Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife Reserve Wildlife Reserve

Address: Khao Phra Thaeo (Khao Phra Thaew) Wildlife Sanctuary / Royal Wildlife Reserve, Thalang District, Phuket, Thailand

Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife Reserve is a protected rainforest area on the island of Phuket, Thailand, protecting one of the last sizable tracts of evergreen forest on the island. The reserve is important for watershed protection, wildlife habitat and short rainforest hikes.

Within the reserve are several short trails that lead to waterfalls and freshwater pools, notably Bang Pae and Ton Sai, which are popular for day visits and short hikes. A gibbon rehabilitation project and local conservation programs operate in the area to rehabilitate rescued primates and support habitat protection.

Management focuses on maintaining forest cover, regulating visitor access on designated trails and supporting wildlife rehabilitation and education. The reserve lies in northeastern Phuket, in Thalang District, and is accessed by road from Phuket’s main towns.

• Forest remnant: The reserve comprises Phuket’s last significant area of evergreen rainforest, with short, shaded trails suitable for half-day visits.
• Waterfall conditions: Visiting the waterfalls is easiest during and shortly after the rainy season when flows are strongest, but trails can be slippery; downstream pools are used for swimming when allowed.

What to See#

• Bang Pae Waterfall: The main waterfall trail leads to Bang Pae Waterfall, a perennial cascade within the reserve and a common short-hike destination for visitors.
• Ton Sai Waterfall: A smaller trail leads to Ton Sai Waterfall within the same forest block, providing additional swimming pools and shaded jungle paths.
• Gibbon rehabilitation: A long-running gibbon rehabilitation and rescue program operates within the reserve to care for rescued gibbons and support local conservation outreach.

Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife Reserve (Khao Phra Thaeo) is on northern Phuket island, adjacent to the Bang Pae Waterfall and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. From central Phuket Town it’s roughly a 20-25 km drive (about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic) along the main northbound roads; taxis or private cars are the most convenient option. Some local songthaew (shared pick-up) routes and tour operators also run from Phuket Town and popular tourist areas; once at the reserve’s parking areas the trailheads and visitor facilities are a short walk (a few hundred metres) from the drop-off points.

• Enter Khao Phra Thaeo via the Bang Pae trailhead for the most direct access to Ton Sai waterfall and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project; the Bang Pae gate houses the ranger station and registration point.
• Visit at first light for the best wildlife activity and quieter trails - gibbons and many birds are most active early and midweek visits avoid weekend crowds.
• Check Gibbon Rehabilitation Project opening hours before you go and plan to stop at the project during your visit; follow ranger guidance and stay on marked trails to protect the reserve's fragile forest.