Located at the southernmost tip of Phuket past Nai Harn and Rawai beaches, Phromthep Cape (Laem Phromthrep) is the island's most popular and oft-photographed location. From the cliffs you can spy the most wondrous vista of the surrounding beaches and a gorgeous seaside lagoon. The spectacular fiery sunsets viewed from this point have earned the cape the moniker of Sunset Point.
The high cliff face and uninterrupted views of this jutting promontory make this a popular destination for a beautiful sunset photo opportunity for locals and visitors nightly. You can do the difficult trek down the promontory or join the crowds at the top to watch the nightly free show as the sun sets over the horizon. In the nearby area there's a busy carpark where the tour buses stop, souvenir stalls and a restaurant which affords a more leisurely view of the surrounds.
Once the sun has set a certain calm descends over the area as the majority of visitors capture their image and depart for the night. The cape also boasts a lighthouse with a mini museum of historical maritime artifacts plus access to views across the Andaman Sea to islands such as Ko Phi Phi, Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi from the outdoors viewing balcony. You'll also see an attractive shrine decorated with hundreds of multicoloured elephant statues and carvings in this picturesque spot.
To visit Phromthep Cape, it's a 30-minute trip by tuk-tuk or taxi from Patong Beach, or a 20-minute journey from Karon Beach. The general consensus for the best time to arrive at Phromthep Cape for sunset is around 6pm or a half-hour before the sun sets to avoid the crowds.
