Four Seasons viewpoint on Laem Yai hill — the west-coast sunset by scooter (2026)

Getting there by scooter

From Chaweng it is the far side of the island. Take the 4169 west along the north coast through Bophut and Maenam, past Bang Por, then turn off towards Laem Yai. Allow about 25–35 minutes of relaxed riding from central Chaweng, plus traffic delays. The coastal road is paved, with four lanes near the turn-off. The turn-off is easy to miss, so keep the navigator on the pin for the last few kilometres.

From Nathon it is close: the viewpoint is roughly 4 km north of town as the crow flies, a short ride up the coast and then up the hill.

The last part is the climb. In my experience it is steep and narrow in places. Take it on a steady throttle and do not stop halfway up the slope. With a passenger, leave extra margin for the steep climb. With a passenger on a 50cc I would not try it. More on that in 50cc or 125cc.

I cannot vouch for a proper parking lot. Leave the scooter on a flat, wide spot off the road, nose pointing downhill so leaving is easy. On site, check whether the viewing area belongs to the resort and whether it asks for a fee or a drink order.

What you get there and how long to stay

The view faces west: open sea, the west coast curving south and Nathon at the far end of the bay. During the day it is a wide, calm panorama. At sunset the whole thing turns orange and the sun goes straight into the water in front of you, with no hill in the way. That is the reason to come.

For a daytime stop, 20–30 minutes is enough: look, take photos, drink some water, ride on. For sunset, arrive 30–40 minutes before the sun touches the horizon. The best colour often comes ten minutes after it has gone, so do not leave the moment it disappears.

Below the hill is Laem Yai cape, with a restaurant nearby. It is an option for dinner after sunset. Check what is open when you get there.

When to go

• Sunset is the main event. Sunset time shifts through the year, so check it on your phone the same day and count back 30–40 minutes plus your riding time.
• Morning is the quiet alternative. The sun is behind you, the sea is clear and the climb is cooler. You will likely have the place to yourself.
• Midday is the worst time. Haze flattens the view and the climb in full sun is hard on you and on the engine.
• October–December is the rainy season. Afternoon showers are common and clouds often sit on the western horizon right where the sun sets. If it rained in the last hour, the hill road can be slick. Wait it out rather than climbing on a wet road.

Combine with

The viewpoint sits at the western end of the north coast route (27.2 km: Bophut, Maenam, Bang Por, Nathon). That makes the order natural: ride the north coast in the afternoon, stop at Bang Por beach for a swim, then climb Laem Yai hill for sunset.

After dark you have two easy options:

• Laem Yai for dinner below the hill.
• Nathon, a few kilometres down the coast. You can make it an evening stop before riding back.

If you collect high points, the other ones are in the viewpoints route. Most of them face east or the inland hills, so this one is the one to keep for the evening.

Questions