Bang Pae Waterfall

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Bang Pae Waterfall in Phuket is a small rainforest waterfall located in Pa Khlok Subdistrict, Thalang District, within the Khao Phra Thaeo forest area on the northeastern side of the island. It is one of Phuket’s best-known inland nature attractions and a practical destination for visitors who want a quiet break from beaches, resorts, and busy tourist zones. The waterfall is surrounded by shaded tropical trees, rocky stream sections, natural pools, and a refreshing forest atmosphere.

 

Although Bang Pae Waterfall is modest in scale compared with major waterfalls in other parts of Thailand, it is one of the most notable waterfalls in Phuket. The site is popular because it is easy to reach, offers a short forest walk, has natural pools where visitors can cool off in safe conditions, and sits near the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, one of Phuket’s important wildlife-conservation learning sites.

 

The waterfall lies within the Khao Phra Thaeo forest area, one of the most important natural conservation zones in Phuket. The surrounding forest gives Bang Pae its main character: cool shade, dense tropical vegetation, humid forest air, birds, insects, rocks, and streams. For many visitors, the experience is less about a large waterfall and more about stepping into a green inland side of Phuket that feels very different from the island’s beaches.

 

The walk from the entrance and parking area to the main waterfall is not difficult. It usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes at a relaxed pace. Along the way, visitors pass shaded stream sections, rocks, small pools, and rest spots. The path is suitable for most casual visitors, families, and nature-focused travellers, but the rocks and wet areas can be slippery, especially after rain.

 

The waterfall has many rocks along the stream and several natural pools. Swimming and wading are possible in safe areas when water conditions allow, but visitors should avoid strong currents, slippery rocks, and areas that look deep or unsafe. The rainy season and the period after rain bring the strongest water flow and the greenest forest scenery. During the dry season, the waterfall may be gentler, but the site remains suitable for a forest walk and a quiet nature stop.

 

One of the most important features near Bang Pae Waterfall is the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. The project rescues gibbons that were previously kept as pets or used in inappropriate tourism activities, rehabilitates them, and prepares suitable animals for reintroduction to the wild. This gives Bang Pae Waterfall a stronger conservation identity than a simple waterfall stop.

 

Visits to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project are now handled through pre-booked learning sessions. Visitors who want to learn about the project should contact the organisation directly before travelling. This system helps reduce disturbance to the gibbons and gives visitors a more structured educational experience. Visitors should follow staff instructions, keep quiet, avoid feeding animals, and never attempt to touch wildlife.

 

Bang Pae Waterfall is also connected with the Bang Pae–Ton Sai nature trail. This trail is about 4 kilometres long and links Bang Pae Waterfall with Ton Sai Waterfall on the other side of Khao Phra Thaeo. It is a more serious nature-walking route than the short waterfall path and is best for visitors with enough time, proper shoes, drinking water, and good physical condition.

 

For casual visitors, Bang Pae is best enjoyed as a half-day nature stop. Walk to the waterfall, rest by the stream, take photos, cool off in safe pools, then return to the entrance area for a meal at a nearby restaurant. For nature-focused visitors, the waterfall can be combined with a pre-booked session at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project or a longer forest walk toward Ton Sai.

 

Families can visit Bang Pae Waterfall, but children should be supervised closely. The walk is not very long, but the stream, rocks, and pool areas require care. Children should not climb wet rocks, jump into unfamiliar pools, or enter fast-moving water. Older visitors and casual travellers can still enjoy the lower stream area and the shaded forest walk without needing to continue onto longer trails.

 

Getting There from Phuket Town is straightforward. Drive to the Heroines Monument, then turn right toward Pa Khlok on Route 4027. Continue for around 7 to 10 kilometres, then look for the sign to Bang Pae Waterfall and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project on the left. After turning in, continue for another 3 to 4 kilometres to reach the national park entrance and waterfall area.

 

From Phuket International Airport, visitors can drive south toward the Heroines Monument and continue toward Pa Khlok. From Patong, Kata, or Karon, the journey is longer because visitors need to cross to the Thalang and Pa Khlok side of Phuket. A private car, rental car, motorbike, taxi, or local hired vehicle is the most convenient way to visit.

 

Visitors should arrive during daytime hours and avoid starting longer forest walks late in the day. Heavy rain should also be avoided because the path, roots, and rocks can become slippery, and stream levels can change quickly. Good preparation includes non-slip shoes, drinking water, mosquito protection, a towel, spare clothes if swimming, and a bag to carry rubbish out of the area.

 

There are restaurants and resting points near the entrance and in the Pa Khlok area. Many visitors combine Bang Pae Waterfall with lunch at a local Thai or seafood restaurant nearby. This makes Bang Pae a convenient half-day trip, especially for visitors who want to experience both nature and local food on the quieter eastern side of Phuket.

 

Responsible behaviour is essential. Visitors should not litter, collect plants, feed wildlife, climb wet rocks, make loud noise, leave marked paths, or use soap or shampoo in the stream. If the water becomes muddy, rises quickly, or flows unusually strongly, visitors should leave the stream area immediately. Bang Pae is part of a living forest environment, so the best visit is quiet, clean, and low-impact.

 

Overall, Bang Pae Waterfall is one of Phuket’s most meaningful nature stops. It combines a shaded waterfall, forest stream, natural pools, a short walking trail, the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, and access to the Bang Pae–Ton Sai nature route. For travellers who want to understand Phuket beyond beaches and viewpoints, Bang Pae Waterfall offers a refreshing and conservation-minded inland experience.

 

 

A: Bang Pae Waterfall is located in Pa Khlok Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket, within the Khao Phra Thaeo forest area on the northeastern side of the island.

 

A: Bang Pae Waterfall is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: Yes. Thai visitors pay 20 THB for adults and 10 THB for children. Foreign visitors pay 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children. Motorbike and car fees are charged separately.

 

A: Yes, visitors can swim or wade in safe areas when water conditions allow, but they should avoid strong current, slippery rocks, and unsafe pools.

 

A: The project is available through pre-booked learning sessions. Visitors should contact 088-590-9714 or grp@gibbonproject.org before travelling.

 

A: Yes. The Bang Pae–Ton Sai nature trail is about 4 km long. Visitors should wear proper shoes, bring drinking water, and ask staff about route conditions before walking.

 

A: The rainy season and the period after rain are best for stronger water flow and greener forest scenery. The dry season is quieter and better for relaxed forest walking.

 

A: Nearby places include the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, the Bang Pae–Ton Sai nature trail, Ton Sai Waterfall, Bang Rong Pier, and Ao Po Grand Marina.