Black Rock Viewpoint – Pa Hin Dum (ผาหินดำ)

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Panoramic view in south of Phuket

The Black Rock Viewpoint offers an exceptional view of the southern part of Phuket Island and is considered one of the best viewpoints in Phuket. Accessing the viewpoint can be a bit challenging if you are not familiar with the area. A 4×4 car or a scooter is required to reach the parking area, and reaching the top of the hill where the Black Rock Viewpoint is located requires good physical condition.

After a 200-meter climb through the jungle, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the beautiful Nai Harn and Ya Nui beaches. Additionally, you can also see other notable viewpoints such as Windmill and Laem Promthep, as well as the neighboring islands. On a clear day, the view extends to Koh Racha, Koh Ae, Koh Mai Thon, the Phi Phi Islands, and Koh Lanta, provided the humidity is minimal.

How to get there: How to reach the viewpoint

To get to the Black Rock Viewpoint, look for the entrance between Karon Viewpoint and Nai Harn Beach. If you’re driving from Kata Beach towards Karon Viewpoint, you’ll find a dirt road 200 meters on the right past the popular Karon Viewpoint. If you’re coming from Nai Harn Beach towards Karon Viewpoint, the dirt road will be on your left, 200 meters before you reach Karon Viewpoint. Keep driving on the dirt road for 1 km until you reach the road leading to Nui Beach. When you get there, keep left and drive for 500 meters until you reach a granite rock with “PA HIN DUM” painted in white.

To reach Black Rock Viewpoint, also known as Pa Hin Dam in Thai, you must park your car or motorbike and take the small path on the left side of the road that leads into the jungle. The walk to the top is short, only about 15 minutes. Keep following the path as it climbs until you reach a barbed wire fence. Then, turn right and walk for about 6 minutes to reach the top. Once you’re there, you’ll be amazed by the outstanding view to the south of Phuket and the surrounding islands.

This quiet viewpoint is popular among passionate photographers who capture sunrises, sunsets, and even the Milky Way in some months of the year. If you visit for sunset or sunrise, please wear long pants and bring mosquito repellent and a headlamp, as the spot can be very dark. There are no drink sellers at the viewpoint, so bring a bottle of water or more to stay hydrated in the heat and humidity.

Before 2013, Black Rock Viewpoint was relatively unknown, and it was an unforgettable experience reaching the top as you had to climb through a thick jungle without knowing the correct direction, especially with heavy backpacks loaded with camera equipment. At the time, the dirt road leading to the viewpoint was super damaged, making the hike a thoughtful challenge, but the satisfaction of reaching the top made you feel like you were on top of the world. That was my experience!