Phang Nga Bay
Dozens of limestone islands.
TomMumuPangPangEmma — CC0 · Kamol2523 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · LidaHomas — CC BY-SA 4.0
One of southern Thailand's most stunning views: a hill in Phang Nga province overlooking the whole of Phang Nga Bay, where dozens of sheer green-cloaked limestone islands rise from calm water fringed by mangroves, with mountains fading into the distance layer after layer. It is most famous at dawn, when light mist hangs between the islands and golden light breaks from behind the mountains, so photographers and visitors arrive half an hour before sunrise. The hill has wooden viewing decks, a small cafe, and some glamping sites for those who want to stay and wake up to the view. A small token entry fee is charged; the final road to the top is very steep, and small trucks ferry visitors up from the car park for a fare. May to October is the Andaman rainy season, when the sea is rough and boat trips may be cancelled. It is about an hour's drive north of Phuket airport, so it makes an early-morning trip that can be combined with a boat tour of Phang Nga Bay. Skies are clearest from November to April.
Dozens of limestone islands.
Between islands and mountains.
To wake up to the view.
Takua Thung, Phang Nga, about an hour north of Phuket airport
Yes: dawn is what sets it apart, with mist and golden light. At midday it is still pretty but hot and less magical.