There’s a reason people chase sunrises and sunsets. Watching the sun kiss the horizon is more than just a beautiful sight—it’s a grounding experience. It’s nature’s quiet reminder that a day has ended or a new one is beginning. In those fleeting moments, we’re given the chance to pause, reflect, and simply be present.
And once you’ve found that special spot where the sun’s rays gently touch your surroundings, the beauty of the moment can sweep you off your feet. From remote peaks to coastal hideaways, here are some of the best places in Thailand to witness the natural rhythms of the sun.
Pha Kep Ta Wan
Where: Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima
Best For: Sunrise & Sunset
Tip: Need to get out of the city? It’s a four-hour drive from Bangkok or Pattaya—the perfect escape into nature.
Situated between two national parks, Wang Nam Khiao earned itself the moniker “Switzerland of Thailand.” Known for its cool climate, organic farming, and laid-back lifestyle, it has long been a favorite among Bangkok office workers seeking a quick respite from the urban sprawl.
Pha Kep Ta Wan is located inside Thap Lan National Park. The name translates to “Sunset Cliff,” but it is the perfect place for watching both the sunrise and sunset. The area has road access and features bathrooms, as well as a small convenience shop operated by the park. Known for its crisp, cool air, panoramic views, and magical mountain mist, this is the no-fuss spot to enjoy the sun’s journey as it floods light into the valley below.
Help replenish the forest naturally by taking part in a park-led conservation effort. Notice the sturdy wooden slingshots situated around the viewing area. Grab some seed bombs (clay balls with native plant seeds) and fire away.
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
Where: Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai
Best For: Sunrise
Pro Tip: The drive to Phu Chi Fa from Chiang Rai is half the adventure—rent a car and take your time, stopping at hill tribe villages and soaking in the winding mountain views.
Situated two hours from the artsy, tea-loving city of Chiang Rai on the Thai-Laos border is the Phu Chi Fa mountain peak. It is an accessible yet still off-the-beaten-path option for those seeking a little adventure in their lives. Once you arrive at the trailhead, allow at least 45 minutes to reach the viewing point. The hike is suitable for people with average fitness levels.
Phu Chi Fa translates to “Mountain That Points to the Sky,” and once you’re up there, you’ll see why. If you’re lucky and manage to wake up early enough, you might catch a glimpse of the famous sea of fog—a dense layer of low-lying clouds or mist that forms in the valleys below. Watch as the first light of day gently melts the mist away, revealing the landscape beneath.
The night sky is equally as breathtaking here. If you’re a morning person or thinking of pulling an all-nighter, come when it’s still dark to catch the stars before they fade away.
Please remember to bring water and snacks, as they won’t be available for purchase once you begin your hike. As it’s a local favorite, try to avoid weekends and holidays if you’re hoping for a quieter experience.
Khao Daeng View Point
Where: Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Best For: Sunrise
Pro Tip: Consider bypassing Hua Hin in favor of a quieter stay in Sam Roi Yot—a sleepy beach town with all your amenities.
Most people know Hua Hin, but not much about the area that surrounds it. Prachuap Khiri Khan Province remains underrated, mainly, but it offers a wealth of secluded beaches, abundant wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. The Khao Daeng View Point is an hour south of Hua Hin, nestled above sleepy fishing villages still largely untouched by tourism.
Be sure to grab a bite at a roadside mom-and-pop shop on your way to Sam Roi Yot National Park. Once there, prepare yourself for a moderately challenging hike to the top. While the hike to the top takes about 20 minutes on average, the trail is known for being rocky, uneven, and steep in certain sections. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes; sandals won’t be suitable for this one. Despite the difficulty, all your worries will fade away when you get to witness one of the best coastal views in the area. Watch the day come to a close as the sun travels across stunning views of limestone peaks, coastal plains, shrimp farms, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Where: Takua Thung District, Phang Nga
Best For: Sunrise & Sunset
Pro Tip: Treat yourself to a night at Samet Nangshe Boutique Resort and take in both the sunrise and sunset.
Situated 800 meters above the turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay, the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is well worth the excursion. Look below as the lush mangrove forests intertwine with the rivers and streams. Or set your gaze out into the karst-studded bay as fishermen navigate their way through the maze of limestone formations in their traditional long-tail boats.
The viewpoint sits above Khlong Khian, a small town not known for tourism. Right between Phuket and Phang Nga City, it takes about an hour to reach by car from either direction. The hike to the top is short but steep. It can be slippery at times and is primarily composed of gravel. Depending on your pace, it takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Alternatively, a shuttle service is available, costing approximately 90 baht for a round trip.
Many people choose to experience Phang Nga Bay by boat, but watching the sun rise and set across the expansive and pristine bay is an experience you’ll never forget. Despite the detour, it will be well worth your time.
Doi Inthanon
Where: Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai
Best For: Sunrise
Pro Tip: Don’t rush your visit. Stay overnight at one of the area’s cozy homestays and support the local community.
Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, making it a must-visit when traveling through Chiang Mai. Located in Doi Inthanon National Park, view the sunrise above the clouds while breathing in Thailand’s crisp mountain air. Watch as the sun lights up the forest below, illuminating its soft pink, orange, and golden hues. At 2,565 meters, treat yourself to a cinematic view of Thailand’s north. The vast landscape of mountainous terrain hits you with the kind of presence you didn’t know you needed. Far from the crowds and heat of the city, experience a moment of tranquillity as you ponder what the new day will bring.
Do yourself a favor and book a guide who will be there from dawn to dusk. They know the park best and can provide you with a local perspective. Once the sun has risen, continue your day by visiting the stunning twin pagodas. Afterward, enjoy some shopping at the hill tribe market before relaxing at one of the park’s many waterfalls.
Promthep Cape
Where: Rawai District, Phuket
Best For: Sunset
Pro Tip: Walk down the rocky path toward the cape’s tip for a quieter, more dramatic view.
Promthep Cape has long been a favorite local hangout, but these days, it’s become the unofficial go-to spot for sunset watching in Phuket. Tucked away at the southernmost tip of the island near Rawai Beach, it offers a peaceful escape from the buzz that Phuket is known for.
Before making your way down to the rugged headland, take a moment to soak in the scene near the Laem Phra Chao Lighthouse. Locals gather here at the end of the day—catching up, snacking, and strolling as the light begins to fade. With ample parking and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a place where community and calm come together.
Once you venture down the rocky trails, you’ll find quiet pockets along the cape to settle in. From here, watch as the sun slips into the ocean, casting a golden glow over the scattered islands in the distance. The coastline lights up in bold hues of orange and gold, while the sound of waves crashing below and the fresh ocean breeze remind you to breathe.
It’s a moment of stillness, of beauty—the kind of reset we could all use.
Please note that a small fee is required for entry into national parks in Thailand, typically ranging from 200 to 400 baht.