haha but manageable for one night of course! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi, The post is very helpful. Well, I have booked “Sametnangshe Boutique” tent, is this the same one which you have written in the post or a different one. I guess there are two different tent points Sametnangshe resort and Sametnangshe Boutique, correct me if i’m wrong.
I’m glad you found the post helpful! To be honset, I’m not sure what the difference is between the two! I hope you had a great trip!
Hey Tara! I’m actually going to stay at the Sametnashe Botique which is just next door and has tents already set up for you and full hotel amenities like bathrooms, restaurants, etc… which is great because I can’t do the full camping experience, haha. I’m just wondering did you actually do the 60 minute scooter drive from Phang Nga?
Wow that sounds nice! Sorry for the late response, but yes I actually did the 60 minute scooter drive from Phang Nga! I had been riding my scooter for over a month before making the drive though, so I would recommend being fairly savvy on your scooter before taking it for a distance ride! Best of luck :)!