Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Phuket - A captivating shot of a traditional temple with intricate golden details, set against a clear blue sky. The temple stands elevated, supported by numerous pillars and boasts a prominent triangular roof with ornate designs. Flanked by lush greenery, the foreground is adorned with a pathway lined by vibrant red flowers, while a few white statues add to the temple's grandeur.
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Khao Phra Thaeo National Park Phuket

4.1
·242 reviews·Thep Krasatti, Thailand

Phuket's last remaining rainforest sanctuary, featuring stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and an ethical elephant haven.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Phuket - A captivating shot of a traditional temple with intricate golden details, set against a clear blue sky. The temple stands elevated, supported by numerous pillars and boasts a prominent triangular roof with ornate designs. Flanked by lush greenery, the foreground is adorned with a pathway lined by vibrant red flowers, while a few white statues add to the temple's grandeur.

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park Phuket

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Phuket's last remaining rainforest sanctuary, featuring stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and an ethical elephant haven.

4.1
(242 reviews)

"A refreshing jungle escape with beautiful waterfalls and a truly ethical elephant sanctuary experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear comfortable shoes

Trails can be slippery, especially near waterfalls. :athletic_shoe: Waterproof footwear is recommended.

Book elephant sanctuary early

Spots at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary fill up fast. Book online well in advance! :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae Waterfall

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

A stunning multi-tiered waterfall cascading into a refreshing pool, perfect for a cooling dip.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Adjacent to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

An ethical sanctuary offering a safe haven for rescued elephants, allowing you to observe them in a natural environment.

Gibbon Rehabilitation Center

Gibbon Rehabilitation Center

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Learn about conservation efforts and spot rescued gibbons in their natural habitat.

Planning Your Visit

Escape the Beach Crowds

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park offers a refreshing jungle escape from Phuket's busy beaches. Plan your visit to avoid peak times for a more serene experience. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to enjoy the waterfalls and wildlife with fewer people.

Ethical Elephant Encounters

The park is home to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a renowned ethical sanctuary. If you plan to visit, book your experience in advance as spots are limited. This ensures a responsible and memorable encounter with rescued elephants.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (rainy season)
Why
Waterfalls are more powerful
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Two nights in a floating bungalow in Thailand. The highlight of our trip! Everything you need to know included in the video 🌴🦋 #khaosok #khaosoknationalpark #floatingbungalow #khaosokthailand #khaosok...
@joellejaguar
45.7K likes • 950.2K views

Wear comfortable shoes

Trails can be slippery, especially near waterfalls. :athletic_shoe: Waterproof footwear is recommended.

Book elephant sanctuary early

Spots at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary fill up fast. Book online well in advance! :ticket:

⬇️ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO VISIT KHAO SOK No signal for a few days but for one the best experiences ever 🤩 If you are traveling to Thailand, Khao Sok National Park should be on your itinerary ...
@memoriesfromabroad
28K likes • 347.6K views
🇹🇭🌺🌳12 Months at the Laguna Legacy Forests in Phuket, Thailand with Banyan Tree Group. The ecological heritage of Banyan Tree Resorts is located in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in the north of P...
sugiproject
0 likes • 6.1K views

Bring insect repellent

The jungle is lush, so protect yourself from mosquitoes. :bug:

Pack swimwear

You'll want to take a dip in the refreshing waterfall pools. :swimsuit:

Bordering Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a home for tired elephants who have endured long hours of work in the logging and tourism industries. It is an ethical elephan...
youradventureguide_com
380 likes • 3.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear comfortable shoes

Trails can be slippery, especially near waterfalls. :athletic_shoe: Waterproof footwear is recommended.

Book elephant sanctuary early

Spots at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary fill up fast. Book online well in advance! :ticket:

Bring insect repellent

The jungle is lush, so protect yourself from mosquitoes. :bug:

Pack swimwear

You'll want to take a dip in the refreshing waterfall pools. :swimsuit:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(242 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Khao Phra Thaeo National Park for its lush rainforest, refreshing waterfalls, and the ethical experience at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. It's seen as a welcome natural escape from Phuket's busy beaches. Some note that trails can be slippery and wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed.

