Exploring the Wonders of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Translated to “Temple Hill” in English, Khao Phra Thaeo is the name of Phuket’s last remaining evergreen rainforest. Located in the central, northeastern part of the island, the National Park is 20 km away from Phuket City and is home to a dense forest, a few waterfalls, and some of the richest flora and fauna in Thailand.

Providing a sanctuary for nature lovers, bird watchers, conservationists, and the regular Phuket traveler, the Park is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Get to bask in the gorgeous offerings of mother nature, where you can experience hiking amidst a lush jungle, witness wildlife, and spend quiet time in a beautiful and untouched forest.

For your next Phuket holiday, consider the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park for a day of immersion in nature.

What is the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park?

The Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is Phuket’s last untouched rainforest. Its total land area is over 23 square kilometers in northern Phuket, near Thalang. It was established as a wildlife park in July 1969 and declared a protected natural park in April 1977.

The park was known for its rich wildlife, which included tigers, bears, and rhinos, but today, only monkeys, wild birds, reptiles, gibbons, flying foxes, squirrels, slow loris, and smaller animals are found here. More than 80 species of birds are documented in the park, as well as 20 species of reptiles.

What are the Attractions in the Park?

The park is open to the general public every day of the year. Here are the attractions and things to do at the park:

1. Namtok Ton Sai Waterfall

The Ton Sai Waterfall is the tallest of the two waterfalls in the park. There are ponds around it where visitors can swim in, but its claim to fame is its scenery, making it the perfect area for a picnic.

The park’s headquarters is near the Ton Sai waterfall. Here, you’ll find a museum, information center, and restaurant.

2. Namtok Bang Pae Waterfall

This waterfall is smaller than Ton Sai and features swimmable ponds and a restaurant at the entrance. It is located near the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center.

3. Gibbon Rehabilitation Center

A volunteer-run rehabilitation center within the park is a nursery dedicated to caring for captured gibbons from the area. They are rehabilitated and reintroduced to the wild.

4. Hiking Trails

There are several hiking trails in the park, some taking 1 to 2 hours and the longest taking about 4 hours to finish. The latter trail requires a guide to accompany you, and it’s not for beginner hikers. Some paths are unpaved, and you’ll walk through dense forest areas.

Related article: Cultural Attractions in Phuket

Things You Need To Know

Before you book a taxi or ask your private villa’s concierge to book you a private car to visit the park, there are a few things you need to know first:

1. How to Get There

There is no public transportation to the park. You’ll need to hire a private car, take a taxi, or rent a motorbike to get there. From your hotel or luxury holiday villa in Phuket, drive to Thalang, where the park is located.

2. What to Bring

Bring lots of water, extra clothes, bug spray, and sunblock. Phuket’s weather is hot and humid, and you need to hydrate as you explore the rainforest. Expect to break a sweat or two, so water and an extra change of clothes are highly needed. Bug spray is also highly recommended since there might be a lot of mosquitoes and bugs along the way.

3. What to Wear

Wear lightweight, breathable clothes that help you stay dry and comfortable as you explore and wander around the beautiful rainforest scenery. Avoid wearing jackets or thick, heavy fabrics such as wool. Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sandals.

4. General Information

The Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is open every day of the year from 6:30 am to 5 pm. There’s an entrance fee of 200 baht for adult foreigners and 100 baht for children. For Thai locals, the entrance fee is 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for kids.

The National Park is perfect for those looking for an adventurous excursion, as you’ll need to do a lot of walking to explore the nature reserve. Elders with mobility problems or families with tiny children may not be the ideal people to visit the park.

Phuket offers so much more than sun and sand because there’s a lot in store even if you’re not a beach person. It’s a tropical island rich with beautiful natural wonders. Explore and experience the last evergreen rainforest on the island and unravel the beauty of the area’s waterfalls, flora, and wildlife.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Phuket’s tourist sites and witness the island’s untouched beauty at the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park.

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Featured Image by Thai National Parks