Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Station

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 16.30

 

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Station, often referred to today as the Khao Phra Thaeo protected forest or Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area, is one of the most important natural conservation areas in Phuket. Located in Thalang District, about 20 kilometres from Phuket Town, it protects one of the island’s last significant rainforest ecosystems. The area was established as a wildlife park in July 1969 and covers around 13,925 rai. It is known for Ton Sai Waterfall, Bang Pae Waterfall, forest nature trails, rare plant species, wildlife, and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project near Bang Pae Waterfall.

 

Khao Phra Thaeo is valuable because it preserves a side of Phuket that many visitors never see. Beyond beaches, resorts, and old-town architecture, Phuket still has tropical forest, watershed areas, wildlife habitat, and shaded waterfall trails. The forest is home to wildlife such as wild boar, monkeys, bears, mouse deer, birds, and smaller forest animals. It is also associated with the rare white-backed palm, one of the important plant species linked with this protected area.

 

The protected area is generally visited through 2 main access points: Ton Sai Waterfall on the Thep Krasattri side and Bang Pae Waterfall on the Pa Khlok side. Ton Sai is quieter and better suited for visitors who want forest atmosphere, nature trails, and a more peaceful walk. Bang Pae is more widely known among visitors because it is easier to combine with a short waterfall visit, a shady arboretum-like setting, and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.

 

Ton Sai Waterfall is about 22 kilometres from Phuket Town. To reach it, travel along Thep Krasattri Road toward Thalang, then turn right at the Thalang intersection and continue for about 3 kilometres. The waterfall is modest in size, but the forest setting is the main attraction. During the rainy season, the water flow is stronger, while the dry season can be quieter with less water. The surrounding forest has large trees, shaded paths, and nature-study routes where visitors can learn about Phuket’s rainforest ecology.

 

The appeal of Ton Sai Waterfall lies in its calm forest environment. Visitors can listen to birds and insects, observe tropical plants, walk beside small streams, and experience the atmosphere of a natural conservation area. It is a better choice for visitors who want to walk slowly and appreciate forest details rather than simply swim or take quick photos. Visitors should stay on marked trails, avoid collecting plants, and never feed or approach wildlife.

 

Bang Pae Waterfall is located on the other side of the same forest area. The nature trail between Bang Pae and Ton Sai is about 4 kilometres and takes roughly 2 hours on foot. Interpretive signs along the route allow visitors to learn without needing a guide. Anyone planning to walk this route should start early, wear proper shoes, bring drinking water, and avoid starting late in the day.

 

By road, Bang Pae Waterfall is reached from Phuket Town by driving toward the Heroines Monument, then turning toward Pa Khlok for about 9 kilometres. Bang Pae is a small but popular waterfall, especially during and after the rainy season. The area is shaded and suitable for short walks, picnics, and a relaxed nature stop. The water level changes by season, so the best waterfall flow is normally during the wetter months.

 

The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is located near Bang Pae Waterfall and is one of the most important conservation projects in Phuket. It rescues gibbons that have been kept as pets or used in inappropriate tourism activities, rehabilitates them, and prepares suitable animals for life back in the forest. This makes a visit to Bang Pae more meaningful than a simple waterfall stop, because visitors can learn about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and the problems caused by using wild animals for entertainment.

 

Visits to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project are now handled through pre-booked learning sessions rather than casual walk-in visits. This approach helps reduce disturbance to the gibbons and gives visitors a more structured educational experience. Visitors should book directly with the project, follow staff guidance, avoid loud behaviour, and never attempt to touch or feed the animals.

 

Khao Phra Thaeo is suitable for several types of visitors. Families can choose Bang Pae for a short and accessible nature stop. Walkers and nature-focused travellers can choose Ton Sai and the forest trails. Conservation-minded visitors can combine Bang Pae with a learning session at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. Those with more time can plan a half-day or full-day route linking the waterfalls with Thalang’s cultural attractions.

 

Getting There from Phuket Town is straightforward. To reach the Ton Sai side, follow Thep Krasattri Road toward Thalang. At the Thalang intersection, turn right and continue for about 2 to 3 kilometres to reach the Ton Sai Waterfall and station area. The total distance from Phuket Town is about 20 to 22 kilometres. To reach the Bang Pae side, drive toward the Heroines Monument and turn toward Pa Khlok, continuing for about 9 kilometres.

 

Visitors should prepare for a natural forest environment. Wear shoes with good grip, bring drinking water, use mosquito protection, and be careful on wet rocks. During the rainy season, trails can be slippery and water flow can be strong. During the dry season, the forest remains pleasant for walking, but waterfall flow may be lower. All rubbish should be taken out of the area, and wildlife should be observed only from a safe distance.

 

The area can be combined with several nearby places, including the Heroines Monument, Wat Phra Thong, Ton Sai Waterfall, Bang Pae Waterfall, and restaurants around Pa Khlok and Thalang. A relaxed itinerary can begin with a morning forest walk at Ton Sai, continue to Bang Pae and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, then finish with local food near the Bang Pae entrance or in Thalang.

 

Overall, Khao Phra Thaeo is one of Phuket’s most important nature destinations. It combines rainforest conservation, waterfalls, wildlife habitat, rare plants, walking trails, and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. For travellers who want to understand Phuket beyond the beach, this protected forest is one of the clearest examples of the island’s natural heritage and should be visited with care, respect, and environmental responsibility.

 

 

A: It is located in Thalang District, Phuket. The main station contact address is 254 Moo 2, Thep Krasattri Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket 83100, with key visitor areas at Ton Sai Waterfall and Bang Pae Waterfall.

 

A: The main waterfall and learning areas are open daily from 08.00 to 16.30.

 

A: Yes. Thai visitors pay 20 THB and foreign visitors pay 200 THB.

 

A: Ton Sai is quieter and better for nature trails, while Bang Pae is easier to combine with a short waterfall visit and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.

 

A: Yes. The Bang Pae–Ton Sai nature trail is about 4 km and takes roughly 2 hours. Visitors should start early, wear proper shoes, and bring drinking water.

 

A: Visits are available through pre-booked learning sessions. Contact the project at 088-590-9714 or grp@gibbonproject.org.

 

A: The rainy season and the period after rain are best for waterfall flow and lush forest scenery. The dry season is still suitable for walking, but water levels may be lower.

 

A: Nearby places include Ton Sai Waterfall, Bang Pae Waterfall, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, the Heroines Monument, and Wat Phra Thong.