Phuket Waterfalls and National Parks

Visiting a national park in Thailand is not free. The rates is 200 Baht for tourists adults, 100 Baht for tourist kids. Thais adult 20 Baht and Thai kid 10 Baht.

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Phuket's last significant virgin rain forest is a designated national park located in the northern part of the island.

Spend a morning taking a leisurely walk up by the Tonsai waterfall, or, if you want to spend the day walking in the quiet majesty of a tropical forest, there's an eight-kilometre trek right through the park from Bang Pae waterfall to Ton Sai.

Guides are available at the park, and for 8 kilometres definitely advisable! Much of the forest's wildlife tends to stay out of sight, but stay still for a while and your guide will point out the telltale sounds of all sorts of animals. If you're lucky, you may even see some of the forest's unusual creatures. A small museum and information centre is located near the bottom of the waterfall.

To get there, take Route 4027 east from the Heroines' Monument for about 7 km. The entrance is clearly marked at the left. Note that all national parks in Thailand charge foreigners a 400-Baht entrance fee.


Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre

Gibbons are among humankind's nearest relatives, and when young make adorable pets. When mature however, they outgrow their cuteness and can become aggressive and even inflict injury. Thailand's wild gibbon population suffers from the poaching of baby gibbons for illegal sale as pets. This often involves killing the fiercely protective mother gibbons, and the abandonment or killing of matured aggressive pets.

The Gibbon Rehabilitation project, located in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, near Bang Pae Waterfall, tries to rehabilitate abandoned pet gibbons to the wild. You'll find it fascinating, and your donation and T-shirt purchases will help keep the project, the only one of its kind in the world, going.

Inland Phuket

Get a glimpse of the other side of Phuket. The real people from farmers to local business people, who live and work in the forest and on the land. The guides at Siam Safari Nature Tours will introduce you to the island's environment, culture and lifestyle.

Tours are aimed at small groups or individuals, and offer forest walking, Land Rover touring, river canoeing or rafting and elephant trekking, with visits to rubber plantations, schools and temples.

Sirinath National Park

Sirinath National Park covers an area of 90 square kilometres, from an area west of Phuket International Airport all the way to the island's northern tip, and encompassing Nai Yang, Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches. The park offers basic, government-run bungalows and tents for rent, or you can stay in a hotel nearby.

At the northern end of the park, situated near Tah Chatchai, is a mangrove forest with saltwater swamps supporting unique eco-systems. A nature trail and 800m wooden walkway have been built, along with signs indicating and explaining the various species of plants and animals. Entrance at the northern tip of the island, near the bridge to Phang Nga.

Kathu Waterfall

Reached by a short trek along a trail, Kathu Waterfall is another cool refuge from the heat of the day. Best seen from June-October, when the water level is high and the forest is at its greenest.

With an outdoor restaurant at the base of the trail, a trip to Kathu waterfall makes for a nice afternoon excursion. Those looking for a little more adventure can go to the Phuket Waterski Cableways park nearby (Open 9am-6.30pm daily. Tel: 076-202525-7). Located between Phuket City and Patong in Kathu district, near the Loch Palm golf course.

Viewpoints

The most popular outlook in Phuket is the windswept Phromthep Cape (Laem Phromthep), situated between Rawai and Nai Harn beaches, where a large car park, souvenir shops and restaurants have been constructed to accommodate the many visitors.

Sunsets are spectacular but crowded, so it's recommended to go in the morning or early afternoon to avoid the tour bus frenzy


The Kata viewpoint - also called "Khao Sam Haad" or "Three Beach Hill" - is another great spot to enjoy a fine vista. Just 5 minutes by car or motorbike south of Kata on the Kata-Nai Harn road, this panoramic view takes in the three beaches of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, plus a wide stretch of the Andaman Sea.

In Phuket City, Rang Hill, off Mae Luan Rd, is a fine location to look down upon the town and across the bay, while sipping an iced coffee at one of the two excellent hilltop restaurants. Early in the morning, nuns and monks from the temple at the base of the hill can be seen walking on their alms rounds along the road winding up the hill.

