Bottle Beach viewpoint is arguably the best view in Koh Phangan. It sits atop a massive rock that peeks out from the canopy and looks over Bottle Beach and the valley below.
Most people hike up to the viewpoint from the beach, but hiking in from the road is a much quicker and easier way to get there. That’s what we did, and we put together this guide to Bottle Beach Viewpoint to share all the details about the best way to get there and what to expect along the way.
Bottle Beach Viewpoint Complete Guide
The Bottle Beach Viewpoint Trail is a short 15-minute hike through a relatively flat trail. As you get closer to the viewpoint, the trail narrows and goes up through some trees and over roots. Once you reach the viewpoint, you will need to use your hands to scramble up the rocks to get on top of the massive rocky peak.
We did the hike in slippers, but I recommend wearing shoes when you visit the Bottle Beach viewpoint. Even though shoes are not necessarily needed for the hike, once you climb up onto the rocks for the viewpoint, you need to have a solid grip due to the uneven surface. Wearing shoes will help with that.
Another important thing to consider is the weather. Attempting this in the rain would be downright reckless. The risk of slipping is too high. There are no barriers or anything to catch you if you lose your footing on the viewpoint, and if you do, it’s a long way down.
Standing at the top of the viewpoint can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re afraid of heights. The Bottle Beach viewpoint height is 200 meters above sea level, and steep drops surround you on all sides. There’s little room for error on top of the viewpoint. If you’re not confident in your balance or footing, it’s best to skip this hike altogether.
How to get to Bottle Beach Viewpoint
The easiest way to get to the Bottle Beach viewpoint is to navigate to the Bottle Beach Scooter Parking. A short trail to the viewpoint begins at this location. From this point, it is only a 15-minute hike over mild terrain to get to the viewpoint. This is the way that we took to get to Bottle Beach viewpoint.
The paved road ends slightly before the map location below. From there, the road turns to dirt. We parked where the paved road ended and walked up the dirt road for about 5 minutes to get to the trail entrance. Another option is to ride up the dirt road and park right at the trail entrance. Once you start on the trail, the Bottle Beach viewpoint is a short 15-minute hike.
Bottle Beach Viewpoint: Our Experience
As we walked up the road, I kept an eye open for the narrow trail entrance off to the side. But to my surprise, we came upon a sign that clearly marked the Bottle Beach viewpoint’s entrance.
We followed the trail into the bushes and didn’t have a hard time. It was mostly flat with a few inclines, but nothing too difficult, even for novice hikers.
For how short it was, it was actually a fun little hike. The trail is a fun mix of terrain and changes quickly so it’s not boring at all.
Once we climbed up onto the rocks, we began to catch a glimpse of the panoramic views below. Beyond the sheer drops on either side of us, we could see down to Bottle Beach. It looked so far and I was surprised that we were so high.
But being up on the rocky peak was extremely precarious. I’ve hiked over many knife-edge ridges in Hawaii, and those felt safer than being up on Bottle Beach viewpoint. At least the ridges have something to hold onto. But if you slip off the rocks at Bottle Beach viewpoint, there is absolutely nothing to grab onto. You’ll just tumble off the rock into the trees below. Hopefully not too far.
I’ve seen photos of people just sitting on top of the viewpoint and hanging out. For me, it’s sort of the place where you just go to check out, and then get off of it.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
Although Koh Phangan is a small island, choosing where to stay isn’t straightforward, especially for first-time visitors. The island has several areas, each offering different experiences.
During our 10 days in Koh Phangan, we stayed in four different areas and covered all sides of the island. This gave us a solid understanding of what each location has to offer in terms of accommodation, atmosphere, and accessibility.
Here’s our take on the different areas to stay in Koh Phangan and what to expect from each one.
- Haad Rin: Home to the infamous Full Moon Party, Haad Rin is the place for nightlife. The entire area revolves around the party scene, with bars, clubs, and hostels catering to those looking to drink and dance until sunrise. If you’re looking for a social, high-energy atmosphere, Haad Rin is the place to be.
- Baan Tai / Thong Sala: Baan Tai and Thong Sala are centrally located to the rest of the island and are the most convenient base if you plan to explore Koh Phangan by motorbike. While Baan Tai and Thong Sala don’t have much in terms of sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, markets, and essential services there.
- Thong Nai Pan: If you’re looking for a quiet, upscale retreat with great food, Thong Nai Pan is the best area to stay. It’s a peaceful place ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing beach vacation. It’s far from the party madness and has calm, scenic beaches and a laid-back vibe.
- West Koh Phangan: The entire west coast of Koh Phangan has a free-spirited vibe. It’s a popular gathering place for expats who live on the island. This is where you’ll find yoga retreats, meditation centers, and vegan cafes, making it the island’s hub for health and wellness. It also happens to have some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
What to Pack for Koh Phangan
Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Koh Phangan.
- Crocs: During our time in Koh Phangan, we visited 15 beaches, and almost all of them had one thing in common: rocks in the water! I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when swimming.
- Sunscreen: We ran out of sunscreen while in Koh Phangan, so we went to the store to buy it and it was super expensive! Don’t be like us. Bring plenty of sunscreen because you will need it!
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures in Koh Phangan, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Koh Phangan! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Free Koh Phangan Google Maps Locations
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Are You Following Our Koh Phangan Blog Series?
We spent 10 days in Koh Phangan and found so many things to do there—from waterfalls to beaches, temples, and hikes. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Ultimate Guide to Koh Phangan: 16 Incredible Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan accomodation/area guide: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan Beach Guide: The 15 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
- How to plan your trip to Koh Phangan: 3 Days in Koh Phangan: The Perfect Koh Phangan Itinerary
- The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is Koh Phangan’s most epic vantage point
- We did the Haad Rin to Haad Yuan Hike over a mountain to a secluded beach
- Our favorite temple in Koh Phangan is the Kuan Yin Chinese Temple
- Our favorite waterfall in Koh Phangan: Pho Darng Waterfall
- How to get to Koh Phangan: Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Ferry
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Bottle Beach Viewpoint in Koh Phangan! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸
