Samet Nangshe is a viewpoint on the mainland north-east of Phuket, in Phang Nga, known for its view over mangroves and the karst islands of Phang Nga Bay. On land you see that view from one hilltop. From a helicopter you see the whole scene from above, with channels winding through the mangroves and limestone islands rising from the bay. One route on the Phuket hub flies there.
That route is the Phuket Samet Nangshe 30-Minute Helicopter Tour. In about 30 minutes, the route heads north over the countryside, mangroves and tidal waterways, crosses to the mainland over rubber plantations and reaches Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, with the karst islands of Phang Nga Bay beyond. It returns south past the Sarasin Bridge. A seat costs from THB 18,900.
For a longer flight deeper into the bay, the Phuket Phang Nga Bay 40-Minute Helicopter Tour crosses open water to James Bond Island and the Koh Panyee floating village, in about 40 minutes and from THB 25,900 per seat. Samet Nangshe itself is on the shorter mainland route.
The route is fixed, but weather or air traffic control can change it, and the pilot makes the final call on weather and safety, with a final weather check 2 to 3 hours before departure. Between Phuket and the viewpoint the landscape changes quickly, from farmland to mangroves and then to the islands, so the flight shows much more than the view from the hilltop alone.
Every tour starts and ends at the helipad near Phuket airport, where guests can use the helipad lounge, and your check-in time is confirmed after booking. Arrive at least 20 minutes before that time for the mandatory safety briefing. Hotel transfers are included only if listed in your booking confirmation. Tours allow no luggage beyond small personal items such as a handbag, and only bottled water is allowed on board; phones and cameras are welcome.
Each tour is sold by the seat, in a six-passenger helicopter with emergency floats and noise-cancelling headsets. On a shared flight you may fly with other guests, and the crew assigns the seats. To fly private, you book all 6 seats, and the whole helicopter is yours.
No minimum age is stated; children under 2 sit on a parent’s lap, children under 12 must fly with an adult, and pregnant passengers need a medical certificate. There is no free cancellation: cancelling more than 3 days before departure costs 25% of the fare, from 3 days to 3 hours before costs 50%, and later cancellations or no-shows pay the full fare. Rebooking is free more than 24 hours before departure. If the flight is cancelled for weather or safety, you can rebook free of charge or get a full refund (bank fees may be deducted).
Flights run all year, during daylight hours. In the rainy green season from about May, showers usually come in short bursts in the late afternoon, so morning flights are best, and the rain clears the haze for sharp views. To see the mangroves and karsts from above, book the 30-minute Samet Nangshe tour.
Se Samet Nangshe Viewpoint från luften: Phuket · Phuket Samet Nangshe 30-Minute Helicopter Tour.