Phuket for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Jungle Treks and Nature Walks

Phuket’s scenic coasts and turquoise waters may wield a strong hold over hordes of vacation makers. However, its plethora of alluring beaches is not the only attraction that the tropical island has to offer. Home to an array of nature sites, such as national parks, jungles and rolling waterfalls, gorgeous Phuket provides plenty of trails for outdoor enthusiasts to embark on captivating treks. 

Get your dose of outdoor adventure, and venture on a trek to one of these charming nature spots:

1. Ao Yon Waterfall

Lace up a pair of good hiking shoes before you embark on a trek to the top of tumbling Ao Yon Waterfall. Be prepared for a relatively difficult hike, for the sharp rocks and slippery paths present quite a challenge. Visitors may take a cool respite from the tropical heat by taking a dip in one of the several drop pools situated along the way.

How to get to Ao Yon Waterfall

1. The easiest way to get to Ao Yon Waterfall is by renting a car or hiring a taxi. You can ask the driver to take you to Ao Yon Beach, which is located near the waterfall.
2. If you prefer to take public transportation, you can take a bus or songthaew (shared taxi) from Phuket Town to Cape Panwa. From Cape Panwa, you can take a motorbike taxi or tuk-tuk to Ao Yon Beach.
3. Once you reach Ao Yon Beach, you can park your car or motorbike in the parking lot and walk to the waterfall. The trail to the waterfall is about 500 meters long and can be a bit steep in some places, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
4. When you reach the waterfall, you can swim in the cool, refreshing water or relax on the rocks and enjoy the view.

Tips:

It’s important to note that the waterfall may not be as impressive during the dry season (November to April) when the water flow is reduced. The best time to visit is during the rainy season (May to October) when the waterfall is at its fullest.

2. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Situated in the northern end of Phuket, the virgin rainforest of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. Walking trails snaking through the verdant forest offer a relaxing stroll, while vacation makers in search of a more challenging trek can venture on an eight kilometres walk from Bang Pae to Ton Sai Waterfall.

Travellers who prefer guided tours can engage one of the local guides available. Apart from leading you in the right direction through well-trodden paths, the guides will also point out sounds and sights of exotic wildlife residing within the forest.

How to get there to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is located in Phuket, Thailand. Here are the directions to get there:

1. The easiest way to get to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is by renting a car or hiring a taxi. You can ask the driver to take you to the park entrance, which is located on the east side of Phuket island.
2. If you prefer to take public transportation, you can take a bus or songthaew (shared taxi) from Phuket Town to the entrance of the park.
3. Once you arrive at the park entrance, you will need to pay an entrance fee. The park is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
4. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to difficult. Some of the most popular trails include the Bang Pae Waterfall Trail, the Tonsai Waterfall Trail, and the Khao Phra Thaeo Nature Trail.
5. If you are interested in seeing wildlife, you can also take a guided tour of the park. The park is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Phuket Gibbon, the Sunda Pangolin, and the Malayan Porcupine.

Tips for visiting Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

It’s important to note that the park can be quite humid and hot, so make sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

3. Trekking from Bang Pae to Ton Sai Waterfall

The trek along an eight-kilometre path leads visitors from Bang Pae to Ton Sai Waterfall. This natural attraction offers a nice spot for birdwatching. Bird enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled for sightings of local birds, such as the red-billed malkoha, greater racket-tailed drongo and red-backed sea eagle, as well as migratory birds like the Siberian blue robin and forest wagtail.

To get to Bang Pae Waterfall, you’ll need to go to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park.

4. Kathu Waterfall

Travellers who seek to escape the bustling crowds along the western coasts of Phuket can make an escape to the lush greenery and cascading waters of Kathu Waterfall.

The nondescript scenery at the bottom belies the picturesque surroundings awaiting visitors at the higher regions of the waterfall. An arduous climb is required to reach the top, for travellers will have to surmount a steep stairway and climb over a series of slippery rocks. Visitors will reap the fruits of their labour at the end of the trek, for they will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas from the top of the waterfall.

Active and enthusiastic vacation makers ready for a second expedition may further embark on a hike up to the peak of Radar Hill, known to be the highest point on the island. However, this is a little known trek without marked trails and signage.  Those with a keen sense of adventure may check out the experiences detailed by Jamie’s Phuket and Fiddlehead in their treks to the summit.

