Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary
Reservation Protected rainforest sanctuary on Phuket island
On Phuket’s interior, Khao Phra Thaeo protects the island’s last stretches of mature rainforest; visitors hike trails to Ton Sai waterfall, watch gibbon-rehabilitation efforts, and escape the coast for cooler forest walks.
Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forested area on northeastern Phuket island that conserves one of the last patches of evergreen rainforest on Phuket. It functions as Phuket’s main terrestrial reserve for native flora and fauna.
The sanctuary contains accessible waterfalls, short rainforest trails and a wildlife rehabilitation centre. Highlights include Bang Pae Waterfall and Ton Sai Waterfall, plus the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, all reached by walks of a few hundred metres to a couple of kilometres from parking points.
Protection of the forest has aimed to conserve remaining lowland rainforest and associated wildlife on the island; the area has been managed for conservation rather than development since it was set aside as a protected area. Facilities are basic and oriented to day visitors and educational groups.
The sanctuary sits in the northeastern corner of Phuket island, inland from the island’s west coast beaches and within Thalang district. The main access is from roads that cross the interior of the northern part of the island.
- Seasonal waterfall flows: Best time to visit is the wet season from May to October when waterfalls are fuller; parts of the park can be dry in the cool season.
- Trail lengths: Short trails through lowland rainforest include well-marked paths of under 2 kilometers suitable for day hikers and families.
What to See #
- Bang Pae Waterfall: Located in the northeastern interior of Phuket island, the waterfall is a short trail from the park entrance and ends at a pool that is popular for swimming during the wet season.
- Ton Sai Waterfall: A multi-tiered cascade reached by a forest trail that is more remote than Bang Pae and less frequented by casual visitors.
- Gibbon Rehabilitation Project: A long-running rescue and rehabilitation centre for gibbons with an on-site education area located near the Bang Pae entrance to the sanctuary.
How to Get to Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary #
Khao Phra Thaeo is in the north of Phuket Island. Drive about 17-25 km from Phuket Town toward the Bang Pae area (Phang Nga Road/North Phuket routes). Local songthaews and taxis can reach the sanctuary entrance from major towns; a private car or tour is often easiest.
Tips for Visiting Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary #
- Visit early in the morning to catch gibbons being fed and released at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project near Bang Pae Waterfall.
- Bring insect repellent and a rain jacket in the wet season; trails to waterfalls can be slippery.
- Combine a sanctuary visit with a short trip to nearby coastal viewpoints in the northwest of Phuket National Park.
Best Time to Visit Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary #
Best from November through February when trails are dry and wildlife is active; the sanctuary is open year‑round but conditions vary with the monsoon.
Weather & Climate near Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary #
Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (2511 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (257 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (263 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (300 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (384 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (414 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (339 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (193 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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