A lesser known viewpoint is Nakkerd Hill, found at the end of Yodsane 1 Rd in Chalong (about 2 km north of Chalong Circle off Route 4021, the Wat Chalong road), offering an unbelievable vista across much of the south end of Phuket and over the sea. It is sure to be popular in a few years' time, however, since a giant 45m-tall golden Buddha is under construction at the top of the hill. The steep, winding, mostly-dirt road up the hill is a mess, so using a 4WD or otherwise sturdy vehicle is advisable.


Phuket City Parks

At the south end of Phuket Rd is Saphan Hin, is a large, multi-purpose park with fitness centres, a stadium, jogging trails, a software development centre, restaurants and food stalls, and a mangrove walkway. A popular site for festivals and fairs throughout the year. Muay Thai kickboxing matches in the stadium every Friday evening. Drive to the end and see picnicking families on the pebbled shore of Phuket Bay.

King Rama IX Park, better known as Suan Luang, on Chao Fa Rd, is a lovely green park with large trees, lotus ponds and walking paths. Popular in the early morning with joggers and Tai Chi practitioners, and also in the late afternoons with strolling couples and takraw players (a game of agility where the feet are used to keep a rattan ball aloft).

Rang Hill fitness park, at the top of Khao Rang off Mae Luan Rd, is a nice shady area to go for a brisk walk or jog, or to simply sit and relax under the large, old-growth trees. The hilltop features a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit - the first Governor of Phuket.

Patong Parks

Along the beach at the north end of Patong is Loma Park, a refreshingly quiet spot to relax in the shade. Many festival events are held here during the year, and it's a popular park for local families to enjoy a nice afternoon.

See also Sports & Recreation, Beaches, Islands and Tours


In a bid to revive tourism to the six provinces along the Andaman coastline affected by the recent tsunami, the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department has extended opening hours and waived entrance fees to 15 of Thailand’s marine national parks.

- Phang-nga province Ao Phang-nga National Park
- Khao Lam Pee – Had Thai Muang National Park
- Mu Koh Similan National Park
- Mu Koh Surin National Park
- Krabi province Tarn Boke Koranee National Park
- Mu Koh Lanta National Park
- Khao Lak-Lamru National Park
- Hat Nopparat Thara – Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park
- Phuket province Sirinath National Park

Contact information:
National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department
Tel: +66 (0) 2562 0760 - Web site: www.dnp.go.th

Phuket Airport

What to expect on arrival and leaving the airport

Try to get a window seat if you are flying into Phuket International Airport - the sights are simply unforgettable. Aircraft flying in from the east follow an approach path that's smack-bang right over Phang Nga Bay and its graphic limestone karsts, isolated green islets and multihued fishing boats. At both high and low tide the bay is a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colours and contours.

Even though the airport ranks second in the country in terms of passenger and freight volume it is quite a modest affair and within minutes of landing you will be in the terminal. Only a few hundred metres to the west, the Andaman Sea laps up on Mai Khao Beach ('White Wood') and Nai Yang Beach.

Immigration

During Phuket's high season (December - May), when several flights can land one after the other, queues for immigration can sometimes be a little trying and officials thin on the ground - so be prepared for a wait unless you're willing to elbow all and sundry aside to get to the head of the line (but then again you're probably the same guy who got the window seat).

On the positive side, the airport's compactness means that it's just a short stroll from immigration and customs to the luggage carousel and the front door.

Getting To Your Hotel

As the airport is situated in the north of the island some 40 minutes' drive from Patong Beach, you're going to need some wheels to get to your hotel. If you have not already booked transportation with your hotel, don't worry - you still have several options. All transport options are clearly marked in English and Thai, as are taxi and minivan prices.

