Trekking in Phuket

Phuket hiking is no longer a surprise to the locals of Thailand as it was to them even a few decades back when they would stop to see people hiking in the trails of Phuket and lend their helping hands to the hikers if they needed help. Now, it is a common sight for the residents to come across hikers and trekkers from all parts of the globe who want to uncover the hidden gems of this panoramic island country of Southeast Asia. Ranging from parks and dams to serpentine trails amidst dense undergrowth all around, Phuket is the ultimate destination for adventure lovers. Here we shortlist some of the famous hiking trails in Phuket that you should count on:

Gibbon Hike- It is known for abounding exotic tree houses and zip lines under the canopy of gigantic trees. Far from the clichéd urban livelihood, Gibbon National Park is an idyllic destination to give you a great hiking experience. The trail starts from the headquarters of the park near the Ton Sai Waterfall to the Bang Pae Waterfall. It is close to 9 Km long trail which takes a treacherous walk across small brooks and rocky cliffs to reach up to the waterfall. You can stay in one of the tree houses at Gibbon and witness a spectacular sunset over the valleys. It’s a 2 nights-3 days hiking expedition at Gibbon amidst the shrubbery and watercourses.
Location: Thep Krasattri, Phuket, Thailand

Monkey Hill- Toh Sae Hill or Monkey Hill as it is popularly known as one of the popular hiking trails in Phuket. The place is home to about 400 macaques in total and you can watch a show performed by these mischief-makers conducted by a person named Pae Hog who is fondly regarded as Uncle Hog by the locals. A platform has been built atop the hill which offers a stunning view of the Phuket City and is thronged by tourists who visit the place. The 4-mile long trail to Monkey Hill is quite treacherous and will challenge your guts if you are up for a trek.
Location: To Chae Road, Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand
Time required: It takes about two and a half hours for a round trip to Monkey Hill.

Kathu Waterfall- Unlike the images of free-flowing water gushing down a lofty height and plunging down into a massive pool when you think about a waterfall, the Kathu Waterfall is a series of waterfalls that are at times turbulent and at times gentle. Nestled in the verdure of nature at about 540 meters above the sea level, the 2 Km hiking trail to reach Kathu is as hard a climb as it is easy depending on your grits for an adventure trip. There are refreshment joints all along the 2 Km which comprises of stairways and you can stop at a noodle stall and savor on authentic Thai soup noodles at affordable rates after a tiring hike
Location: Kathu, Phuket, Thailand

Khao Sok National Park- It offers a wide range of fun-filled activities for all ages starting from hiking through the wilderness of the tropical rainforest to swimming in the emerald green water of a pool under the blue dome of the sky. The jungle is located on the bank of a vast water strip where you can occasionally spot gibbons and hornbills in your hiking expedition. Taking a 3 days’ hike across the Khao Sok National Park which extends for approximately 11 kms, will let you uncover the hidden beauty of its matchless flora and fauna and sink into the peaceful vibe of the place. Be careful to keep your stuffs in firm grip when you are on a jungle trek, as the macaques are always up to trying some pranks with the newcomers.
Location: Surat Thani, Thailand
Time required: 3 days approx

Bang Pae Waterfall- The 5 Km long hiking trail between Bang Pae and Ton Sok waterfalls rests under the canopy of large trees and a number of natural droop pools that render a mystic ambiance to the place. The main waterfall lies at the end of a snaky jungle trail which is choicest picnic spot for tourists and locals. Atop the towering cliffs of the naturally formed limestone rocks you can enjoy a stunning vista of the Phuket’s countryside overlooking the 33 feet high Bang Pae waterfall. Get a day pass to enjoy from morning till night in this postcard-pretty weekend destination of Phuket. Piang Prai and Bang Pae Seafood are the two most popular restaurants where you can enjoy delectable Thai food at the backdrop of an overwhelming mangrove forest.
Location- Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Thep Krasattri, Phuket, Thailand

The Big Buddha trail- This is one of the most hunted hiking trails in Phuket which stretches from the Karon Centre to Big Buddha which is a 45 meter tall and grand marble idol of Lord Buddha atop a hill between Chalong and Kuta. There is a shortcut 1.5 Km trail which makes its way through a jungle to reach up to the temple and the other usual one is a 5 km walking distance approximately. The hiking trail to reach Big Buddha is a bit challenging as the road turns steeper at every curve of the uphill journey and you can see the construction road in progress. You can stop over at the different roadside stalls en route Big Buddha and collect souvenirs of Lord Buddha in different positions.
Location: Soi Yot Sane 1, Chaofa West Road, Chalong, Phuket Town, Phuket-83100, Thailand
Time required: (1 ½ -2) hours approx.

Patong to Paradise Beach-Patong to Paradise Beach- Nestled under the canopy of evergreen trees and hushed by the azure Andaman Sea, it is one of the most secluded and laid back hiking trails in Phuket. As you start your journey en route Paradise Beach from Patong, the winding path across the Emerald Bay you will witness the unsullied beauty of nature and feel the caress of the tropical sea breeze all over your skin. You can end your trek to Paradise Beach by raking a refreshing dip in the sea. The 4 Km trail from Patong to Paradise beaches comprises of palm fringed twin bays that enjoy a cool and windy climate throughout the year that gives you a pleasant hiking experience in Phuket.
Location: 109 Muen Ngren Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 83150
Time required: 8 minutes

Being firmly tucked in the west coast of the Andaman Sea, Phuket enjoys a mild tropical climate round the year. The hottest phases of the year are from April-May and from September-October. This spectacular isle of Thailand experiences heavy rain during September and October under the influence of southwest monsoons winds. 

So, if you are looking forward to Phuket hiking, the best time to visit Phuket is from December-March when humidity is at its lowest and the climate is pleasant (24°C – 32°C). it is during this time of the year you can enjoy the stunning view of Phuket.

Phuket boasts of enormous waterfall treks that lead to secret cataracts and hidden sandy beaches. Sometimes it is a strenuous uphill journey to reach up to the top of the waterfall and sometimes it is a gentle hiking trail amidst the swathing foliage of the surroundings which often opens up to the azure Andaman Sea. Below are listed some of the most captivating hiking trails of Phuket in case you are a hiking buff: 

-Kathu waterfall
-Khao Sok National Park
-The Big Buddha
-Bang Pae Waterfall
-Patong to Paradise Beach trail
-Ao Yon Waterfall
-Ton Sai Waterfall

When it comes to hiking in Phuket, you will be allured by the sprawling white beaches lulled by the continuous sea breeze. You can also savour exotic Thai cuisines or pamper yourself in a Thai spa while basking in the sun. For your next Phuket trip, don’t miss out an opportunity to visit these famous beaches of Thailand:

-Phi Phi Island
-Raya Island
-Similan Islands
-Karon Beach
-Kata beach
-Kata Noi Beach
-Nai Harn Beach
-Railay Beach

Casual dresses are perfect if you are going for hiking in Phuket because Thailand is hot and humid during most of the time in a year. If you are going for Phukethiking, here are a few clothes you must throw in your daypack:

-Button downs for layering over bikinis or swimsuits. 
-Denim shorts to wear over your tank tops or bikini bottoms.
-A swimsuit, preferably an off shoulder or one piece that can be paired up with shorts.

If you are out on a beach hikinginPhuket, a flip flop sandal is the best ever footwear you should carry along with you.