The COMO Guide to Phuket Hiking

Here we share three of COMO Point Yamu’s best Phuket hikes, each taking you through the southern Thai landscape towards some of the most beautiful view points on the island. Perfect for days when you’d prefer to explore on land rather than by sea.

1

BLACK ROCK VIEWPOINT AND LAEM KRATING

Start to hike from the village of Rawai towards Black Rock Viewpoint – where you will see an amazing birds-eye view of Nai Harn beach, Promthep Cape and the islands beyond. After that, carry on to Laem Krating, a lesser-known viewpoint with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea.

To get to Black Rock Viewpoint, drive through the south of the island in the direction of Nai Harn Beach before taking a dirt road to a stone that reads ‘Pa Hin Dum’, meaning ‘Black Rock Forest’. Then, climb a small hill for about 300 metres before reaching the viewpoint – it is a bit steep but fairly easy to follow as the path widens by the day with each traveller. 

Travel onwards until you reach a steep hillside to ascend, before reaching the scenic Laem Krating viewpoint where you can catch your breath. At Laem Krating, you will have covered seven and a half kilometres in total.

Duration of trek (excluding transfers): Two hours
Level of difficulty: Easy/Moderate
What to wear/ bring: We recommend close-toed sports or trekking shoes, comfortable clothes that allow free movement, and a small backpack to store your valuables and a spare outfit to change into after the trek.

2

BIG BUDDHA FROM KATA BEACH

Begin on the green slopes of Kata and make your way to where the Big Buddha – a towering white marble statue – sits. This is a more advanced trek (approximately 95 minutes, covering four kilometres) but those who are up for it can expect to explore the flora and fauna of the Thai rainforest and take in the sweeping views at the top. 

This jungle hike takes you through the habitat of diverse plants and wildlife that call this area home. Catch glimpses of swinging monkeys and other critters on your way to the top of the hill, where you will then stop for a short break at the observation point. Here, you can enjoy fresh coconut water and seasonal Thai fruits as you admire the view of Karon Beach. 

You can also enjoy a private tour of the Big Buddha when you arrive, with the option of receiving blessings from the monks at the White Big Buddha Temple – Phuket’s largest Buddhist temple – or donating to them. 

Duration of trek (excluding transfers): 95 minutes
Level of difficulty: Moderate to hard
What to wear/ bring: We recommend wearing close-toed sports or trekking shoes and comfortable clothes that allow free movement, a small backpack to store your valuables and a spare outfit to change into after the trek. For those who intend to enter the White Big Buddha Temple, modest attire that covers the knees and shoulders is a must. 

3

KHAO PHRA TEAW NATIONAL PARK RAINFOREST 

Embark on a challenging, four-hour trek into the green heart of Phuket’s only virgin rainforest, far beyond the public access area of the Khao Phra Teaw National Park. The trail is inclined and slippery at times, with the occasional fallen tree to climb over or crawl under. 

Cover eight kilometres of rainforest that starts with a steep rocky trail from the scenic Tonsai waterfall before flattening out near one of the highest hills in Phuket. Tall bamboo corridors and rare palm trees will surround you and you can try to spot some of the wildlife that lives in the vegetation: wild boar, flying lemurs, langurs, gibbons and more.

Take a plunge in a natural pool before beginning the descent to Phuket’s biggest waterfall, Bang Pae. At Bang Pae waterfall, cool down with an invigorating jungle shower. Then, end your hike with a visit to the nearby Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, where you can learn about the wildlife conservation efforts to protect these furry creatures.

Duration of trek (excluding transfers): Four hours
Level of difficulty: Moderate to hard; not recommended for young children or anyone with pre-existing health conditions
What to wear/ bring: We recommend close-toed sports or trekking shoes, comfortable clothes that allow free movement, a small backpack to store your valuables and a spare outfit to change into after the trek. If you want to take a jungle shower, we also recommend you wear a bathing suit or swim trunks.

Explore Phuket for yourself with a stay at COMO Point Yamu, our cliffside island paradise overlooking the idyllic Phang Nga Bay.