Waterfalls in Phuket are very popular among locals who want to enjoy a nice swim and a picnic, especially when the beaches are packed with travelers. Bang Pae, Ton Sai and Kathu are the island's most popular waterfalls, but you can also find lesser-known ones in the east of Phuket.

The Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is where you can find Bang Pae and Ton Sai, but the park itself is the last vestige of virgin tropical forest on the island. It's home to many exotic animals, including the barking deer and various species of monkeys, as well as tropical birds.

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    Ton Ao Yon Waterfall

    Ton Ao Yon Waterfall
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    Ton Ao Yon Waterfall is a rather hidden swimming hole around 3.6 km east of the Kao Khad View Point. Getting to the top of this waterfall is quite difficult because of sharp rocks and rather confusing pathways, so you need good shoes to protect yourself.

    Ton Ao Yon Waterfall has several drop pools that are big enough to bathe in. Since many people skip this spot in favor of Phuket's more popular waterfalls, you'll probably have the entire area to yourself.

    Location: Wichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand

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    Bang Pae Waterfall is located in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park in Thalang, around 23 km north of Phuket Town. Locals often visit this site as a picnic spot and as a swimming destination during Phuket's wet season.

    This 10-meter high waterfall is quite a sight in the rainy season. Be sure to wear good shoes as the path can get very slippery. There are several restaurants near the national park's carpark and outside the entrance gates.

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    Location: Pa Klok, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

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    photo by Stephan Audiger (CC BY 2.0) modified

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    Kathu Waterfall is s a series of drop pools that are best seen during the rainy season in Phuket. Expect a challenging climb if you want to get to the very top of the waterfall. Most of the way up involves a set of stone stairways. It's shaded and has several rest stops if you need to catch your breath.

    The best time to visit Kathu Waterfall is from June to November, but avoid going on rainy days as the stairs can be very slippery. The top of the waterfall has a natural pool, but you can find several ‘drop pools’ along the way up as well.

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    Location: Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand

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    Ton Sai Waterfall is on the western side of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, a green area of 22.28 sq km. You can walk through the park from Ton Sai to Bang Pae Waterfall with a local guide to help you point out the interesting fauna and flora.

    Though it’s rather far from the beaches, you'll get to enjoy delightful farmland views along the road that leads to the falls. Ton Sai Waterfall has ample facilities that include restrooms, a carpark, a small children's playground, and a camping spot.

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    Location: Thepkrasatti, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand

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Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveler