The North
Virgin rain forest, protected mangroves, wildlife sanctuaries, and unspoiled golden-sand beaches where giant leatherback turtles return each year to lay their eggs – Northern Phuket abounds in opportunities to connect with the area’s magnificent natural surroundings. Jungle trekking trails, half-buried golden Buddha statues, and picturesque swimming coves comprise natural wonders, while theme parks, golf courses, and tree-top canopies also attract many visitors. The beaches north of Kamala offer more privacy, tranquility, and access to nature for those who seek a little more space – and less bustle – during their holiday on Phuket.
1. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park
Home to numerous protected animal species, as well as rare and exotic plant life, this virgin rain forest features a number of jungle trekking trails, two waterfalls, and a gibbon rehabilitation facility. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969, Khao Phra Thaeo contains an especially rare palm species called the white-back palm, which was discovered by a German botanist nearly 60 years ago. This unique plant is found only in the park. Animals here include barking deer, gibbons, and flying foxes, as well as snakes and wild pigs.
2. Sirinat National Park
The pristine shoreline along Phuket’s northwestern coast is protected by Thailand’s national park service. Every winter, massive sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand here, while virgin mangrove forests can be found at the northern end of the park. An 2,625-ft (800-m) long wooden walkway has been constructed over the mangroves and is a popular scenic walk. The Sirinat National Park protects Mai Khao, Nai Yang, and Nai Thon beaches. The relaxed, natural environs draw a different crowd from the raucous party beaches.
3. Wat Prathong
The half-buried golden Buddha image here draws worshippers and curious tourists alike. Originally built in the 1750s, Wat Prathong has received high-profile visitors, including King Rama V in 1909. The statue was most likely half-buried as a result of flooding. The reclining gilded Buddha is another popular attraction. The colorful temple complex also features a museum that houses assorted historical items, such as tin mining tools and Javanese daggers, among others.
Highway 402 • Open 8am–5:30pm daily
4. Blue Canyon Country Club
Golf aficionados rave about Blue Canyon’s rolling fairways, towering trees, and exceptionally well-kept greens. The two picturesque championship courses here, the Canyon and the Lakes, are premier golfing destinations. The Canyon Course has hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic three times, playing host to a number of acclaimed golfers. The 17th hole on the Canyon Course is considered one of the 500 best in the world, according to Golf Magazine. Non-golfers will enjoy the club’s spa and fine dining facilities.165, Moo 1 Thepkasattri Road, Thalang • 07632 8088 • bluecanyonclub.com/about.html
5. Phuket Boat Lagoon
Luxury yachts from around the world are moored in the lagoon here, offering those who don’t own vessels to experience the upscale marina lifestyle. Operational since 1994, the Phuket Boat Lagoon features more than 150 units with restaurants, retail outlets, and sport complexes. The Boat Lagoon Resort has 300 guest rooms, exceptional restaurants, tennis courts, swimming pools, and a Thai spa.22/1 Moo 2 Thepkasattri Road • 07623 8533 • 07623 8534 • 07623 8535 • 07623 8536 • 07623 8537 • 07623 8538 • 07623 8539 • 07623 8540 • www.phuketboatlagoon.com
6. Laem Singh Beach
This beautiful, hidden beach, populated by lush palm trees and giant rocks, feels like a secret cove. However, despite being hidden from the road, and the fairly steep path required to reach it, Laem Singh beach remains a popular spot throughout the year and gets especially busy during high season. The rocky areas in the water provide excellent snorkeling opportunities, while the rustic wooden beach restaurants provide tree-shaded spots to enjoy fresh seafood.
7. Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre
Don’t expect to hug a baby gibbon and have your photo taken here. Established in 1992, this center seeks to rehabilitate white-handed gibbons in order to reintroduce them into their natural habitat, while at the same time ending the illegal use of these animals as tourist attractions and pets. You can pay a small donation and adopt a gibbon that has been mistreated in captivity. The donation will cover the animal’s food and medical care for a year, and you will receive an adoption certificate, a fact file, regular updates, and a T-shirt (for further details see Gibbon Rehabilitation Project).
