While most tourists prefer the many beaches in the country, most Thais prefer waterfalls for bathing.
It's no different on Phuket.
Even though the waterfalls in Phuket are not as big and spectacular as those in the neighboring province of Phang Nga or even the famous Erawan Falls, they are nevertheless a worthwhile destination for a little trip into the interior of the island.
It should be noted that the waterfalls are fed by rainwater and thus hardly lead water in the high season.
In the rainy season, however, they are a nice alternative to a day at sea.
Here we introduce you to the waterfalls of the island.
1. Bangpae and Tonsai Waterfall
These two waterfalls are located in Khao Phra Thaew National Park in northeastern Phuket.
The Bangpae Waterfall is the largest in Phuket at 10m and offers the opportunity to splash in one of the lower pools at the foot of the falls.
The walk from the car park to the Bangpae waterfall takes about 10 minutes. Although well marked and prepared, the trail runs through jungles and under or over some roots and tree trunks. With the sounds of insects and gibbons from the forest, the high humidity and the surrounding giant trees, this short path is definitely an experience to get a very, small and safe impression of the jungle.
The Tonsai Waterfall is much smaller than the Bangpae Waterfall and is also located in the National Park. Access is from Thalang via a 3 km long road lined with dense rubber plantations. The waterfall is then just a short, easy walk from the car park. The waterfall and the area around it are particularly suitable for families with many shady seats, green areas and a children's playground.
If you like hiking and have no problem with the heat and humidity, you can also do a 2 km hiking trail on your own. With a guide it is also possible to go from the Tonsai to the Bangpae waterfall through the jungle.
Directions:
The national park is in the north of Phuket near Thalang. If you drive yourself, follow the main road towards the airport and turn right at the roundabout with the Phuket Heroines Monument. From there, following the road for about 9 km you will come across the park. Here is the Bang Pae waterfall.
Drive to the Tonsai waterfall, the road to Thalang and then turn right in the village at the traffic lights and follow the road for about 3 km.
Opening hours and admission fees:
The national park is open daily from 08.-18.00 o'clock.
Admission: 200 baht (year 2017)
Tip:
Best visit during the week, as many Thai family's come to swimming at the rather small waterfall on the weekend.
2. Kathu waterfall
This waterfall consists of three levels. At each there is a small natural pool for swimming. The path leads from the parking lot relatively steeply upwards. Up to the second level over 428 steps of a stone staircase, then on a forest path.
On the way up you can see butterflies, lizards, birds and other small animals. Worth seeing are the giant trees along the way. In the uppermost basin live some crayfish, smaller fish and water runners.
Overall, the waterfall is not particularly spectacular and not suitable for less athletic. Children will surely have fun here for one or two hours.
Directions:
The waterfall is located in Kathu. Turn left at the intersection with the Caltex petrol station, if coming from Patong. From the Central Festival, go straight on. After about 1 km there is a black sign on the left with the signpost to the waterfall. Then turn left again into Naamtok Kathu Road and follow to the end.
Opening hours and admission fees:
Can be visited around the clock and costs no entrance.
The best time is during the week between 9 and 16 o'clock to have the waterfall almost alone.
Tip:
In the immediate vicinity are a wakeboarding facility and the Flying Hanuman Experience, where you swing with ziplines through the forest. Both beautiful experiences for sports.
3. Ton Ao Yon waterfall
In addition to the more famous waterfalls Phuket, there are also other, smaller cases. One such is the waterfall in Ao Yon. The waterfall is very hidden in a quiet area of Phuket and, although not very big, is worth a detour.
The waterfall consists of two levels and a small pool in which to bathe. To get to the upper level, the path leads steeply and unprepared over rocks and trees, so that some climbing is necessary. Arrived at the top, the peace and the beautiful atmosphere in the forest make up for it. At least during the week, when no locals come for bathing or drinking.
The waterfall is mainly fed by rainwater, so that it hardly carries water in the dry season.
Directions:
The waterfall is located in Ao Yon on the Panwa Cape. Driving from the southern Panwa coastal road towards Ao Yon is the access to the waterfall just before the small Ao Yon beach left hand. Driving down the hill turn sharp left into the road and follow to the end.
Tip:
This waterfall is especially worthwhile during and at the end of the rainy season. Especially on weekdays before 16 o'clock. Then you are almost always alone here. Geocacher beware, here is loot ;-)
4. Bang Wan waterfall
One of the tourist attractions in Kamala is the Bang Wan Waterfall, which is hardly mentioned when it comes to the waterfalls in Phuket. This small and hidden waterfall is created in the upper part of the wooded Kamala Mountains and flows into the lower area through the village of Kamala.
There are 4 waterfall levels, but only the 2nd level is open to visitors. There is no staircase, but a small path leading to the second level. Moreover, swimming is strictly prohibited here for safety reasons.
Since this waterfall is almost never mentioned, there is no mass tourism here. Unfortunately you will not find any stalls or shops here. You should bring your own food and enough drinks.
Directions:
You will find this waterfall at the end of 2 Kamala streets. The Bang Hwan and Khok Yang Road, which lead through the village Kamala. Near the Royal Kamala Phuket Condominium, there are 2 streets. The waterfall is located at the end of the right road about 50 meters from the parking lot.
Tip:
Bring food and a lot water by yourself, because there is nothing to buy locally.
Hope you like this post. Have a great day everyone. Greetings from Phuket