Captivating sunrise and sunset photos by Local Guides

Sharing some more photos and map

I’m a Local Guide and professional photographer based on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. This post is a practical, always-updated list of sunrise and sunset places with notes on parking, wind/tide and safety. Save it for your trip or photo shoots.

When: The most popular sunset window on Phu Quoc is roughly 17:30–18:30, with classic views on the west coast (Long Beach/Bai Truong, Ong Lang, Dinh Cau). Sunrises are best on the east coast (Ham Ninh, Bai Sao/Cay Sao).

SUNSET — West coast classics

  1. Dinh Cau Cape (temple and lighthouse), Duong Dong
    Pin: 10.2186, 103.9592
    Why it’s great: Stone steps up to the small temple above the rocks; fishing boats light up after sunset; easy access from the night market.
    Notes: Can be busy in high season; keep gear compact and watch the swell on slippery rocks.

  2. Long Beach / Bai Truong (including the Sunset Sanato zone), Duong To
    Pin (central): 10.1840, 103.9610
    Why: 20+ km of west-facing shoreline — the island’s default sunset with open horizons and beach bars for foregrounds and silhouettes.
    Tip: Arrive 30–40 minutes early to scout foregrounds and sand lines; check event nights for crowd levels.

  3. Ong Lang Beach (north-west of town)
    Pin: 10.2880, 103.9487
    Why: Calmer water, rocky coves and palms for framing; softer, more intimate sunset than Long Beach.

  4. Ganh Dau Cape (far north)
    Pin: 10.3782, 103.8644
    Why: Remote feel, views toward Cambodia, lovely last light over the Gulf of Thailand; quiet, “edge-of-the-island” vibe for long lenses.
    Note: Limited facilities — bring water and leave no trace.

SUNRISE — East coast favorites

  1. Ham Ninh Fishing Village
    Pin: 10.2105, 104.0378
    Why: Classic east-coast dawn with piers, stilt houses and glassy water; locals at work add story to frames.
    Heads-up: The old long wooden jetty has been under reconstruction at times; the shoreline and side piers still work beautifully.

  2. Bai Sao (Sao Beach)
    Pin: 10.1036, 104.0163
    Why: Powder-white sand and turquoise water — best at sunrise, not sunset, because it faces east. Arrive early for empty beach and pastel tones.
    Extra: Kayak shots at golden hour can be superb.

  3. Cay Sao and the east-coast flats (between Ham Ninh and An Thoi)
    Pin (Cay Sao area): 10.1455, 104.0430
    Why: Quiet, shallow bays with mirror water and minimal crowds; excellent for long exposures and sailing silhouettes at dawn.

ANYTIME SCENIC (north)

  1. Rach Vem / Starfish Beach (Ganh Dau)
    Pin (village access): 10.3455, 103.9140
    Why: Clear shallows, mangroves and starfish — more about daytime minimalism than golden-hour drama, but it can glow in late light if clouds cooperate.
    Note: Road conditions vary in rainy season.

Quick planner and pro tips

• Season and sky: Dry season November–April brings cleaner horizons; wet season May–October gives dramatic clouds but occasional squalls.
• Wind and tide: West-side sunsets are friendliest with light NE/E winds. For sunrise on the east coast, check tide tables if you want glassy shallows in Cay Sao or Ham Ninh.
• Gear: Polarizer for glare, ND 3–6 stops for long exposures, microfiber for humidity.
• Safety and respect: Watch slippery rocks at Dinh Cau; mind waves, boat traffic and private zones at beach clubs; pack out all trash. Follow local drone rules and resort policies.
• After-shoot ideas: Night market near Dinh Cau after sunset, hill-view cafés for blue hour, and west-coast bars for silhouettes.

Map cheat-sheet (copy pins to Google Maps)

Dinh Cau Cape — 10.2186, 103.9592
Long Beach / Bai Truong (central) — 10.1840, 103.9610
Ong Lang Beach — 10.2880, 103.9487
Ganh Dau Cape — 10.3782, 103.8644
Ham Ninh Village — 10.2105, 104.0378
Bai Sao — 10.1036, 104.0163
Cay Sao — 10.1455, 104.0430
Rach Vem / Starfish Beach — 10.3455, 103.9140

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6 Likes

Hi @Eduard_Stelmakh

Thanks for sharing your places.

