We all know how special it feels to watch the day come to an end with a beautiful sunset. No matter where you are in the world, there’s something calming about that final stretch of light before night sets in. I’ve made it a habit while traveling to find a good spot in the evening to just sit, slow down, and watch the sun go down. It’s one of those rare moments where everyone, locals, tourists, and strangers, pausing for the same reason: to quietly watch the sky change. There’s something comforting about that, knowing that no matter the country or culture, people stop and look up to witness the same thing, every single day.
Some evenings, it’s a clear sky and you can actually watch the sun dip below the horizon. Other times, the clouds roll in just right and the whole sky turns pink, orange, and gold. I’ve seen sunsets light up beaches in Thailand, reflect off the ocean in Hawaii, cast shadows over ancient stone in Greece, glow over the water in Colombia, and stretch across the skyline of a buzzing city in Japan. Every sunset feels a little different, and yet they all remind you to slow down, breathe, and take it in.
Some places are known for their sunsets, people literally go just for that. And after seeing so many across the world, I get why. So if you’re someone who loves chasing those golden hours, or you’re just looking for a quiet moment at the end of a long travel day, keep reading to find some of the best places to catch a sunset around the world.
Mauna Kea Big Island, Hawaii
Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii and the highest point in the state. When measured from base to summit, starting at the ocean floor, it’s actually one of the tallest mountains in the world. At nearly 14,000 feet in elevation, watching the sunset from the top means you’re completely above the clouds. It is truly one of the most surreal ways to experience the end of the day.As the sun begins to set, you’re surrounded by a blanket of clouds below, with only distant mountain peaks breaking through. The sky transforms into vibrant, saturated colors, deep oranges, reds, purples, and pinks. You’re standing high above the tropical island below, but up there it feels like another planet. The temperature drops quickly, and it gets extremely cold as the sun goes down, so bring layers. It’s one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. Just make sure you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach the summit, and be prepared to pay an entrance fee for the national park. The views are absolutely worth it.
Detwah Lagoon, Socotra Island Yemen
Detwah Lagoon is located on the otherworldly island of Socotra in Yemen. Known for its untouched beauty and surreal landscapes, this lagoon is one of the most peaceful and visually striking places you can visit. The water here is an unbelievably bright turquoise, surrounded by soft white sand and unusual sandbars that form interesting natural patterns throughout the lagoon.
It sits along the northwest coast of the island and feels completely remote and serene. To catch the sunset, you can climb one of the surrounding sand dunes or make your way to the main lookout point just above the lagoon. From there, you get a wide view of the entire area as the sun sinks toward the horizon.The bright colors of the lagoon, the shadows moving across the sandbars, and the soft pink and orange sky all come together to make this a really peaceful place to watch the sunset. It doesn’t feel real until you’re standing there seeing it with your own eyes.
Windmills of Mykonos Greece
The windmills of Mykonos are one of the most iconic spots on the island. They represent the history and heritage of both Mykonos and Greece, but they also happen to be one of the best places to watch the sunset. From the hill where the windmills sit, you get wide views of the sea and the town below. You can walk around and find a good spot to sit and watch the sun go down. The sunsets over the Mediterranean don’t disappoint. The sea glows with golden and pink tones as the sun reaches the horizon, and the white buildings across the island reflect that same warm light. It’s a calm, beautiful place to end the day and one of the best sunset spots in Mykonos.
North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
The North Shore is a long stretch of coastline on the island of Oahu, known for its massive waves in the winter and calm, lake-like waters in the summer. It’s home to some of the biggest surf contests in the world, but also some of the quietest and most peaceful beaches on the island. The whole area has a laid-back, local vibe, with food trucks, open sand, and space to relax.It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset on the Hawaiian islands. You can pick just about any spot along the coast, whether its Pupukea, Waimea Bay, Haleiwa Beach Park, or one of the smaller beaches in between, you’re bound to see something beautiful. Whether the sky is clear or full of clouds, summer or winter, the sunsets here always deliver.
Rub’ al Khali (Dubai Desert), United Arab Emirates
The Rub’ al Khali, part of the larger Arabian Desert that surrounds Dubai, is a popular escape from the city and one of the best places to catch a desert sunset. It’s known for its deep red sand dunes, and as the sun goes down, the colors of the sand shift into rich red and golden tones. It’s simple but stunning. Sunsets in the Arabian Desert feel different from anywhere else. Whether you’re watching from the back of a 4×4, riding a camel, or sandboarding down a dune, you get a wide open view with no buildings or crowds in the way. It’s peaceful, quiet, and a total contrast to the busy city nearby.
