Famous for its sandy white beaches, tranquil waters and vibrant nightlife, Phuket is one of the most visited places in Thailand and receives millions of tourists every year. What many may not know, however, is that Phuket is also a hilly place and has many great viewpoints and hills where you can get incredible panoramic views of the entire island and see it from great heights!

What better way is there to feel captivated and inspired by wondrous Thailand than from the top? So prepare your cameras and get ready to reach your peak with the top five hills and viewpoints in Phuket:

1. Karon Viewpoint

‘Ain’t no hill high enough’ when you catch the view at the top of Karon Viewpoint. Karon Viewpoint is a great place to visit as you can get unique angles of three spots in Phuket: the Kata Noi Beach, Kata Yai Beach and Karon Beach. Take in all the views from this viewpoint and feel captivated by panoramic Phuket. It’s probably one of the most visited ones in Phuket, so be prepared for throngs of tourists, tour guides and souvenir peddlers.

Where: 4233 Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

2. The Big Buddha

Close to Wat Chalong, you will also find one of the most revered landmarks of Phuket: the Big Buddha. A 45-meter-tall white marble statue of the Buddha that stretches 25 meters across the base, it is definitely quite a sight to behold. It’s a great place to learn about the role of Buddhism in Thailand, and be inspired by Buddhists paying their respects, or even non-Buddhists who are here to take in the peace and calm of the place. Walk around the Big Buddha and you will be surprised to find a magnificent view of Phuket and Kata Beach from the summit as well.

Guests of Club Med Phuket can join a half-day excursion to these Phuket attractions: the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong and Wat Luang Pu, home of the oldest living monk in Thailand.

Where: Soi Yot Sane 1, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

3. Promthep Cape

There is no better way to take in all of nature’s sights and be at one with the sea than by visiting Promthep Cape in the southern tip of the island. The sunset view here is arguably the best on the island, and you can enjoy the most photo-worthy view of it by walking down the small dirt path to the tip of the cape, where there are fewer people.

The cape is a small peninsula with a large viewing area and is multi-tiered, which means it can accommodate quite a few people at once. You will get magnificent views of the cape, Nai Harn Beach, the Andaman Sea as well as neighbouring islands of Kok Kaeo and Koh Racha.

At the top of the hill, you will also find an elephant shrine and a lighthouse which you can climb up from inside to venture beyond your world and get a feel of what locals in the area experience living by this seaside. With plenty of parking for visitors, this place gets busy at sunset so do try going in the morning or afternoon instead.

Where: Laem Promthep, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

4. Windmill Viewpoint

If you happen to like hang gliding and model airplanes, Windmill Viewpoint is a great place to be for its thermals! Otherwise, bring along a picnic blanket and settle down for a spectacular sea and sunset view, making this a memorable moment in Phuket to get much-needed peace and calm and discover your inner self.

Where: Wisit Road, Rawai, Muang, 83100, Thailand

5. Radar Hill

Another amazing viewpoint to visit in Phuket is Radar Hill. Even though this is the highest viewpoint in Phuket, it is not as crowded as it takes a while to get to. However, if you’re up for a challenge and want to experience Phuket off the beaten track, this is a must-visit for its unique, panoramic views. Located above Patong Beach, you will get a splendid view of the landscape, the beach and Chalong Bay. The best part about its exclusivity is the journey to get there is in itself an adventure as you will get to meet one of the oldest men in the world on the way there: the monk Luang Pu Supah.

Where: Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83120, Thailand