Promthep Cape is the most Southern point in Phuket. It offers a large park like area with a lighthouse and cobblestone courtyards, a paved roadway and view point area and an extreme terrain path to trek out to the Southern point. Along the coast and out to the point are rocky shores constantly being bombarded with rough surf, small whirlpools and a rip tide that makes the area a place where you can never swim. During a storm in fact you can see huge 3 meter waves roll in at the point and crash into each other out in the open water.
When you first arrive at Promthep Cape it seems like any other park area in Phuket that is geared towards tourism. There are many stalls and restaurants lining the street and there is a large gift shop next to the stairs before heading up into the park area. There are large signs stating there is no smoking or drinking in the area and of course various images of the king are found around the area.
Once you walk up the stairs you come to an open area where you can head in different directions. If you head right you pretty much end up walking along the cliff top and around the edge. There is a stone wall around the edge so no need to worry about falling. You can view the ocean and the surrounding islands simply by walking up to the wall and looking over and in some spots you will find flat areas where the wall has been removed making them ideal locations to get some pics of the point or to snap a selfie on a cliff edge while still being safe.
If you head left you come up into a courtyard that is paved with cobblestones. There you will see many sculptures of elephants and a path to head over to the lighthouse area. There is another path that will take you down to a roadway running the cliffs edge. The lighthouse area is a nice spot in the morning, if you sit in the right spot the sun rises up directly behind the lighthouse giving an aura effect.
If you head down the path to the road that runs the cliff edge and make a left you can walk a good distance on flat even pavement and enjoy the views. This is a great area if you are into walking or jogging especially in the morning. There is always a nice breeze and many enthusiasts are around from about 6 am making the area particularly safe even if you are a single woman out for a run.
As you walk down the road if you keep an eye on the wall you will see a break in it. Here you can walk through and start the trek out to the Southern point. If you decide to take this trek you should be wearing decent shoes and have some water with you.
As you start the trek you will notice the ground is uneven, it is covered in lose gravel like dirt and it is easy to slip. Mind your step as you proceed through the vegetation. There are points where you feel like you are walking through a jungle but keep following the path you will eventually come clear of the vegetation and into another clearing. There are several areas where the ground has eroded into step like ledges. This is not an activity for someone who has mobility issues.
Above is a full video of walking out to the Southern point at Promthep Cape. As you can see from the video it is a fair distance and there is a bit of climbing involved. For at least half the walk you are fully exposed to the sun so wear a strong sunblock. Do not attempt to make this trek after dark or before sunrise. At these times there is a higher tide, visibility is poor even with a flashlight, there are nocturnal animals that you do not want to disturb and the ground becomes more slippery with condensation from the air. If you have a heart condition, are prone to heat stroke or are in poor physical shape I would not attempt this trek. Another thing to always be mindful of is if there are any storms in the area. I have been stuck out on the point in a storm and it was one of the scariest things I ever had to sit through. I pretty much hugged a tree and prayed that the waves didn't wash me off the top of the rocks I was stuck on. The entire path I needed to walk to get back became flooded out in minutes and the wave size increased to a point that they were flowing over the path on the lower areas. Had there been lightning I would have been a sitting duck.
Promthep Cape is a great place to visit and one of my favorite places to go hiking in Phuket. The waters there remind me of just how unforgiving the ocean can be. The rock formations look almost like an alien landscape. The views are amazing and there is a feeling of accomplishment when you reach the end of the point.
I recommend this activity to anyone who is looking for a little adventure and wants to do something out of the ordinary in Phuket. It is suitable for children if they are with a capable adult and are watched over carefully. I do not recommend this if you are or have been drinking, can not swim or generally are afraid of water.
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Happy travelling to Phuket and beyond! There are more interesting articles to come. Thanks for reading and showing your support.
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