How to get there:

Kathu Waterfall is located in Kathu district, Phuket, Thailand. Here are the directions to get there:

1. The easiest way to get to Kathu Waterfall is by renting a car or hiring a taxi. You can ask the driver to take you to the entrance of the waterfall, which is located off Route 4027 (Wichitsongkram Road) in the center of Kathu district.
2. If you prefer to take public transportation, you can take a local bus or songthaew (shared taxi) from Phuket Town to Kathu district. From there, you can take a motorbike taxi or tuk-tuk to the entrance of the waterfall.
3. Once you arrive at the entrance of the waterfall, you will need to pay an entrance fee. The park is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
4. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to difficult. The trail to the waterfall is about 1 kilometer long and takes about 20 minutes to walk. The trail is well-maintained and relatively easy, but there are some steep sections and uneven terrain, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
5. When you reach Kathu Waterfall, you can swim in the cool, refreshing water or relax on the rocks and enjoy the view. The waterfall is surrounded by lush jungle and offers a peaceful and scenic environment.

5. Khao Sok National Park

Situated on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui, Khao Sok National Park is a lowland jungle that is believed to be one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. The park contains a myriad of features, such as bizarre limestone formations, cascading waterfalls and a diversity of flora.

Nature lovers should not miss out on jungle trekking, regarded as one of the most popular activities for exploring the forest grounds. The national park, as well as its surrounding parks offer a selection of treks suitable for hikers with varying ages and fitness levels. Trekkers will have plenty of opportunities to catch sight of wildlife creatures, such as elephants, leopards, Malayan sun bears and dusky langurs, as well as a plethora of exotic bird life.

How to get there:

Khao Sok National Park is located in southern Thailand, between Phuket and Krabi. Here are the directions to get there:

1. The easiest way to get to Khao Sok National Park is by renting a car or hiring a taxi. You can ask the driver to take you to the park entrance, which is located off Route 401 in the district of Phanom.
2. If you prefer to take public transportation, you can take a bus from Bangkok or any major city in southern Thailand to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, you can take a local bus or minivan to the park entrance.
3. Once you arrive at the park entrance, you will need to pay an entrance fee. The park is open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
4. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to difficult. Some of the most popular trails include the Khao Sok Nature Trail, the Ton Kloi Waterfall Trail, and the Pakarang Cave Trail.
5. If you want to explore the park further, you can also go on a guided trekking tour or take a boat ride on Cheow Lan Lake, which is located within the park. The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is home to several species of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and gibbons.

Tips:

It’s important to note that Khao Sok National Park is a large park, covering over 700 square kilometers, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance and decide which areas you want to explore. Additionally, the park can be quite humid and hot, so make sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

Sirinat National Park

Located in the northern region of Phuket, the expansive compounds of Sirinat National Park encompasses the sweeping beaches of Nai Thon, Nai Yang, Mai Khao and Sai Kaeo.

Keen trekkers should venture to the northern end of the park to explore the grounds of Tah Chatchai, a mangrove forest containing salt water swamps. Visitors will encounter a variety of flora and fauna as they take a trek along a nature trail and wooden walkway built within the swamp.

How to get there:

Sirinat National Park is located in the northern part of Phuket island, Thailand. Here are the directions to get there:

1. The easiest way to get to Sirinat National Park is by renting a car or hiring a taxi. You can ask the driver to take you to the park entrance, which is located on the northwest coast of Phuket, near Phuket International Airport.
2. If you prefer to take public transportation, you can take a local bus or songthaew (shared taxi) from Phuket Town or any other nearby town to the park entrance. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus from Phuket International Airport, which is located near the park entrance.
3. Once you arrive at the park entrance, you will need to pay an entrance fee. The park is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
4. There are several things to see and do in Sirinat National Park, including hiking, birdwatching, and swimming. The park is home to several beaches, including Mai Khao Beach, which is one of the longest and least crowded beaches on Phuket island.
5. You can also explore the park’s mangrove forests and take a boat tour of the nearby islands, such as Koh Naka Yai and Koh Naka Noi.

Tips:

It’s important to note that the park has several rules and regulations to protect the environment and wildlife, such as no littering and no feeding the animals. Make sure to follow these rules and help preserve the beauty of the park for future visitors.

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• 13 Activities You Have to Do in Phuket