"Beginner to intermediate level trail with lots of different types of terrain to navigate. You can easily get off the actual trail if don’t pay close attention to the sometimes difficult to see markers and signs. Overall, a good experience that takes just over an hour or so of actual moving time with a few pictures along the way. 🇹🇭😎🙏"

Michael Christoper

"Oh my god! Taking a 4-year-old through the entire route felt like stepping into a real-life maze adventure! My tracker showed a whopping 8 km, with endless crossroads that felt like hidden levels in a video game. I highly recommend starting in the morning—if you get lost in the afternoon, you’ll end up stuck in an infinite loop, wandering in circles and questioning your life choices!
。"

you yu

"The second largest national park in Phuket, after Sirinat National Park, is located in the northeast of the island and is adjacent to it.

There is beautiful nature here, which includes a large number of different trees and shrubs, the fauna of which represent rare rain forests in the world.

This is a good place for lovers of wildlife, animals and those who love long walks among the wild jungle. There are two waterfalls, the distance between which is up to 8 km along a forest path (depending on the chosen route). One of them is Ton Sai - is located in the western part of the park, the other - Bang Pae - is located in the eastern part.
Also on the territory of the park, at the Ban Pae waterfall, there is a gibbon rehabilitation center, where you can get acquainted with these beautiful animals!

This is a non-contact zoo - the animals here are in cages.

Entrance fee: about 500 baht/hour

Full information with video and easy navigation - in the app 👉 PHUKETON"

Igor Dvorov (PhuketON)

What People Like

Beautiful waterfalls
Ethical elephant sanctuary
Lush rainforest scenery

What People Dislike

Slippery trails
Wildlife sightings not guaranteed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is by taxi or a rented scooter from popular areas like Patong or Phuket Town. The drive takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Some tours may offer pick-up services, especially if you're visiting the elephant sanctuary. :car: :scooter:

Public transport options are limited and can be time-consuming. Taxis or ride-sharing apps are generally more convenient for reaching the park and its attractions like Bang Pae Waterfall. :bus:

Renting a scooter offers the most flexibility to visit different spots within and around Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, including the waterfalls and the elephant sanctuary. :scooter:

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is located on Phuket Island. If you are coming from mainland Thailand, you'll likely fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) and then arrange transport to the park. :airplane:

Yes, there is a small entrance fee for Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, typically around 200 THB for foreigners. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary has separate admission fees and requires advance booking. :moneybag:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for the national park itself can usually be purchased at the entrance. However, for the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, booking well in advance online is essential as they have limited capacity and operate on a schedule. :ticket: :computer:

The park is generally open daily from early morning until late afternoon. Specific attractions like Bang Pae Waterfall may have slightly different operating hours, so it's good to check locally or with your tour provider. :clock:

No, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a separate ethical tourism initiative located adjacent to the park and has its own admission fees and booking requirements. :elephant:

Information on discounts can vary. It's advisable to check the official park website or inquire directly with the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary for any available concessions. :child: :older_man:

The most reliable way to secure your spot at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is through their official website. This allows you to choose your preferred date and time slot. :web:

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is a lush rainforest home to Bang Pae Waterfall, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, and diverse wildlife like wild boars and various bird species. It's ideal for nature walks and enjoying the jungle scenery. :tropical_fish: :bird:

Yes, swimming in the designated pool at Bang Pae Waterfall is generally safe and a popular activity. The water is refreshing, but be mindful of slippery rocks. :water_wave:

While sightings are not guaranteed, you might encounter wild boars, various bird species, and if you're lucky, gibbons at the rehabilitation center. The park is a haven for biodiversity. :pig: :monkey:

Yes, there are walking trails within Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, leading to viewpoints and the waterfall. Some trails can be steep and slippery, so wear appropriate footwear. :hiking_boot:

Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are essential, and don't forget swimwear if you plan to swim. :shorts: :t-shirt:

🎫 🐘 Ethical Elephant Encounters

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a retirement home for elephants rescued from difficult working conditions. Visitors observe elephants in a natural setting, without riding or performing. :heart: :elephant:

You'll typically spend time learning about the elephants' stories, observing them as they roam, eat, and bathe. It's a peaceful and educational experience focused on the well-being of the animals. :peace: :book:

Feeding the elephants is usually part of the guided experience, allowing for a controlled and safe interaction. The focus is on providing them with their natural diet. :banana: :carrot:

