Kaokard Viewpoint Tower

Free entry, a parking lot far bigger than it needs to be, and a spiral of stairs up to a 360-degree platform over the Andaman. That's the whole deal, and it's a good one. You get sea, scattered islands and green hills in every direction, and often you'll have the top to yourself. A few people say the quiet is almost eerie. I'd call that the point.

Go in the morning or around midday if you want the clearest air and the sharpest look across the water. Late afternoon works too, since it stays open until 19:00 and the light going down over the sea is worth hanging around for. There's a coffee shop at the base plus food and drinks, and public toilets, so you can stretch a quick stop into an hour without much effort.

The one thing to weigh up is that the tower is stairs only, no elevator, and it's a fair climb. Anyone with dodgy knees may want to enjoy the view from ground level instead.