Taxi meter

A well-signed taxi stand is located just outside, to the right of the main building. The taxis are red and yellow and are supposed to use their meters but you will probably have to insist that the driver turns his meter on instead of bargaining and haggling for a price. The average fares from the airport are Phuket 400 baht, Patong 550 baht, Kata/Karon 650 baht. NB This charge is for the taxi, not per head. The trip will usually take approximately 30 minutes to Phuket, 40 minutes to Patong Beach, and around one hour to Kata/Karon.

Limousine taxi

A limousine service is also on hand, albeit a more expensive option (you can buy tickets for this service on the first floor of the terminal). The silver-grey vehicles are parked en masse directly opposite the terminal's main doors. They have a reputation for driving very fast as the quicker they go the more fares they can make in one day. If your knuckles are white after the first few kilometers gently say, 'Cha cha, khrap' - which means 'go slow please'.

Bus Transfer (See Map & Schedule)

There is an hourly and inexpensive bus service to Phuket Town from 06:30 to 21:30 but none to the west coast. You can buy tickets (70 baht) at a counter on the ground floor and the grey-red-and-black buses marked AIRPORT BUS are to be found outside in the parking lot. This is not a non-stop, express service: buses halt along the way for passengers to embark/disembark.

Minivan

Tickets for minivans are for sale at two counters on the ground floor (Phuket 100 baht, Patong 150 baht, Kata/Karon 180 baht). Minivans sometimes stop off at tour agencies where you will be asked to book a tour from which the driver makes a commission. Minivans take longer than a taxi to deliver you to your hotel as they drop off other passengers at hotels along the way.


Car rental

There are also two car rental counters where you can hire cars from Avis, Alamo, National and Hertz. Please make sure to take along your passport and driving license. Many more companies are located just outside the airport.

Stress-Free Transfers

To make the start of your holidays that much easier, here’s a tip: If you book your hotel with Asia Web Direct or with Phuket.com you will have the option to reserve your transfer in advance. If you really want to travel in style we have a Mercedes Benz ‘E’ Class limousine.


Changing Money

There are four currency exchanges on the airport's ground floor (and one in the departure hall) but then again they are sometimes under siege by new-arrivals and do not offer the best rates. Better to use one of the airport's many ATM machines (there are seven in a row on the first floor) as the charge for a transaction is minimal. Make sure your card has a 'Cirrus' logo on the back - good for international transactions.

Duty Free On Arrival

Yes, go for it! Located just after immigration. A tip: wine is expensive in Thailand but local spirits are cheap so it makes sense to go for a litre bottle of red or white.

Disabled People's Facilities

Phuket Airport has lifts, toilets and telephones adapted to disabled persons' needs as well as designated parking spaces.

Telephone Service

SIM cards are for sale at the airport's minimarts and if you go to the International Service Centre on the ground floor there is a kind lady who will set your mobile up for free. There are also mobile phones for rent (on the first floor) and enough payphones for an army of teenagers throughout the premises.

Internet

If you're desperate to send that email off there's an Internet service on the first floor with silly prices - 100 baht, or US$ 3 for up to 15 minutes.

Visas, Flight and Airlines

Visas

Visitors holding a valid passport or travel documents issued by a country included in Thailand's official list of eligible countries, can enter the country for one month without a visa. If you're planning a longer stay, you must apply for a Tourist Visa valid for 60 days, from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. Visa extensions can be applied for at the Immigration Department in Bangkok or in Phuket.

Please note: Visa regulations are subject to change, so it's best to check with your local Thai Embassy or Consulate for details from your country.


By Air

Several airlines now fly direct to Phuket's International Airport from international locations, making a stopover in Bangkok unnecessary, especially during the the high season (November - April.) It is still the trend for many tourists to come through Bangkok however, catching domestic flights via Thai Airways, which run regularly through the day, 7 days a week.
Flight schedules can be found on the Thai Airways web page or Tel: (02) 232 8000 (Bangkok office) or (076) 327 144 (Phuket office).