8. Elephant and Horseback Rides on Bang Tao Beach
Visitors can ride horses and elephants from the Phuket Laguna Riding Club on the beautiful golden sands of Phuket’s second-longest beach. The experience provides marvelous photo opportunities as the animals walk past the calm waters and stunning scenery. Guests can also feed elephants at the camp near the Canal Village Shopping Centre.Open 9am–5:30pm daily • Adm
9. Mai Khao Beach
Part of Sirinat National Park, this 6-mile (11-km) long beach (for further details see Mai Khao Beach) has undulating golden sand lined by palm trees and pines. Development in the area has been severely limited, resulting in resorts that truly respect the beauty of the surroundings. Swimming can get rough during summer, but the beach makes for an excellent scenic trek, and beach walkers often find themselves alone with the birds. The area also has seafood restaurants and upscale shopping.
10. Thalang National Museum
In 1785, two Siamese women helped defend Phuket against an attack by Burmese soldiers. For their bravery, they were honored with this museum, and the nearby Heroines’ Monument. A large 9th-century statue of Vishnu, the Hindu god, stands in the museum’s main hallway, while other displays feature the island’s tin mining history, its Sea Gypsy communities, and more.Thalang • 07631 1025 • Open 8:30am–4pm daily • Adm • www.nationalmuseums.finearts.go.th
Sea Turtles
During the November to February breeding season, giant sea turtles, including the magnificent leatherback, return to Phuket’s northwestern beaches – to the same place they were born – to lay their eggs. Mai Khao and Nai Yang beaches provide perfect nesting sites where sea turtles lay their eggs and bury them in the sand for protection.
A Day in Northern Phuket
Morning
Hire a private car for this itinerary if you don’t have a rented one, since the journey covers quite a bit of ground. Also carry sturdy shoes, swimwear, and a towel. Start the day auspiciously by making merit at Wat Phrathong, where local Buddhists revere the half-buried golden Buddha image. The temple is located quite far inland, so it isn’t as crowded as Wat Chalong. Continue eastward to the nearby Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, one of the last remaining habitats for exotic animals on Phuket. Here, park your car near Bang Pae Waterfall and eat at one of the restaurants near the car park. Better still, buy a take-away meal and enjoy a picnic in the shade near the waterfall.
Afternoon
A short walk from Bang Pae is the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, where gibbons who were ill-treated in captivity are reintroduced into a wild habitat. Adopt a baby gibbon for a small amount of money, and ensure that the animal continues to receive vital care. If you’re feeling energetic, hike the 5-mile (8-km) long jungle path to Ton Sai Waterfall. Otherwise, drive to Bang Pae on the eastern shore to go elephant trekking through the jungles of the national park. When hungry, visit the floating restaurant in the coastal mangrove swamps. Return to your hotel by the early evening.
Best of the Rest
1. Bang Pae and Ton Sai Waterfalls
The two waterfalls in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, linked by a hiking trail, are picturesque destinations surrounded by beautiful jungle scenery (for further details see Bang Pae Waterfall).
2. Laguna Phuket Golf Club
Voted one of the best resorts in Asia, this golf club features scenic lagoons and immaculate greens.34 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay • 07632 4350 • www.lagunaphuketgolf.com
3. Windsurfing in Bang Tao
Bang Tao enjoys the reputation of being one of Phuket’s best places to windsurf. Boards and sails can be rented from local resorts and shops.
4. Wat Mai Khao
A serene and unadorned temple located in a quiet forested area near Mai Khao village, Wat Mai Khao also has a bird sanctuary and a lake within its compound.
5. Heroines’ Monument
Located at the Tha Rua roundabout, this monument is a tribute to the sisters who helped defend Phuket from invaders in the 18th century.Thepkasattri Road
6. Cable Jungle Adventure Phuket
With 15 stations and a 3,937-ft (1,200-m) long cable run, this treetop canopy adventure gets your adrenaline pumping.232/17 Bansuanneramit, Moo 8, Srisoonthorn Road • 07652 7054 • Open 9am–6pm daily • www.cablejunglephuket.com
7. Nai Thon Beach
A sleepy little hideaway, this beach is generally free of large tourist crowds. The reefs here are popular with divers.
8. Splash Jungle Waterpark
With thrilling rides, this theme park is an ideal place to splash around.65 Moo 4, Mai Khao Soi 4, Mai Khao Beach • 07637 2111 • Open 10am–6pm daily • www.splashjunglewaterpark.com
9. Nai Yang Beach
A popular picnic destination for locals, this tree-lined beach has restaurants that serve a selection of delicious seafood.
10. Surin Beach
This beach houses some of Phuket’s top-end resorts such as The Chedi. The area’s wealth is reflected in the neighboring homes and restaurants.
