The Charming Waterfalls of Phuket: The Island’s Best Waterfalls
Phuket is the land of beaches, sunsets and partying. What it’s not famous for is its collection of waterfalls. Sure, they’re not quite as big-hitting as some of Thailand’s other hotspots but the waterfalls of Phuket are still worth a visit!
There comes a point in every Phuket holiday where you fancy a change of scenery. The beaches are incredible, the bars are lively but sometimes you want something different. The waterfalls here make for an excellent daytrip or two and provide a refreshing dip as well as a step into the jungle. Note that two of the four that we mention here are actually within the national parks. This means you’ll need to pay a 200 baht entry fee (as with other parks nationwide) which makes them a little more burdensome on the wallet than others.
Bang Pae Waterfall
This is the tallest and, not surprisingly, the most popular of the waterfalls that Phuket has to offer. At 18m high the waterfall is an attraction for tourists and locals alike. People from all over the world eagerly jump into their swimwear and leap in for a cool swim. There are some rocks set within the falls itself which some people use for cliff-jumping, but always check the depth of the water first especially in dry season!
This is one of the two waterfalls that you’ll have to pay to see, as it’s within the national park. Head for Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and then follow the signs to Bang Pae.
Location: Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Kathu Waterfalls
This is quite a spectacular set of falls during rainy season thanks to the four levels of cascades. Grab a tourist map and you’ll be sure to spot it. Lots of companies will offer day trips that will include a stop by Kathu as part of a longer itinerary. At the falls themselves you’ll have cheap local eating options as well as plenty of stalls selling cold drinks. There’s no entrance fee as it’s not in a national park. As mentioned before, this is one to visit during rainy season. In dry season the usual torrent can be reduced to as little as a trickle.
Location: Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83120, Thailand
Ton Sai Waterfall
Whilst this is the second highest waterfall on Phuket it isn’t overly impressive, but if you’re making the trip to Bang Pae then definitely stop on by seeing as you’ve paid the 200 baht park entrance already! We wouldn’t recommend paying the entrance fee only for Ton Sai though. During dry season the waterfall is almost non-existent.
Location: Thep Krasatti, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Ao Yon Waterfall
This is the real local’s joint of Phuket waterfalls. It is really quite hard to find and so most don’t bother. You’ll need to head up Panwa Beach, keep going until you’re past Ao Yon Beach. Eventually you’ll come across a small rocky bay, opposite the bay is a road that leads to the waterfalls after a few kilometers. There’s not much in the way of amenities so we’d only recommend it if you really want to visit all the waterfalls in Phuket.
Location: Ao-Yon Khaokhad, Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand
Waterfalls of Phuket Tip
Make sure to bring proper footwear for the walk to the falls. The paths can get into poor condition and are often overgrown. Don’t forget to pack your board shorts or swimwear for a dip into the cooling waters.
