A Local Guide to Waterfalls in Phuket
Phuket Waterfalls are modest in size and are best visited during the rainy season (May to October or November), because during the high season, the lack of rain reduces the stream to a trickle. There are three waterfalls in Phuket, distributed around the island, and they always seem to attract kids, families and couples during the weekend. Thailand is a tropical country, and the weather is warm or hot all year round, and the water is just cool enough to dip in and refresh yourself.
You should also know that the two most significant waterfalls in Phuket are inside national parks, and therefore, you will have to pay an entry fee of 200 baht per person (plus a car fee) at the gate. Those waterfalls are Bang Pae, on the eastern part of Phuket, and Ton Sai Waterfall, located further north, not far from Thalang Town, on the way to Phuket International Airport.
Kathu Waterfall is well-known and relatively small, and the access is free. However, if you go during the rainy season and find the path to the upper levels, it can be quite charming. Past Kao Khad Beach, you can reach a tiny and not well-known cascade, but it’s not worth going to. Outside Phuket, things get a lot nicer, and we’ll add more waterfalls as we discover them.
Bang Pae Waterfall
Bang Pae, the largest and most popular Waterfall in Phuket, is 18 meters high. Many locals come on weekends with their kids to cool down in the stream. Teenagers come for a romantic escape and often enjoy jumping from the rocks above into the water, and accidents are not uncommon. You’ll find local shops selling snacks and soft drinks past the entrance of the park. Remember that alcohol is not allowed inside the park.
Bang Pae is near the east coast, in the central part of Phuket, about 20 kilometres from Phuket Town. As it is part of the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, a 200 Baht fee per person is required on arrival. Bang Pae is also home to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. Don’t miss Piang Prai, an excellent local restaurant in front of the waterfall park!
Kathu Waterfalls
Kathu waterfall is quite lovely during the rainy season as water cascades down four levels through the green jungle. This waterfall is on every Phuket map and very well indicated on the road when approaching Patong. It’s very popular with kids and parents who love to play in the stream while enjoying some local food sold in street carts and small stalls around.
The entrance to Kathu Waterfalls is free as they are not in a national park. However, if you visit during the high season, don’t be surprised if the stream has become small. If you are in the area, you can also try the Phuket Wake Park Cable Ski and the very popular Flying Hanuman zipline.
Ton Sai Waterfall
Tonsai is the second largest waterfall on the island, part of the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. This once again means that you will have to pay a 200 baht fee per person to enter. Tonsai has a decent stream during the rainy season, but it becomes tiny during the high season. Overall, it’s not very impressive and may not be worth the 200 baht entry fee.
Ao Yon Waterfall (Ton Ao Yon)
Not very well known and somewhat hard to find, Ao Yon waterfall is only visited by a few locals who seem to enjoy drinking and dating by the water on weekends. To get there, drive along Panwa beach, pass Ao Yon Beach, and reach a small rocky bay. The road leading to the waterfall is on the opposite side of this bay; follow it for a few kilometres.
Waterfalls outside Phuket
Ton Phrai Waterfall
Ton Phrai is one of the most impressive waterfalls outside Phuket island, and it’s not too far if you have a car to drive there. However, spending a hot afternoon bathing here with a beer or cold drink is a fun way to end the day and take some memorable selfies to share with friends.
To get there, drive out of Phuket and drive about 50 km to the Khao Lampee Thai Muang National Park. A short walk then leads to the large pool and magnificent waterfalls. Alternatively, some Eco-tours and bike tours include Ton Phrai in their itinerary.
More Waterfalls Photos
Map of Phuket Waterfalls
This story was first published on June 6 2016
