Phuket Hiking Trails

Phuket is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Despite its reputation as a beach destination, the island features a surprisingly rugged landscape, with mountain ranges covering much of its interior. The most prominent hilly areas are found in the northeast, within Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, and along the southwest coast, stretching from Surin Beach down to Nai Harn Beach.

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Phuket’s highest peaks include Khuan Wa (541 metres), located between Kathu and Kalim, and Khao Mai Thao Sip Song (529 metres), which crowns Radar Hill. Around 70% of these mountainous areas are still covered by tropical rainforest and dense jungle, crisscrossed by a maze of trails ranging from narrow jungle paths to wider dirt roads once used for forestry access.

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Living in the Kathu valley near the waterfall since the late 1990s, I was quickly drawn to exploring the surrounding jungle and hills. Long before detailed maps or trail signage were available, I gradually discovered several routes through the mountains separating Kathu from Kamala, often relying on intuition and local knowledge rather than marked paths.

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The arrival of GPS tracking apps and digital mapping tools later opened up a whole new perspective, revealing an impressive network of hiking trails spread across the island. Today, Phuket offers hikes for all levels, from gentle forest walks and waterfall trails to steep climbs rewarded with panoramic viewpoints over the Andaman Sea. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions, maps, and photos of some of the most enjoyable and scenic hikes you can experience in Phuket.

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Whether you’re looking for a short nature escape or a more demanding jungle adventure, Phuket’s trails reveal a side of the island that many visitors never get to see.