Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary Reservation

Address: Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary, northern Phuket Island (Bang Pae area)

Website: https://www.dnp.go.th (Thai National Parks general site)

Hours: Daily 8:00am-5:00pm (Bang Pae area; check local notices)

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.

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.

• 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.