Are you ready to enjoy some hiking in Phuket? Below we explore four stunning hikes with breathtaking views of Thailand’s natural beauty. From the Big Buddha or lush trails of Khao Phra Teaw National Park, impressive viewpoints are found on each of these four hikes in Phuket. For expert insights, we turned to hiker Mike McLeish (see bio below).
Set in the shimmering blue waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island, has a well-deserved reputation for beautiful beaches and a thumping nightlife.
This is a mighty shame as Phuket offers some fine hiking opportunities for anyone willing to leave the sea behind, head into the hills, and get a little bit sweaty. Those that do are often rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the island.
Read on below to discover a few of the best hikes on the island.
The Big Buddha Hike
The Big Buddha, or Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri to give the temple its official name, is the most recognisable landmark in south Phuket.
The 45-metre-high white marble Buddha sits 400 metres high on Nakkerd Hill watching over Mueang Phuket, the southern end of the island. It’s visible for miles around. Understandably, it is a big draw for worshippers and tourists alike.
Most people will catch a lift up the hill to enjoy the views from the temple. However, some braver and more energetic types understand that to really and truly enjoy a view properly you have to earn it.
For those adventurous types, there is a steep and sweaty 90-minute climb from Kata Beach up to the Big Buddha. Lucky hikers will encounter some tree-shaking monkeys along the way as well as dinner-plate-sized Golden Orb spiders. Don’t worry, they are harmless.
There are cafes with viewpoints closer to the top where you can get refreshments whilst soaking in the panoramic scenes. FYI, ladies will be asked to cover their shoulders and knees at the temple.
Black Rock Viewpoint Hike
For something a little quieter than the Big Buddha, take a trip down to Rawai on the very southern tip of the island. Here you will find a 6km loop hike starting at Nai Harn Beach. This hike offers sublime views of Nai Harn Bay and the shining Andaman Sea.
Despite being a short hike, the route crossed a variety of terrains including beach sands, jungle paths, and even a rocky scramble steep enough that hikers will have to make use of a handy rope.
At the viewpoint, take a moment to soak in the unbroken views of the sea ahead. Rehydrate and enjoy a well-deserved break before descending again through jungle trails and rubber tree plantations.
In total, the loop will take around two hours to complete. A short but very rewarding escape from the beach crowds.
Kalim Viewpoint Hike
Those looking for something a little more strenuous should check out the Kalim Viewpoint Hike.
Spanning 11 kilometres with a 648-meter elevation gain, this 3 to 4-hour hike begins steeply. It tests even seasoned hikers with its initial climb.
The trail alternates between rugged forest paths and quiet concrete sections, often devoid of other hikers entirely. It’s quite possible to hike for an hour and not meet another soul.
Starting at Kathu Waterfall, the trail winds anticlockwise around Kalim Hill, offering occasional glimpses of Kalama Town through the trees. The viewpoint itself provides sweeping views over Patong Bay and Patong Beach Cape.
After reaching the highest point at 473 meters above sea level, the descent back includes passing by a large Buddha statue and local pineapple groves. The hike concludes with a pleasant stroll through a residential neighbourhood, where local street food offers a satisfying end to the journey.
For a challenging yet rewarding Phuket hike, the Kalim Viewpoint route promises an adventurous escape. It dives into the island’s quieter side, far from the tourist throngs at sea level.
Khao Phra Teaw National Park Hike
Khao Phra Teaw National Park is the only tranch of virgin rainforest left in Phuket. A hike here is well worth the entry fee.
There is a popular 9km out-and-back route for hikers linking the park’s two most impressive waterfalls, Tonsai and Bang Pae. Bang Pae, at approximately 10 metres, is the highest on the island. The trail is slippy in places, and hikers may have to navigate a fallen tree or two.
The hike will take 4 to 5 hours to complete. There are knowledgeable guides available who will offer local advice and info about the flora, fauna, and terrain. However, a guide isn’t strictly essential if it’s just the hike you are after.
This is a rainforest, so expect high humidity. But the reward for all the sweaty work could be a glimpse of some of the park’s wildlife such as hornbills, langurs, and lemurs.
If hikers fail to catch the sight of enough fauna en route, then the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project near the park’s entrance is well worth a quick visit.
Final Thoughts: Phuket Hiking Advice
Now that you know where to hike on Phuket, just remember to keep your sensible hat on (as well as your actual hat). It’s hot out there, so aim to hike early or later in the day to avoid the peak heat. Always slather on sun cream and carry plenty of water.
Even though Phuket has a relaxed, party island vibe, please do yourself a favour and leave your flip-flops behind if you’re hitting the trails. Wear closed-toed shoes, ideally hiking shoes, but decent trainers will do too. Don’t be a flip-flop fool.
With that boring grown-up advice in mind, go out and explore the hidden treasures that this fascinating island has to offer beyond the cheap beer. Enjoy your adventure!
Read next: Bangkok Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Thailand
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Are you ready to go hiking in Phuket
About the author
Mike McLeish is the chief hiker, sandwich maker, and boot cleaner at HikerHero.com HQ. He travels the world, exploring new trails and sharing his adventures to entertain and inspire others to lace up their boots and enjoy a good hike.
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
L. Diane Wolfe
What a view from Black Rock!
Alex+J.+Cavanaugh
The last one would be my first pick.