You could share them in a convenient List on Google Maps where you can share your texts as notes.

When sharing places in Connect it is recommended to share locations as links to Google Maps as explained here. It will give your readers immediate and more precise access to see and find the places.

Cheers

Hi MortenCopenhagen
Thank you for your recommendation.

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Hello @Eduard_Stelmakh

These are beautiful shots of the sunset. Thank you for sharing it with us. Please be informed that we have a post and collection of Sunset and Sunrise. I have therefore merged your post here.

Feel free to view other local guides sharing their sunset and sunrise in there as well.
It is quite interesting and a great collection.

Happy guiding

Cheers

For years, I’ve chased the sunrise from mountain tops ; climbing before dawn, waiting for that first golden light to break through the mist, and standing in awe of nature’s perfection.
But this time, I found a different kind of wonder ; watching the sunrise from the 40th floor of Papilo Tamansari Apartment in Surabaya.

That morning, the city was still half-asleep. Slowly, the eastern sky began to shift its colors, from deep blue to soft violet, then to warm shades of orange and gold. From up high, I could see Surabaya waking up; the streetlights fading, the quiet hum of traffic beginning, and sunlight reflecting off glass buildings like dancing fire.

There’s a quiet beauty in watching the sun rise over the city. No valleys or forest silhouettes ; just reflections, patterns, and golden hues blending with the rhythm of urban life. Yet, the feeling is the same: peaceful, grateful, alive.

Nature never repeats itself. Each sunrise carries a new story, new colors, new moods ; just like our lives that change with every day.
Some mornings are bright and clear, others soft and hazy but all are beautiful if we choose to pause and truly see them.

From the 40th floor, I realized something simple yet profound:
you don’t always have to go far to find beauty. Sometimes, it’s right outside your window ; arriving quietly with the first light of dawn.

Maps of Papilo Tamansari Apartment

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MasyaAllah bagusnya pemandangan dari apartemen. :heart::heart:

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Wow, dahsyat. Kebayang misal nyari spot, nunggu waktu yang tepat, dan motret dengan presisi.

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Hi @inadwiana,

Thank you for sharing your lovely photos. Please be advised that I will merge your topic with Captivating sunrise and sunset photos by Local Guides to keep Connect more organized.

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Alam memang luar biasa indah, di spot yang sama kita akan menemukan sejuta keindahan tiap waktunya……Maha Besar Pencipta Alam , MasyaaAllah luar biasa. Syukuri apa yang kita nikmati.

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Masyaa Allah.. :heart:

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Thank you @MoniDi for letting me know and for taking the time to keep the forum neat and helpful for everyone! I really appreciate your support and guidance.

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iya bener^^ Terima kasih komandan @br14n sudah mampir

masyaa Allah, iya sungguh indah ciptaan-Nya.. Terima kasih kak @AnisaAe sudah memberikan dukungan dan waktunya..:heart:

Yesterday, while walking along the bank of the Padma River, I suddenly looked up at the sky and noticed this beautiful scene. It was quite different and unique compared to other days. The red, orange, and golden clouds blended together, enhancing the beauty of the riverbank even more. The view by the Padma River seemed like a masterpiece of nature during sunset, the magical blend of colors in the sky and their reflection on the water created an enchanting sight. The distant shadows of trees, the calm flow of the river, and the gentle evening breeze made it feel as if time had stood still.

This scene from the Muktomoncho area represents one of Rajshahi’s special identities. Standing here and watching the moment when the sun sets feels as though nature itself
has painted a breathtaking picture with its own brush. The red glow shimmering on the river’s surface and the sky’s hues merging into the depths of the water this view touches not only the eyes but also the heart as if nature itself has turned into poetry upon the bosom of the Padma.

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Hello @Rabiba,

Thank you for sharing your lovely photos. Please be advised that I will merge your topic to Captivating sunrise and sunset photos by Local Guides to keep Connect organized.

1 Like

Thank you for your kind respons. I really appreciate your guidance. I’ll make sure to share my future posts under the appropriate topic

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beautyful picture taken from mousuni Island,West bengal,india

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The sunrise at Sunrise Beach, Sanur, Bali - Indonesia ; a golden light spilling over the horizon, waking the island with quiet grace.