Dear friends, our journey through Thailand continues! We departed the beautiful Santhiya Resort on Koh Yao Yai by speedboat, heading toward Ao Po Grand Marina Pier in Phuket. The ride itself was a scenic adventure; we grabbed front-row seats, which made for an extra bumpy (and splash-filled!) experience. Once we arrived at the pier, we booked a ride through Bolt, Thailand’s version of Uber. In fact, Bolt and Grab are the two main ride-hailing apps locals and travellers use to get around, aside from hiring a car or using public transport. The secret viewpoint we are headed to is very rural, so be sure to have a return ride booked before you set off, or you might find yourself stuck.
The journey from the marina to the viewpoint took just over an hour. The view we are about to get is usually reserved exclusively for guests at the upmarket Sametnangshe Boutique hotel. However, I am about to tell you how you can get the exact same view for 20 Thai Baht (60 U.S. cents/45 British pence).
Not only that, but the vehicle that showed up to pick us up at the pier was decked out; it was so fancy and at no extra charge. Now this is travelling in style...on a budget.
We arrived at Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel and let the warm, welcoming reception staff know we were there just to visit the Bay View café. They directed us to a small ticket desk where we paid 50 Thai Baht each—though it’s worth noting that 30 Baht is credited toward any food or drink at the café, so in reality, the access fee is just 20 Baht. A great deal for what’s to come.
While we waited, the helpful staff took our luggage and safely stored it in a locked room behind reception, freeing us up to fully enjoy the experience.
Soon, a songthaew truck rolled up to take us to the viewpoint. The ride? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. The hill was steep—really steep. You’ll need to hang on tight or risk an unplanned tumble into the dirt road. But as we climbed higher, the landscape opened up before us. And then, in an instant, the view revealed itself—utterly breathtaking. It was one of those rare moments where nature stuns you into silence.
As the songthaew reached the top of the hill, we were led to a set of rustic wooden stairs that climbed gently toward the café and viewpoint. With each step, anticipation built—and then, as we reached the final one, the landscape burst into full view in all its stunning glory. The best part? We practically had the entire place to ourselves.
A beautifully crafted circular nest sat perched near the edge of the platform, an irresistible photo spot that we, of course, couldn’t pass up. With the panoramic backdrop behind us, it brought a whole new meaning to the word scenic.
Due to the number of stairs, the viewpoint and café, unfortunately, aren't wheelchair accessible, a detail worth keeping in mind when planning travel in Thailand. My younger brother uses a wheelchair, so I’m always hyper-aware of my surroundings, constantly noting what is and isn’t accessible.
On this visit, I was with my friends Jess and Terrance, and we had an absolute blast. We snapped some incredible photos, laughed until our sides hurt, and even asked one of the few other visitors to help us capture a few fun group shots. It was one of those carefree moments you just want to bottle up and take home.
After filling our cameras and phones with countless photos and videos, it was time to refuel with some delicious food and drinks at the café. We had to make use of our 30 Thai Baht credit, of course—it would’ve been a crime not to! The menu was surprisingly extensive, packed with tempting options that made choosing a challenge.
As a vegan, I find Thailand to be one of the easiest places I’ve ever travelled to when it comes to food. There’s no shortage of vibrant, plant-based dishes and an abundance of fresh tropical fruit, something that always brings me back to my childhood growing up in Southeast Asia. Whenever I’m on this side of the world, I basically eat my body weight (twice over!) in juicy mangoes, pineapples, papayas, lychees, rambutans and all the sun-ripened goodness I can get my hands on.
After enjoying a meal that was as refreshing as it was revitalising, we lingered a while longer, catching up on life and sharing stories, made even sweeter by the most breathtaking backdrop imaginable. It was one of those moments you wish could stretch on forever. But eventually, it was time to move on and continue our journey through Thailand.
Next up: the enchanting Magical Mountain View Resort, which I’ll be sharing with you in the next blog in this travel series.
As we made our way back down the same wooden stairs we had climbed earlier, we spotted something we somehow missed on the way up, a charming little egg chair tucked off to the side. Naturally, this called for another impromptu photo opportunity! It actually reminded me of the one I have back home in my writer’s cottage, adding a cosy, familiar touch to an already magical place.
On the way up the hill, I was far too busy holding on for dear life in the back of the songthaew truck to even think about taking photos. But on the ride down, I mustered a bit more bravery and managed to capture a quick glimpse of the steep descent to share.
Before we knew it, we were back at the hotel’s reception, where we collected our bags and waited for our next ride, off to the Magical Mountain View Resort. This would be our base for the next few days as we explored the breathtaking landscapes of Khao Sok National Park.
The journey ahead continues…
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this hidden gem. Until next time, Vegoutt, everybody! 🌿✈️🌏
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