Promthep Cape
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Timings : All Day
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Promthep Cape, Phuket Overview
The most well-known and photographed location on Phuket, Promthep Cape lies on the southernmost tip of Phuket, ahead of Rawai Beach. Popularly known as ‘Laem Promthep’ or ‘God’s Cape’, it is much more than just a tourist location to take photos. Promthep Cape has a sweeping view over the southeast and east of this island. It also has an air-conditioned lighthouse, which is also a museum.
This lighthouse museum affords the most spectacular views sweeping over the east and southeast of the island, from its balcony. If the day is clear you can see as far as Phi Phi Islands, Koh Racha Noi and Koh Racha Yai from the balcony of this lighthouse. Although you don’t trek down to the end of the Cape’s promontory, a stroll around the viewing platform is enough to witness a spectacular sunset or sunrise view.
It is also a great place to pose for pictures with the vast open vistas all around. There are handicraft stores and some food stalls near the car park, where you can pick up a souvenir. Though the tourist buses, crowds and noise, particularly during peak season can sometimes be a bit annoying, it is still worth a visit for its stunning views. Whether it’s to see a sunset, sunrise or mesmerising view of the stars at night, Promthep Cape is a must-visit destination.
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Sightseeing in Promthep Cape
The best thing to see in Promthep Cape is the view. You can get a great look from the viewing point, but an even better one from the lighthouse balcony or the Cape’s promontory. The Andaman Sea is mostly clear, and you can see Koh Racha, Yai Noi and Phi Phi Islands from here on most days. You can also see close islands like Koh Kaew, which is home to a Buddhist monastery.
Buddhist Shrine
A set of stairs leads up to the viewpoint of the car park. You have to walk up these steps. Here there is a Buddhist shrine which has a Buddhists Altar, surrounded by brass elephant statues and carvings. This is worth visiting, and if you are devout, you can even pray here.
Lighthouse
The lighthouse on Promthep Cape also known as Kanchanaphisek Lighthouse was built in 1996 to celebrate King Rama XI’s Golden Jubilee. It is 200 feet high lighthouse that is also a museum that houses essential historical maritime artefacts. These are also worth checking out; it might even give you a respite from the sun.
Dirt Path
There the actual pathway to the edge of the Cape is a dirt path leading down which is shielded by a small concrete wall. If you have the nerve, you can venture right to the edge of the Cape
Promthep Cape Restaurant
Though it’s best to dine here at sunset, you also eat here during the day, provided you make a reservation and get one of the few tables in the shaded section of the restaurant, or you are okay with the sun beating down your back.
Facilities
The restaurant has ample parking space and reasonable prices. Known for its seafood and platters, the restaurant has some other meats and vegetarian options as well.
Must Try
Lobsters and Prawns are the best crustaceans on the menu while the steamed sea bass in lemon sauce and the catfish salad are the signature dishes of this restaurant.
Tips
The waiters are polite and cheerful, and the service is generally fast. The late afternoon tables here are most in-demand, as many people want to sit down and enjoy looking at a beautiful sunset with a chilled drink.
Promthep Cape Market
- There is a handicrafts store by the car park that has some intricate and authentic local items. You can pick up a Thai memento from here to remember your trip to Promthep Cape.
- There are also a bunch of stalls set out in a row that sell T-shirts, hats, wallets shells, sarongs, beachwear, toys, souvenirs and much more. Branded with the Promthep Cape logo these items are very touristy.
- Amongst these tourist shops is a mini-mart, while most of the others are a souvenir or beach type shops.
- Also, all along the way that leads to the car park, there are many street food shops. They sell a wide range of finger food and a few local delicacies.
- You also get plenty of drinks consisting of fruit shakes, juices. But the best thing to have in the heat here is a fresh Coconut.
- Remember to bargain at both these places, though the stalls will probably be more open to bargaining.
How to Reach Promthep Cape
By Tour Bus
You can become a part of an existing tour, which will save you the hassle of booking something and will also turn out more economical.
By Taxi
You can take a taxi from Phuket City to Promthep Cape to travel comfortably, but this will be an expensive affair. Depending on where you stay, it will easily cost you at least THB 500 to THB 600 for a round trip.
By GRAB
If need a taxi, use the mobile app GRAB which is very similar to UBER, to get a better price, or even share the cab to Promthep Cape.
By Rental Car
Cars are available for hire for the day from many places in the city. But for this, you have to have an International licence. It’s a cheap option at around THB 200 to THB 300, plus fuel.
By Rental Bike
You can also rent a bike for the day from Phuket city, again provided you have an International licence. This will be cheaper at around THB 150 per day and is only suitable for those who manage to ride on the uneven Thai terrain.
Visitor Tips
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat along with lose clothes as it is bound to be scorching outdoors.
- Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip as there would be a lot of footwork.
- Be cautious while taking children as the path to the viewpoint platform is quite dangerous.
- Don’t take children to the edge of the Cape on the dirt path, as this is a dangerous spot that has witnessed fatal accidents.
- Carry a camera and use it wisely.
- If taking a private cab, use the coupons on GRAB to get a better deal.
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