Avatar Sunrise Tour: Samet Nangshe or Beyond Skywalk from Phuket

Sunrise over Phang Nga Bay

The minivan collects you from your hotel well before dawn so you reach the viewpoint in time for first light. From above, the bay looks like a scene from the film Avatar: dozens of jungle-covered karst islands rising from mist and mangroves. After sunrise there is breakfast and free time for photos and video.

The rest of the morning

Next comes a ride on a traditional Thai longtail boat through the mangroves of Phang Nga Bay. You see James Bond Island and Koh Talu from the water, pass the stilt village of Koh Panyee, the main sea gypsy settlement in the area, and stop at one of the caves in the bay. Back on land, the minivan heads towards Phuket with two photo stops: the beach at the end of the airport runway where planes fly low overhead, and Ma Doo Bua café with its pond of giant water lilies.

Samet Nangshe or Beyond Skywalk: which to choose

Both options follow the same route after sunrise; the difference is where you greet the day and how you have breakfast. Samet Nangshe viewpoint is the classic lookout with a wide panorama over the bay, and breakfast comes as a lunch box. Beyond Skywalk is a modern glass bridge with a panoramic view, and breakfast is served in its restaurant — a good choice if you want more comfort and a sit-down meal after the early start.

Who it suits and tips

This Phang Nga sunrise tour has no speedboat transfers and is marked as suitable during pregnancy; just tell our manager about it when booking. Children are welcome and have their own rate. Bring a light jacket for the pre-dawn hours, a charged phone or camera, sunscreen for the boat ride and comfortable shoes. Timing and the order of stops are approximate and may be adjusted by the guide.