Beyond the Beaches, Discover Phuket's Hidden Waterfalls   Mads D, Photographer & Explorer

Beyond the beaches, discover phuket's hidden waterfalls. Most people visit Phuket for its beautiful beaches, but I found a hidden world beyond the usual tourist spots. Here, waterfalls cascade through lush, green rainforests, and tranquil pools mirror the canopy above.

For one day, I traded the bustling shores for exciting, misty trails and encountered a different side of Phuket – one filled with the soothing sounds of birdsong and flowing water. For nature lovers ready to step off the beaten path, this side of Phuket reveals a sanctuary where unspoiled beauty flourishes in the untouched rainforests that cover 15-20% of the island.

If hiking isn't your thing, fear not; most waterfalls are just a short distance from the road and accessible via well-paved paths and stairways. No fancy gear is needed; comfortable shoes and mosquito spray will do.

When the waterfalls themselves did not take my breath away, the experience of the unspoiled rainforest certainly did. 

Ton Sai Waterfall

My first stop was Ton Sai Waterfall in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The entrance is a small clearing in the forest where you can park and also find the restrooms.

A short staircase led me to the first viewing point, where I saw the waterfall's gentle flow. It may not be the most impressive waterfall, but the area is a lovely, peaceful spot and very well maintained.

But if you are in the mood for more than relaxing and taking a few selfies, you can follow the stream up the mountain and deeper into the rainforest. Just be aware of slippery rocks, and remember your drinking water and mosquito spray.

Bang Pae Waterfall, Deep In The Rainforest

After Ton Sai, I drove to the other side of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, where I found Bang Pae Waterfall.

Bang Pae offers more than just the natural beauty of its cascades; here you also find the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center.

I arrived and parked at the welcome area, where there are restrooms, a small restaurant serving Thai dishes and a shop selling cool drinks and snacks.

Ao Yon Waterfall, An Offbeat Adventure

Next on the tour was Ao Yon Waterfall, or Ton Ao Yon, a lesser-known spot, well hidden, in Phuket's Cape Panwa.

Unlike the more popular falls, Ao Yon is less visited, providing a sense of solitude for those willing to seek it out.

However, this waterfall comes with a caveat, it was so underwhelming, that I was sure this could not be it.

Determined to find out if this was all, or if the was more, I went deeper into the forest and ended up in a rubber plantation.

I almost got lost, in the process, but eventually found my way back to my car.

It was a reminder that not all explorations lead to spectacular sights, but sometimes, the journey itself holds the experience.

Be careful when venturing too deep into the rainforest late in the day; it gets very dark very quickly.

And trust me, there are many ‘spooky’ sounds in the rainforest after dark, so get out in time.

Unless you have seen everything else or are a waterfall enthusiast, Ao Yon might not be worth prioritising as your first visit to a waterfall.

I followed the narrow footpath that takes you into the rainforest and the waterfall. It started gently, but the deeper I got into the forest the more rugged it became.

Exposed roots and rocks made me watch my steps while the forest came more and more alive, with birds darting between trees and unseen creatures rustling in the undergrowth.

The trail led me deep into the rainforest, revealing more hidden ponds and minor falls along the way. Walking further into the green, I couldn't help but feel a sense of discovery and quiet excitement, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the rainforest, very much alive.

Kathu Waterfall – The Rewarding Climb

After, let’s say the modest adventure at Ao Yon, I hoped for more. Kathu Waterfall, set between Kamala and Patong, delivered just that.

I arrived at a back road on the outskirts of Patong. There was no parking lot, so I parked on the street. Here are also several local shops and restaurants selling snacks and drinks.

I started up an impressive, long staircase that winds its way up through lush greenery, following the waterfall to the top of the mountain.

All the way to the top, there were small pools where local kids played in the water.

At the top, the staircase gave way to a nature trail that continued uphill, following the stream deeper into the forest.

The stairs were accessible and challenging enough to make the views and the tranquil escape into nature feel well-earned.

What impressed me most at Kathu waterfall was not the nature or the waterfall, but the impressive structure of a concrete staircase that was built so we can enjoy the waterfall.

Are the Waterfalls of Phuket worth a visit?

It was a wonderful day, and I saw a different side of Phuket and nature you usually do not associate with Phuket.

If you visit just one of the five waterfalls, one that resonates with you, you will see a more serene, natural side of Phuket, one you normally don’t see,

You will see for yourself that there is much more to Phuket than just beautiful beaches.

by Mads D, Photographer & Explorer

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