Lekursi Castle Sarandë, Albania
Lekursi Castle is a beautiful old castle situated on a hill that overlooks the entire city of Sarandë. It has some of the most incredible views of the sea, with the cliffside buildings of Sarandë below and the coastline stretching far into the distance. You can drive up to a parking lot near the top, then walk the rest of the way for the best views. I walked all the way up from town and it was a really nice uphill walk with great views the whole way.Once you reach the top, you get a full panoramic view of the sunset. The sun drops down over the water and lights up the coastline, and on a clear day, you can even see other islands and parts of Greece in the distance. It’s such a peaceful spot to end the day and definitely one of the best sunset views in this part of Albania.
Shibuya Sky Tokyo, Japan
Shibuya Sky is arguably the best city lookout in all of Tokyo. From the top, you get views of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks such as, the Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, both airports, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. It really gives you a sense of how massive the city is, and it’s an even better experience if you can catch the sunset while you’re up there. You do need to book a time slot in advance, so plan ahead if you want to go up for sunset. You can watch from inside through the floor-to-ceiling windows or head to the rooftop and watch from outside. Either way, it’s an amazing view. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch Mount Fuji glowing in the golden light, see the madness of Shibuya Crossing below, and watch the city slowly shift from golden hour to neon lights as night falls.
Mua Caves Ninh Binh,Vietnam
The Mua Caves is a well-known spot in Ninh Binh, Northern Vietnam, and one of the best places to watch the sunset in the region. It’s about a 15 to 25-minute walk up several hundred stairs to reach the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the rice fields and towering limestone cliffs. On the other side of the lookout, you’ll find even more views of the countryside and a path of light leading up to a nearby temple.
There’s a lot to explore at the bottom and along the way up, but making it to the top and staying for sunset is definitely worth it. As the sun goes down, it lights up the mountains and rice fields in golden colors. Even the distant limestone peaks reflect the warm light, and it really is something special. It can get crowded, especially during the high season, so I recommend giving yourself plenty of time to get up and find a good spot before the sun starts to set.
Papago Park Phoenix, Arizona
Papago Park is a unique desert park that sits between the cities of Phoenix and Tempe. It’s full of hiking trails, small lakes, and recreational areas, but what really stands out is the landscape itself. The red and orange rock formations, mixed with palm trees and patches of greenery, give it a look that’s completely different from most city parks. There are also cave-like openings and smooth hills that make it a fun place to walk around and explore, especially in the late afternoon.
When golden hour hits, the entire landscape glows. The rocks already have a natural red and gold tint, and as the sky starts to change color, everything blends together in the light. The sunsets here are bold and full of color, and they make for the perfect backdrop against the rugged desert landscape. Whether you’re hiking to a viewpoint or just walking through the park, it’s one of the best times to be there.
Rooftops in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a vibrant city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, full of color, energy, and history. The old city is surrounded by a historic wall, and from the top of it you can get amazing views of both the ocean and the city behind it. The streets are lined with colorful buildings, and the city is packed with rooftop bars and restaurants, many of them offering perfect views of the coastline.
There are so many spots to choose from, but any rooftop with an ocean view is a great place to watch the sunset. As the sun goes down over the Caribbean Sea, the city starts to come alive. Music starts playing, the streets fill with energy, and the buildings seem to glow even more than they already do. The sunsets here are beautiful on their own, but paired with the vibe of the city, it feels like something extra.
Haleakalā Maui, Hawaii
Haleakalā is similar to Mauna Kea when it comes to dramatic landscape and unreal sunsets. Located on the island of Maui, this dormant volcano sits above the clouds and offers one of the most breathtaking sunset spots in the entire state. From the summit in Haleakalā National Park, you’ll witness surreal views of the massive crater below and, on a clear day, you can even spot the peaks of other nearby islands.
It gets cold up there, so dress warmly, and keep in mind you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to access the park. But it’s worth every penny. Unlike sunrise, which draws big crowds, sunset is usually much quieter and just as magical.
Nong Khiaw Viewpoint Laos
Nong Khiaw is a sleepy mountain town in northern Laos that offers some of the most jaw-dropping viewpoints, hiking trails, and most importantly, sunsets. Dozens of scenic lookout points surround the area, many of which you can hike up to or even camp at overnight. One of the most popular is Phadeng Peak Viewpoint, but whichever trail you choose, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Nam Ou River winding through the town, framed by towering limestone mountains.
Catching sunset here after a sweaty, challenging hike is incredibly rewarding. As the sun dips behind the mountains, the sky explodes in color, casting vibrant hues over the layers of limestone peaks. And if you hang around long enough, you’ll be treated to a star-filled sky that’s among the clearest in the world.
