The 5 Best Sunrise and Sea of Clouds Viewpoints in Thailand

During the winter rainy season, these 5 spots in Thailand are the best destinations to view the "sea of clouds" and sunrise. As people flock to greet the first light of 2025, these places are attracting huge crowds!

1) Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai

Phu Chi Fa (ภูชี้ฟ้า) is a high peak located 108 kilometers east of Chiang Rai, at the Lae Pa Men area, with an elevation of about 1,628 meters. It is one of the most famous spots in northern Thailand to watch the sunrise.

The peak got its name because its shape resembles a finger pointing east. In the early morning, mist swirls around the mountainside. Upon reaching the summit, visitors are treated to a beautiful grassy field with a breathtaking view of the endless sea of clouds and a dazzling sunrise, creating a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere. After sunrise, you can also see Laos in the distance and the Mekong River winding through the landscape, which is one of the reasons why Phu Chi Fa is so beloved by tourists.

2) Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai

Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์) in Chiang Mai is the highest peak in Thailand, with the summit at 2,565 meters. Doi Inthanon National Park, which covers an area of 1,005 square kilometers, is a nature reserve. Visitors come not only to hike the highest peak but also to experience the beautiful sunrise.

Watching the first rays of sunlight slowly reveal themselves, surrounded by tourists snapping photos with their phones, and the two large pagodas on either side of the summit (commemorating the 60th birthday of the King and Queen) is like a painting! It’s a fresh and unique experience to welcome the first light of the New Year from Thailand’s highest mountain.

3) Pha Tang, Chiang Rai

If you want to walk on the sea of clouds and witness the sun slowly breaking through the darkness, come to Pha Tang village (Pha Tang; บ้านผาตั้ง)!

102 Viewing Point: This was once a military post during the northern Thai border conflicts, and now it is a popular spot to view the sunrise.

103 Viewing Point: This higher vantage point is a great place to view the sunrise, sunset, sea of clouds, and the Mekong River.

104 Viewing Point: You’ll need a special car to get here (costing about 600-800 Baht).

4) Phu Ruea National Park, Loei

Loei Province (Loei) has many spots for viewing the sunrise, and Phu Ruea National Park (Phu Ruea National Park) is a must-see. This park is home to a cliff that looks like a large sailboat, and its base resembles a boat seat, which is why the locals call it "Phu Ruea Mountain" (meaning "boat mountain"). It is located at an elevation of 1,365 meters.

Visitors can enjoy the sunrise at a small viewing platform (Pha Lon Noi) and experience the breathtaking scenery of layers of mountains while welcoming the first light of the New Year in the cold winter air. There’s also a chance to see frost-covered Christmas trees, marigolds, and hydrangeas.

5) Ban Ja Bo, Mae Hong Son

Ban Ja Bo (甲波) in Mae Hong Son (แม่ฮ่องสอน) is a small village in a valley with beautiful scenery. The highlight is the spectacular sea of clouds. It’s a place Thai people believe everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

This village is not far from Pai, and Ban Ja Bo is also famous for its hanging noodle dish (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวห้อยขา). Anyone visiting must try it while sitting with their legs dangling, enjoying the breathtaking views.

Thai influencers all agree that this is an unforgettable moment!