Bangkok Airways operates flights to and from Koh Samui on the other side of the peninsula. The short 25-minute flight makes a quick getaway from Phuket (the alternative is a 4 hour drive and ferry ride!) Schedules vary with the season, so check before you plan your journey.


Phuket Airport

Click here to read about Phuket International Airport facilities as well as Airports Transfers options


By Train

There is no direct train link to Phuket. Trains go to from Hualomphong Station in Bangkok to Surathani. From there you catch a bus to Phuket. Most tour companies can issue tickets which include the bus transfer from Surat. The train journey takes about 12 hours from Bangkok with another 4 hours from Surat to Phuket by road.

Trains have different classes which range in price, according to whether the seats are in a compartment and/or whether it's air-conditioned or fan. For train schedules contact the State Railway of Thailand Tel: (02) 220 4334. Advance tickets are available at all main stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office. Tel. (02) 225-0300 ext 5200-3.


Overland by Road

You can travel to Phuket from Bangkok by bus - a trip that takes about 14 hours. Daily services leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi, with many private services available from almost any travel agent or hotel tour desk in the city.

For information on bus timetables contact the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromratchchonnani Rd, Bangkok, Tel: (02) 435-1200, 434-7192. Most services will bring you directly to the Phuket Bus Terminal in Phuket Town, from where you can take a taxi, tuk tuk or local bus to most beaches on the island.

If you prefer to drive yourself, there are many car hire firms in Bangkok, including international rental companies such as Hertz, Budget and Avis, which offer full insurance and advice on your routing. The road system is good and well sign-posted, but great care needs to be taken when driving in Thailand. Rules are often ignored!

Please note: An International Driving Licence is required for full insurance cover.


By Sea

Many cruise ships departing from Singapore and Malaysia, include a stop in Phuket. Once you've arrived, there's a choice of cruises around Phuket island and to other south east Asian destinations. For more information please see our cruises page.

For private vessels entering Phuket waters, it is very important that all vessels must report upon entry to:

Phuket Port Control Center
2nd Floor Phuket Fishing Lodge Hotel
52/2 Moo 9 Tambon (Sub District) Chalong
Amphoe Muang, Phuket,
Latitude 7o 49' 0" N, Longitude 98o 22' 0" E,
Tel. & Fax. 66 76 381614.

Phuket Healthy Holiday

Phuket is rapidly emerging as not only a popular holiday resort, but also a centre for health and wellness. The quality of medical care is relatively high, and often available at far lower prices than service of equal standards in other countries. So whether you develop a health problem, or are seeking a specialized treatment, you'll find that the island's health facilities are well equipped to handle most of your needs.

If you come here for a medical procedure, you'll also have a wide range of luxury hotels, spectacular beaches, great restaurants and a host of leisure activities to choose from during your stay. With its long list of attractions, plus first-class medical facilities, spas and holistic services, Phuket is unquestionably a healthy holiday destination.

Spa & Massage

The combination of a spectacular tropical settting and world class hospitality makes Phuket one of the best places in the world to indulge in a sense-satisfying spa or massage package. Phuket spas draw on a variety of disciplines to bring your energies into a balanced and harmonious state. Traditional Thai and Swedish massage techniques are blended with aromtherapy and numerous other treatments to promote total relaxation and serenity.

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Vision Institute

The most in-depth eye exam in town
- Eye examination,
- Eye glasses
- Vision therapy,
- Contact lens
Service hours 10a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday
No appointment necessary - Pick-up available
Prescription from any doctor accepted
For more info call 076-230231, 081-5379102
Visit our website www.phuketvision-institute.com

Phuket Hospitals

Phuket is a driving force behind Thailand's emergence as a top medical destination. The vast majority of Phuket hospitals and clinics are cutting edge medical facilities, staffed by highly trained medical professionals using the latest techniques and equipment. Phuket hospitals are well versed in the medical needs of foreingers and are able to provide a very high level of care.

