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If you go hiking in Phuket expect to experience rolling jungle hills, paradise beaches, ocean viewpoints and tropical waterfalls. Here are 6 of the best Phuket hikes for 2026. We have included maps, top tips and a route guide.
What do you need to bring if you are hiking in Phuket?
If you are hiking in Phuket you need to be prepared for the tropical heat. In the rainy season you may encounter some pretty heavy downpours (May – October). In the rainy season the humidity is often higher and the weather is normally very warm. In the dry season (October – April) the temperatures are normally higher and it will be less cloudy increasing the risk of sun exposure.
We recommend wearing loose light clothing and ensuring you have suitable sun protection. We recommend using sunscreen and bringing mosquito repellant. Many of these walks follow uneven jungle trails. We recommend good walking shoes or trainers for these treks.
Where is the best place to stay for Hiking in Phuket?
For lots of quality Hiking in Phuket we recommend staying in Kata. From Kata you can hike to the Big Buddha. Kata is also relatively close to the awesome Black Rock hike. Kata is also not too far from Kathu and Phuket town (Monkey hill and Rang hill). The Ozo Hotel in Phuket is a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for a stylish, clean, modern and comfortable hotel with amazing food and swimming pools.
1 Black rock – Hiking in Phuket for jungle trails and an amazing view
3.8km round route, 3 hours, jungle hill trek
If you are looking for great hiking in Phuket this one is an absolute must do. In fact, we love this hike so much we have dedicated a guide to this one. This lovely trek starts near Karon viewpoint (between Kata bay and Rawai). The first part of the walk follows some bumpy unpaved road. Eventually the trek leads to some jungle paths up into the hills. Eventually the route emerges at a stunning south facing view point – affording an excellent view of several islands and the south coast of Phuket. There are some steep sections of this trek and some of the path is uneven and rocky so be prepared. Nearby you can also visit the amazing Karon viewpoint.
Oh yeah – did you know? You can also go PARAGLIDING at Black Rock in Phuket
2 Monkey hill – Hiking in Phuket for wildlife and beautiful views
2.5km (for the round route), 2 hours, hill trek
Check out Monkey Hill if you’re looking for some popular Hiking in Phuket. Monkey hill is a great place to visit near Phuket town. It is possible to park up at the bottom of Monkey Hill (on the road near Wat Charoen Samanakij). From here you can trek up Monkey hill following the road. On monkey hill you will see many wild Macaque monkeys. Be aware that these monkeys can be aggressive and territorial. They may also take items – especially food and drinks. At the top of Monkey Hill expect amazing views and lots of monkeys. It is also possible to drive up the road if you arrive early in the morning (8am – 10am).
3 Buddha Hill – Hiking in Phuket for culture and stunning view
Don’t miss our full guide on How to get to the Big Buddha Phuket
5km return route, 4 hours, steep hill climb
Buddha hill is a must do if you are looking for amazing Hiking in Phuket. Buddha hill affords stunning 360 degree views of the south of Phuket. Expect amazing views of Chalong, Phuket town, Raiwai, and Kata bay. Many people visit the big Buddha by taking a car or taxi. There is a road that runs to the Big Buddha from the east side (Chalong). However, you can also trek up the steep and challenging hill from Kata bay. The footpath is a steep jungle path that links Kata and the road that leads to the Big Buddha. When you reach the road at the top of the path you need to walk nearly 1km further to reach the Big Buddha. This is a challenging trek but well worth the stunning views.
TOP TIP: It is free to visit the Big Buddha but make sure you bring clothes to cover your shoulders and knees once you are there.
4 Rang hill – Hiking in Phuket for wildlife, culture and a beautiful view
3.2km return route, 3 hours, road walking
Rang Hill is a great spot for hiking in Phuket if you want to see a hillside temple, wild monkeys and a stunning view point. The trek starts in Phuket old town and follows the Rang Hill road. On the way up make sure you check out the stunning Via Wat Khao Rang – one of Phuket’s best kept secret gems. At the top of Rang Hill there is a viewing platform affording stunning views of Phuket old town. This is a great spot for an evening hike – you get a great sunset over the hills from the viewpoint. There is also a lovely cafe at Khao Rang called the Khao Rang breeze.
5 Freedom beach – Hiking in Phuket for a jungle trail and a lovely beach
1.5km round walk, 1 hour, round route, steep jungle trials
No guide about Hiking in Phuket would be complete without a good beach hike. Many of the beaches in Phuket are located in popular spots and close to roads. Freedom beach is located south of Patong bay and offers an enjoyable trek. The main thing is to make sure you start at the south walking trail (we pinned this on the map). The route follows a steep jungle trail down the hill to the beach. After enjoying the beach there is a different trail to trek back up to the road. We have also published a dedicated guide on Freedom Beach.
6 Bang Pae waterfall – Hiking in Phuket for jungle trail, wildlife and an impressive waterfall
1km return route, 1 hour, jungle trail
This is a fairly short and easy trek – but is worth a mention because of the epic waterfall. The hike starts at the Bang Pae carpark. Be aware there is a 200 baht national park fee for adults and 100 baht for children. Just by the car park is the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. It is not possible to see the Gibbons because they are preparing them for release into the wild and gibbons are naturally elusive creatures. This hike follows a small path alongside the river. Towards the waterfall there is a section where there is a steep drop to the side of the path – take care. The Bang Pae waterfall is the biggest and most impressive waterfall in Phuket. It is best to visit during rainy season (May – October). If you love a good waterfall we have also done a guide on Phuket waterfalls.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Don’t miss our ultimate guide on Phuket Resorts for families