Visits to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary are typically half-day experiences, often including a guided tour and lunch. It's a substantial activity that requires a few hours. :timer:

Yes, the sanctuary is generally family-friendly, offering an educational experience for children about animal welfare and conservation. :child: :familywomanwoman:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park offers a fantastic nature escape for families. Bang Pae Waterfall is a highlight, with a pool perfect for kids to splash around in (under supervision, of course!). The Gibbon Rehabilitation Center provides an educational experience, teaching children about wildlife conservation in an engaging way. :child: :water_wave:

When visiting, pack plenty of water, snacks, and insect repellent. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the trails. Consider visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary as well; it's a wonderful, ethical experience that children often find fascinating, teaching them about animal welfare. :elephant: :bug:

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those seeking a true jungle experience, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park delivers. Explore the walking trails that wind through the dense rainforest, offering glimpses of diverse flora and fauna. The park is a haven for birdwatchers and anyone looking to escape the coastal crowds. :hikingboot: :tropicalfish:

While the main trails are manageable, some can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Always wear appropriate footwear and consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth exploration of the park's hidden gems and to learn more about the ecosystem. The Bang Pae Waterfall is a rewarding destination after a hike. :waterfall:

❤️ Eco-Conscious Travelers

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is a sanctuary for biodiversity and a testament to conservation efforts. Prioritize visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a leading example of ethical elephant tourism where rescued elephants are given a peaceful retirement. Your visit directly supports their welfare. :heart: :elephant:

When exploring the national park itself, practice Leave No Trace principles. Stick to designated paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and ensure you leave the environment as you found it. Supporting local conservation initiatives and choosing eco-friendly tour operators are key to responsible travel in this beautiful region. :recycle: :leaf:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae Waterfall is the most accessible and popular waterfall within Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. It features a series of cascades that form a lovely pool at the base, perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot Phuket day. The area around the waterfall is lush and green, offering a tranquil escape from the island's more developed tourist spots. Remember to wear sturdy footwear as the paths can be slippery, especially after rain. :water_wave:

Many visitors combine a trip to Bang Pae Waterfall with a visit to the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Center. The short drive between the two makes it an efficient way to experience two key attractions within the park. The sound of the waterfall and the surrounding jungle create a truly immersive natural experience. :tropical_fish:

Pro-tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the waterfall's serenity. The entrance fee is nominal, making it an affordable yet rewarding natural excursion. :moneybag: :sunrise:

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Experience

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, bordering Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, is a pioneering ethical elephant refuge in Southern Thailand. It provides a safe and loving home for elephants rescued from logging and tourism industries, allowing them to live out their lives in peace and dignity. Unlike traditional elephant camps, there is no riding, bathing performances, or stressful interactions. :elephant: :heart:

Visitors are welcomed for half-day or full-day experiences that focus on observation and education. You'll learn about the individual stories of the elephants, witness them foraging naturally in the jungle, and perhaps even see them enjoying a mud bath. The sanctuary emphasizes a respectful distance, ensuring the elephants' comfort and well-being are paramount. :peace:

Booking in advance is absolutely crucial as the sanctuary operates with limited numbers to maintain a tranquil environment for the elephants and an intimate experience for guests. This commitment to ethical tourism makes it a highly recommended stop for conscious travelers looking for a meaningful interaction with these magnificent creatures. :ticket: :web:

Wildlife and Conservation in Khao Phra Thaeo

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is a vital green lung for Phuket, protecting one of the island's last remaining rainforests. This biodiversity hotspot is home to a variety of wildlife, though sightings can be elusive. Keep an eye out for wild boars, various species of monkeys, and an array of colorful birds. The dense foliage and natural sounds create an immersive jungle atmosphere. :pig: :monkey: :bird:

A significant conservation effort within the park is the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center. This center works to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintroduce gibbons back into the wild. Visiting the center offers a unique opportunity to learn about these intelligent primates and the challenges they face due to habitat loss and illegal pet trade. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting natural habitats. :gibbon:

While the park is a sanctuary for wildlife, responsible visitor behavior is key. Stick to marked trails, avoid feeding animals, and take all your trash with you to help preserve this precious ecosystem for future generations. :recycle: :leaf:

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