There are views, pretty views, panoramas, and then there's the view from the Phu Hin Tang restaurant, overlooking Kamala bay.

It is spectacular, and worth every mile of the drive up the hill from Patong or Surin. Coming from Patong, negotiate the twists and curves and keep an eye out on the left. The Phu Hin Tang is perched along a virtually non-descript curve in the road, almost making you wonder why they'd pick such an odd location.

That's only until you enter the place. Once you're in, you'll do well not to gasp at the magnificent vistas this beautifully crafted restaurant hides on its other side.

And it just keeps getting better, as you walk down, level onto level.

The restaurant winds down all the way to the sea, and it's certainly worth the trek down... you won't even mind the trudge back up. Give up at any point, and dart into one of the little mini-restaurants, there's one at every level, all part of the same establishment.

Pick your favourite vista and settle in. The divisions in the restaurant make for more privacy and despite the plentiful seating in what is really quite large space, you'll never feel like you're in a crowd.

The staff wear smart sailor uniforms and are pleasantly chatty and accommodating, but also very respectful of your privacy. The menu is more specialised than expansive, with a few but well-chosen Thai delicacies on offer. The grilled salmon with red curry came on a bed of exquisitely crunchy leaves and topped with tangy fried ginger. The vegetables in oyster sauce were cooked just right, retaining their texture and taste, with the sauce only softly enhancing the flavour.

For such a lovely restaurant and exclusive views, the food is competitively priced, starting at around 150 baht.

The service is impeccable, and the food delicious, but the best part is just gazing over at the calm emerald green sea, watching a fisherman or two seated on distant rocks toss a lazy hook into the water.

For a break away from the grind, this is just the right place.