The Best Waterfalls in Phuket

The island of Phuket has an abundance of beautiful tropical forests and wildlife areas. Phuket is also home to four magnificent waterfalls that are well worth a visit. Two of the waterfalls are in the 23 square kilometer Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the largest national park in Phuket, located in the northern section of the island. The other two are in the southern part of Phuket. One is located on Cape Panwa in the southeast, and the other is right behind Kamala Beach near the town of Kathu.

Guests who have booked a vacation during the upcoming holidays to take advantage of the amazing 5-star Phuket holiday packages available at Thavorn Beach Village Resort are in luck. The holiday months are the perfect time to visit the waterfalls. The rainy season has recently passed, leaving the creeks and streams of the island overflowing with water, and the forests have come alive.

Touring the Waterfalls of Phuket

We’ll start the tour of Phuket’s best waterfalls in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, work our way around the island, and provide you with all the information and directions you need to spend a day or more visiting the waterfalls.

Overall, you need to equip yourself properly for a visit to the waterfalls. Wear sturdy shoes when climbing on the often slippery rocks around the falls. Wear a swimsuit under any outer clothing to cool off in the natural pools, and always bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent if you plan on hiking the trails.

Bang Pae and Ton Sai waterfalls can both be visited on a single-day trip. They are located about 8 kilometers apart in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The admission fee is THB 200 for adults and THB 100 for children. The Pang Pae to Ton Sai waterfall trail connects the two falls, but it’s hilly and rocky in places and can be muddy. If you have small children with you, an easier option is to drive to both of the park's waterfalls.

1. Bang Pae Waterfall

Pang Pae Waterfall is one of the most popular falls for locals to visit. There are several convenient restaurants near the car park and outside the entrance gates. You can reach the waterfall from Kamala Beach by heading north on Route 4030. 4030 turns into 4025. Turn right when you reach Route 402 and left at the intersection of 4027. Continue for about 13 kilometers, passing the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center on your left (which is also worth a visit). You'll see signs for the entrance to the park, and the waterfall is a short walk from the car park.

2. Ton Sai Waterfall

This waterfall is best visited with a guide who can point out and identify all the interesting flora and fauna. The falls are located inland, and you’ll walk through some pretty farmland on the approximately 2-kilometer path to the falls. The waterfall itself is a single, rushing stream that tumbles about 10 meters down a hill. The park is very family-friendly with a car park, bathrooms, gardens, a children’s playground, gazebos and a camping area near the falls.

To get to Ton Sai Waterfall from Kamala Beach, head north on Route 4030. Turn left when you reach Route 402 and continue north until you enter the town of Thalang. You’ll see Makro Thalang on your left just before making a right-hand turn onto Ao Ek Vanit Road. Turn right again onto Tonsai Waterfall Road and follow it to the end.

3. Ton Ao Yon Waterfall

This is one of the “hidden” waterfalls of Phuket. There are several pools on two levels at the lower end of the waterfall. Take care when scrambling over the slippery rocks to reach the top of the falls. The highlight is that you may well have the waterfall to yourself.

To get to Ton Ao Yon Waterfall from Kamala Beach, take Route 4030 south to Route 4023 and continue south. When you reach the beginning of Cape Panwa, look for Soi Ao Yon Khaokhad on your right. Turn right again on Soi Ruam Jai Ao Yon and follow the road until it ends. Park and follow the path through small homes where local villagers can help point out the way.

4. Kathu Waterfall

This waterfall consists of a series of charming pools ascending a hill that offers a challenging climb to the top, although there is a stone stairway most of the way. This is a well-developed waterfall with places selling snacks and bottled water at the bottom of the falls. Plan enough time when you visit the falls to also visit the Flying Hanuman zipline attraction nearby.

To get to Kathu Waterfall from Kamala Beach, head south on Route 4030 until it merges with 4029 in Patong Beach. Follow 4029 over the hill to where it intersects with Route 4020. Turn left and follow 4020 until you see the signs for the Flying Hanuman and Kathu Waterfall on your left. Turn left and follow the road all the way to the end.

Enjoy a Holiday Vacation at Thavorn Beach Village Resort

Book a family vacation at Thavorn Beach Village Resort this holiday season and enjoy exciting day trips exploring the natural beauty of Phuket.