Cape Panwa - Khao Khad Viewpoint

Phuket offers tourists and visitors some fascinating opposites. The west coast is laden with restaurants, bars and nightclubs, yet a few yards away you can be in a tiny little tranquil oasis on a beach. Flipping over to the east coast, Cape Panwa is one of Phuket's hidden gems that all too often gets overlooked on an holidaymaker's 'to-do' list, although the peacefulness makes the Cape what it is - perfect.

Winding your way through tiny little traditional villages from the maze of Phuket Town, heading towards Khao Khad Viewpoint you are blissfully unaware of what 'view' you will see. There is a large parking lot which is eerily empty and a set of steps which you sigh at initially, especially in the heat of the day. The climb up to the top is worth it. The tower has 360 degree panoramic views of what is possibly the finest scenery on the whole island.

On a clear day you can see Koh Phi Phi, which is 40km away and many closer limestone protrusions coming out of the emerald green sea. Chalong Bay is a photographers dream, with its icy blue waters, white sands, a sunset to-die-for and lush green mountains. Spin around and you can see the iconic Big Buddha statue towering high above the villages below it. Being such a peaceful and tranquil place, there are many opportunities to see kites, eagles and even monkeys.

It really is a blast of nature at its finest. Even with some hotels popping up nearby on Cape Panwa, the serenity is never interrupted. If you tire from the gaggle of tourists in the more hectic places in Phuket, hire a car or take a taxi to the quieter regions. Khao Khad Viewpoint is a must for those who appreciate tropical views, calmness and observing wildlife in its rawest state.