Nam Xay Lookout, Vang Vieng Laos
Nam Xay Lookout is one of the most iconic hiking spots in Vang Vieng, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lush rice paddies, and dramatic scenery. The real magic happens at sunset, when the sky lights up and colorful hot air balloons and paramotors glide through the air, creating a surreal and cinematic scene. At the summit, you’ll find motorbikes perched at the edge of the viewpoint, placed there for photo ops with one of Laos’ most legendary backdrops. The hike to the top isn’t too long, but it’s steep and can be a bit technical, with uneven rock steps and a sharp incline. Bring plenty of water, as it’s still hot and humid even in the late afternoon. Fortunately, the trailhead is just a short ride from central Vang Vieng.
Sairee Beach Koh Tao, Thailand
Sairee Beach on the iconic Thai island of Koh Tao is truly a wonderful sunset spot for so many reasons. It’s the most popular beach on the island, and for good reason. It’s the longest beach and is full of life. Whether it’s sitting at a beach bar or café, playing soccer on the sand with other travelers, hanging out at a dive shop after a dive, or just relaxing and taking it all in, there’s always something going on. The beach is known for its calm waters, so you can even swim during sunset. The sun sets directly in front of the beach, reflecting golden hues on the water. It’s truly such an amazing view, especially when paired with good music and good company on the island.
Padar Island, East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia
Padar Island, located in East Nusa Tenggara within Komodo National Park, is one of the most naturally beautiful islands in the world. There’s a lookout point on the island that takes about 20 minutes to hike up, depending on your fitness level, and it offers panoramic views of the island, the surrounding ocean, and nearby islands.
If you time it right and make your way up in the late afternoon, you’ll get to watch one of the best sunsets in the world. The jagged, green mountains, the bright blue ocean, and the colors of the sky all come together to create a view that feels straight out of a movie. It’s simple, raw, and one of those places that you have to see to believe.
Merese Hills Lombok, Indonesia
Merese Hill, located just outside the surf town of Kuta on Lombok Island, is a beautiful lookout spot for sunset. It sits right past the well-known surf break at Tanjung Aan Beach, and from the top, you can see all the surrounding surf spots, bays, and beaches laid out in front of you. The sunset here is incredible, with the sun dropping right over the ocean and lighting up the unique rock formations and cliffs around the area.The hills are an easy walk up, and there’s plenty of space to spread out and find your own quiet spot. You can bring a blanket or towel, sit down, and just take in the view. It’s a peaceful place, especially if you enjoy watching the sun set over an iconic surf break, with the waves rolling in below as the sky changes color.
North Coast Gili Air, Indonesia
Gili Air is one of the smallest and most perfect islands in Southeast Asia to relax and unwind. With not much to do except enjoy the slow pace of island life, watching the sunset is the best way to end the day—especially because the sunsets here are always spectacular. The north side of the island is where the sun goes down, and there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy it. You’ll find beach bars, cafés, and small restaurants lined along the coast, giving you lots of options. Whether you want a cold beer, a fresh smoothie, or a local Indonesian meal from a warung, it’s the perfect place to sit back and watch the sun dip into the ocean.
Paliton Beach Siquijor, Philippines
Paliton Beach on the island of Siquijor is one of the best beaches and sunset spots in the Philippines. The beach is lined with palm trees that lean out over the sand, and you’ll find small local stands selling fresh coconuts, snacks, and souvenirs. Siquijor isn’t overly touristy yet, so the beach still feels quiet, local, and clean.The sunsets here are vibrant and beautiful, setting right over the ocean with views of the surrounding islands and volcanic peaks in the distance. The water is calm and still, making it the perfect place to float in the shallow sand and relax as the sun goes down. The vibe is simple and peaceful, and it’s an ideal way to end the day on this laid-back island.
Calaan Beach El Nido, Philippines
Calaan Beach in El Nido is a peaceful spot just a short walk from the busy main beach. As you walk down the shoreline, you’ll notice the crowds start to thin out, and it quickly becomes a quiet, relaxing place to spend the afternoon. The view from Calaan Beach is beautiful, with limestone cliffs and mountains in the distance where the sun sets. The sun goes down directly in front of the beach, and during low tide, the shallow water creates reflections of the cliffs and sky that are just incredible to see. It’s a simple, peaceful place to watch the sunset without the noise and chaos of the main town.
Lazy Beach Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia
Lazy Beach is a beautiful, quiet beach on the backside of Koh Rong Sanloem in Cambodia. To get there, you’ll need to walk about 20 minutes across the island on a small trail, but it’s well worth it. This side of the island is much less crowded and feels far more peaceful compared to the main beach where most of the restaurants and guesthouses are.The beach has clear blue water, soft sand, and a backdrop of lush, green hills. There’s one restaurant and café right on the beach where you can grab some food or a cold drink while you wait for the sunset. The sun sets directly over the water here, making it the perfect spot to end the day in a calm, quiet setting away from the crowds.
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