Kathu Valley Viewpoint – Hiking Guide
Easy Hike with a Great View over Central Phuket
The Kathu Valley lies nestled between three mountain ranges that separate it from Patong, Kamala, and Thalang. Two of these mountain ranges include the highest peaks on the island of Phuket: Khuan Wa (541 metres), located between Kathu and Patong, and Khao Mai Thao Sip Song (529 metres), better known as Radar Hill, rising between the Bang Wad Reservoir and Patong.
Despite its rugged terrain, Phuket is not particularly famous for waterfalls. The island has only three major ones: Bang Pae Waterfall and Ton Sai Waterfall in the northeast, and Kathu Waterfall in the centre of the island.
While they may not rival the impressive cascades found in Phang Nga, Phuket’s waterfalls offer refreshing natural pools and a wonderful opportunity to explore the island’s lush tropical rainforest.
Kathu Waterfall
Kathu Waterfall is located at the very bottom of Kathu Valley. It is accessed via a small road where you’ll find two 7-Eleven stores—ideal for stocking up on water, snacks, and mosquito repellent before starting the hike to the viewpoint. A free parking area is available at the entrance of the waterfall.
Access to the first level is via a tiled staircase, which can be slippery when wet. This main level features the waterfall itself, two pools, and several concrete structures intended for relaxation, although many are now in poor condition. Despite this, the setting is beautiful, shaded by dense canopy and occasionally lit by striking beams of sunlight filtering through the trees.
From the first level, a sand-coated concrete staircase to the right of the pools leads to two higher tiers. The second level is reached after about 50 metres and includes a small natural pool suitable for bathing. The third level takes around 20 minutes to reach and appears at first to be a dead end, surrounded by dense jungle and large granite boulders after a short, flat jungle walk.
How to Reach Kathu Valley Viewpoint
Starting from the parking area, the round-trip hike to Kathu Valley Viewpoint takes approximately 2 hours and is suitable for most fitness levels, including children from around 10 years old.
To reach the viewpoint, you must first access the third level of the waterfall, which is not actually a dead end. Carefully cross the stream by stepping over rocks, then climb up to locate the trail on the opposite side.
Follow this trail uphill, passing through a rubber plantation on your left. The ascent is steep until you exit the plantation and join another trail. Continue climbing until the path turns right and leads into an open area with a small stilted hut. Pass to the right of the hut and remain discreet if it is occupied. The trail then crosses a small stream behind the hut.
From there, the path continues uphill and gradually widens near a second hut, becoming wide enough for motorbikes. Eventually, you will reach a T-junction with a broad dirt road accessible to cars. Turn right at the junction—the viewpoint is now close. After about 100 metres of steep, winding ascent, you’ll find the viewpoint on the right-hand side of the road.
A small hut stands at the viewpoint and may look inviting, but it is heavily damaged by termites and best avoided.
The View
From the viewpoint, you can enjoy sweeping views over Kathu Valley, including Phuket Wake Parkand Loch Palm Golf Club. On clear days, the panorama extends all the way to Phuket Town, the east coast of the island, and the sea beyond, with distant islands visible on the horizon.
You can descend using the same route or, for more adventurous hikers, follow a narrow jungle trail that descends directly from the third waterfall level back to the first tier without re-crossing the stream. Use caution on this section: the path is narrow, and the jungle-covered drop on your left ranges from 5 to 20 metres above the flowing water below.
Highlights
Easy access via Kathu Waterfall
A relatively easy hike, suitable for most fitness levels
Drinks and snacks available at the waterfall entrance
Immersive experience in Phuket’s genuine tropical rainforest
Peaceful natural surroundings away from the busy beaches
Heads up
Wear good shoes (preferably hiking or trail shoes) and light, comfortable clothing — long sleeves and pants are recommended
Use mosquito repellent
Walking poles can be helpful, especially after rain
Bring enough water and a few snacks
Avoid starting too late in the afternoon — night falls quickly in the tropics
Trails may be slippery after rain, so proceed with caution
When to Visit
The best time to see Kathu Waterfall at full flow is during the low season, from August through late December. The waterfall can, of course, be visited all year round, but it is naturally less impressive when the water level is very low, especially between February and March.
The viewpoint, on the other hand, is less dependent on weather conditions to be enjoyable. While clear skies and light winds certainly enhance the panorama, it can be visited at any time of year.
The main factor to consider is sun exposure: if you go too early in the morning, you’ll be facing the sun. It’s best to arrive from around 10:00 a.m. until nearly 6:00 p.m. (but not later, as you would otherwise have to hike back down in the dark).
Kathu Valley Viewpoint Photo Gallery
Kathu Waterfall Location Map
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
Last visit & photos: Kathu Valley Viewpoint — 3 March 2026
