The Complete Guide to All the Waterfalls in Phuket:
In this guide to Phuket waterfalls, I will to cover the island’s five essential waterfalls. I hope it will help you to decide if it is something for you to explore or you better go to the beach.
Bear with me. I am from Denmark, where there are no waterfalls at all, so I might not be the best to judge waterfalls; however, I shoot a lot of pictures so you can see what they look like.
I visited them in the rainy season when they should be at their peak, and even though I had never seen a famous big waterfall I can compare with, I was not so impressed.
I spent a day and could visit all five of Phuket’s waterfalls. I don’t feel the urge to go back and revisit any of them.
But I love to explore, and now I have explored all the island’s waterfalls, and ticked them off my bucket list.
Anyway I lived to tell the story, so that is what I will do. 🙂
First; What to wear when visiting a waterfall.
The most important is wearing good shoes; the paths and stones can be slippery.
You can dip in some of the waterfalls, so bring a swimsuit if you like waterfall showers and cold water. But do not expect a amazing shower as you see in the movies.
Important: Remember to bring mosquito repellent; there are many mosquitos in the woods where you find the waterfalls.
Ton Sai Waterfall: all you need to see.
Ton Sai Waterfall was the first stop on my trip and the best experience. If you only have time to visit one waterfall, I recommend that you, visit Ton Sai Waterfall.
Ton Sai waterfall, nestled within the lush greenery of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, is a perfect getaway from the bustling beaches of Phuket.
This waterfall is 25 minutes from Bang Tao Beach and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
You can stroll along the path to the waterfall, surrounded by a magnificent landscape.
The best time to visit Ton Sai waterfall is during the rainy season, when the cascades and drop pools are most impressive.
Entrance to the park requires a fee, but the enchanting beauty of Ton Sai waterfall makes it worth the expense.
Bang Pae Waterfall
Bang Pae Waterfall the next stop on my trip. It is located in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, a 3.6 km east drive from Phuket town.
Bang Pae waterfall is the largest waterfall in Phuket, standing 10 meters high. (10 meters, not that impressive; even I have never seen any really high ones)
The waterfall is opposite the hill of Bang Pae and is a favorite picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.
The rainy season from June to November is also the best time to visit Bang Pae waterfall, as the water flow is abundant and refreshing.
There is an entry fee of 200 baht per person to access the waterfall; it is a fair price because the park is clean and well-maintained.
There are also some small shops around the area, where you can get cold drinks, Thai food, and snacks.
Ao Yon Waterfall
Ao Yon waterfall, known as Ton Ao Yon, is a well-hidden waterfall in Phuket’s Cape Panwa area.
I am not sure I found the actual waterfall; if I did (I think I did), it could have been more impressive, to put it nicely.
When I came to the waterfall, I could not imagine I had found it; there was some water but not much, even though it was the rainy season.
So I tried to go deeper into the forest but ended up in a rubber plantation, which could be exciting, but not when you are on a waterfall tour.
I met other tourists leaving the plantation and asked if they had seen the waterfall.
They told me I had already passed it; it was the little one without much water I had passed when I came.
Ao Yon Waterfall is a short drive from the beaches on the west coast.
The waterfall is less well-known than its counterparts, but there is also little to know :).
Therefore, I cannot recommend visiting Ao Yon Waterfall.
Kathu Waterfall: The Popular Choice
Kamala Waterfall or Bang Wan as it is really called is a is a small but picturesque waterfall located in Kamala.
You find it behind the village, about three kilometers from the beach (it is one of the places you only can find with Google maps)
The waterfall is set in a lush jungle and surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a nice place to visit if you are in Kamala anyway.
To reach the waterfall, visitors must take a short hike through the jungle, which adds a little to the adventure and excitement of the journey.
The waterfall is not very high but has a serene and calming atmosphere. The flowing water provides a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and meditation.
Kathu waterfall, the most famous waterfall in Phuket, is just a 20-minute drive from Patong.
The waterfall is impressive (compared to the other waterfalls in Phuket, especially the staircase). It has a series of drop pools and cascades; you can follow them up the very long staircase.
I visited Kathu waterfall during the rainy season, from June to November, when the water flow is at its peak. Still, there was only a little water.
Bang Wan Waterfall or Kamala Waterfall
Kamala Waterfall or Bang Wan as it is really called is a is a small but picturesque waterfall located in Kamala.
You find it behind the village, about three kilometers from the beach (it is one of the places you only can find with Google maps)
The waterfall is set in a lush jungle and surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a nice place to visit if you are in Kamala anyway.
To reach the waterfall, visitors must take a short hike through the jungle, which adds a little to the adventure and excitement of the journey.
The waterfall is not very high but has a serene and calming atmosphere. The flowing water provides a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and meditation.
Kamala Waterfall or Bang Wan as it is really called is a is a small but picturesque waterfall located in Kamala.
You find it behind the village, about three kilometers from the beach (it is one of the places you only can find with Google maps)
The waterfall is set in a lush jungle and surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it a nice place to visit if you are in Kamala anyway.
To reach the waterfall, visitors must take a short hike through the jungle, which adds a little to the adventure and excitement of the journey.
The waterfall is not very high but has a serene and calming atmosphere. The flowing water provides a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and meditation.
Can You Swim In Phuket Waterfalls?
Yes, you can swim in many Phuket waterfalls, making them a perfect escape from the heat and an ideal relaxing spot. The water at these waterfalls is cool (cold), refreshing, and revitalizing, providing a natural swimming pool surrounded by stunning landscapes.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution and follow any safety guidelines posted at the waterfalls, as some areas may have strong currents or slippery rocks.
Now you’ve read about the top waterfalls in Phuket and seen the photos.
So you’re wondering if they’re really worth the hype. They can be worth a visit, but with a caveat.
You see, it’s only during the rainy season in Phuket that these cascading beauties genuinely come alive, gushing with water and enthusiasm. )and not so much anyway)
During the high season, when most tourists visit, they tend to be a bit more… shall we say, “underwhelming”?
But, on the other hand, they may be taking a well-deserved break from all the attention.
But don’t let that deter you! If you have some extra time and nothing else to do, why not stroll to the hill of Bang Pae waterfall or climb to the top of another majestic cascade?
After all, many of these natural wonders are free to visit, making them perfect for the budget-conscious traveler seeking a taste of Phuket’s lesser-known attractions.
In conclusion, even the best waterfalls in Phuket may not always be at their most spectacular.
Ok, I better be nice 🙂
However, they still offer a unique and enjoyable experience. Just be sure to manage your expectations, embrace the adventure, and carry a water bottle to make your own waterfall if necessary 🙂
A visit to the Waterfalls in Phuket offers you a chance to connect with nature, and even if the waterfalls are not at the top of their game, then the trek through the rainforests provides a refreshing break from the beach.
So whether you’re looking for a famous waterfall with abundant amenities or a more secluded spot to relax, any waterfalls in Phuket will cater to your needs.
The really nice thing is that all the waterfalls are nicely kept; I have seen many waterfalls around Thailand there have been not so clean.
I recommend you check the “recent” pictures on Google Maps before you go.
If you find recent photos of the waterfalls, they will properly look the same when you visit. Pay attention to when the pictures are taken.