Plastic Surgery

If you've ever dreamt of a permanent change, Phuket is the place to make it happen. Thailand is becoming a world leader in the field of plastic surgery and Phuket is one of the Kingdom's major centres. Phuket's highly skilled plastic surgeons can make you look like you've always wanted to, using the latest techniques and technology. And once you've recovered you can really show off the new you at one of the beautiful beaches or hot night spots.

Cosmetic Dentistry

As dental fees skyrocket in western countries more and more people are turning to Thailand as an attractive option for improving on their pearly whites. Without taking too much beach time you can pop in and have your teeth whitened, filled or cleaned by experienced specialists using the latest technology. Fitting for a place known as 'The Land of Smiles'

Fitness Centers

With the amount of time you'll be spending on the beach its understandable that you might want to hit the gym while you're here. A little extra around the middle might be nice when the mercury drops but 'spare tires' have no place on the beach. While there are plenty of outdoor activities around the island to help keep you fit and firm (swimming, Scuba diving, Muay Thai) for many people there's no substitute for a good gym.

Alternative Health

The peoples of the Far East have long been known as the keepers of ancient healing secrets. More and more people are beginning to feel that modern medicine, despite the miracles it can work, falls short in some respects. And so they are turning to the traditional methods of healing honed over thousands of years in mysterious Asia.

Preparing for your trip

Before going abroad you should always know as much as you can about the place you are going to, especially when it comes to your health. Phuket is a very safe place with execllent medical facilities, but even so, you should familiarize yourself with the facts about medical care in Phuket.

Phuket Children and Families

Thailand is a very safe place for kids of all ages. The Thai people love children and are quite protective of them, no matter what their nationality. They do like to touch kids, squeezing their arms gently or stroking their hair, especially if your child is blonde, but it is done with the kindest of intentions.

However, this can be a bit unnerving for children from the west who aren't used to this kind of attention from strangers.

What Kids can do (organized by age)

In Phuket, there are masses of things to do - from elephant trekking, Butterfly Garden to Ten Pin bowling you will find activities for toddlers, teenagers and those young at heart.

Whether it's on land or sea, tours in Phuket offer great value for money and save both time and hassle. Tours usually include a guide (English and other languages available) lunch, snacks, transport and an activity like elephant trekking or kayaking. A tour to Phang Nga Bay with its stunning limestone scenery, includes an exiting ride on a local longtail boat through mangroves, while Phi Phi island tours include superb snorkelling in shallow water.

Specialist eco-tours are available both on and off the island, with day or overnight adventure tours in the forest available. Eco-tours usually offer a choice of rafting, kayaking, tubing, elephant riding and trekking.

Those who like more of an edge can try parasailing, mountain biking or ATV Tours.

Kid Friendly Hotels

All of the major hotels in Phuket welcome kids but there are some which provide just that bit extra for families. Hotels with a supervised Kids Club, a dedicated pool, a children's menu and a full programme of activities - rain or shine, are on our list of family-friendly hotels.

Look for a family-friendly hotel or resort which offers extras like for has facilities that cater to the age range of your children. Some resorts offer family packages that include hotel restaurant discounts and free services. See our recommendations - tried and tested with our own children!

Food for Kids

Parents - you can relax. Phuket has enough fast food outlets, KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Burger King, plus Ramen noodles and Asian fast food to satisfy the pickiest child. Virtually all hotels serve some western food and with breakfast and evening buffets providing a perfect way to satisfy all the family. Your kids might however, enjoy some Thai food. Try the food courts in large shopping centres like Central and Big C, where you can buy cheap and tasty snacks just perfect for kids. Hygiene standards are high and food like sausages (big hot dogs) on a stick, barbecued or fried chicken and sticky rice, fresh fruit, deep-fried bananas, custards or crisp cakes drizzled with caramelized sugar is sure to appeal.

Summer Camps:

The British Curriculum International School (BCIS) runs a summer camp for about 2 weeks every year during the summer break (July) with sports activities and games, arts and crafts.