Khao Phra Thaeo National Park
Spread across 9 sq miles (23 sq km) of virgin rain forest, this national park in northeast Phuket provides one of the last remaining natural habitats for exotic and endangered animal species on the island. This pristine forest offers a quiet place where visitors can immerse themselves in the jungles that once covered much of the island. Khao Phra Thaeo offers picturesque waterfalls, raw hiking trails, and a rehabilitation center where gibbons receive care and treatment. The park is also home to rare plants, flowers, and trees.
Visitor Center • 254 Moo 2, Thepkasattri Road, Thalang • 07631 1998 • open 8:30am–4:30pm daily • Adm B200 (adults), B100 (children)
1. Ton Sai Waterfall
This scenic little waterfall in the center of the wildlife sanctuary is an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon. You can climb the rocky paths near the falls, but be careful, since the rocks can get slippery.
2. Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
The calls of gibbons resonate through the forest surrounding the Rehabilitation Centre, which was established in 1992 to care for animals that had previously been living in captivity. The project reintroduces some gibbons into the wild.Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre • Bang Pae Waterfall, Pa Khlock, Thalang • 07626 0491 • open 9am–4:30pm daily • www.gibbonproject.org
3. Bang Pae Waterfall
The bigger of the national park’s two major waterfalls, Bang Pae plummets down and forms a pool ideal for a cool, refreshing dip. The easy walk from the parking lot to the waterfall takes around 10 minutes.
4. Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Centre
Located near the base of Ton Sai Waterfall, this visitor center offers lectures on the park’s history and purpose, as well as trail guides, brochures, and limited, basic accommodations.Wildlife Conservation Department and Extension Centre • Highway 4027 • 07621 1067 • open 9am–4pm daily
5. Flora
One of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park’s special highlights is a rare and endangered palm known as the white-backed palm, or langkow-palm. Discovered by a German botanist in the 1950s, the fan-shaped plant is unique to southern Thailand.
6. Trekking
A scenic 5-mile (8-km) long jungle path links Ton Sai and Bang Pae waterfalls. Trekkers can hire guides at the visitor center near Ton Sai. Watch out for the park’s numerous exotic animal and plant species.
7. Elephant Trekking
An elephant village on the edge of Khao Phra Thaeo, not far from Bang Pae Waterfall, offers visitors the opportunity to go elephant trekking on jungle trails. The surprisingly nimble animal plods along steadily as you sit high atop its back.
8. Wildlife
The sanctuary’s natural environment is home to a number of exotic species, including wild boar, macaque monkeys, gibbons, and various types of deer.
9. Virgin Rain Forest
Evergreen trees, bamboo forests, exotic orchids, ferns, and mosses can all be found in Khao Phra Thaeo. The forested area surrounding the sanctuary includes several large rubber tree plantations.
10. Bird-watching
Northern Phuket is a paradise for bird-watchers. Inside the sanctuary, you can spot flowerpeckers, bulbuls, and sunbirds, as well as Green Leafbirds, Red-billed Malkohas, Asian fairy-bluebirds, and brahminy kites.
Captive Gibbons
In many of Thailand’s tourist areas, local touts carry baby gibbons around and try to lure foreigners into taking photographs with the cute little animals. In exchange, the touts ask for a little money. If you see these touts, remember that the gibbons are being kept illegally, and that many gibbons die when hunters try to capture them for the tourist trade. The Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre at Khao Phra Thaeo National Park works to protect these primates.
Tip: Check the weather forecast before your visit to the park – remember that it can rain without much warning, particularly during the summer months. Tip: Try the Bang Rong Floating Restaurant, not far from Bang Pae Waterfall.
