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Black Rock is one of the best viewpoints in Phuket. The hike to Black Rock Phuket is a lot of fun and very beautiful. Most people who do this trek absolutely love it and want to return. Black Rock Phuket is not a well known activity and it is unlikely that you will see many people on the trek. We have actually included this in our guide on Phuket’s best kept secret hidden gems.
There are several trails in the area and they are not well signed in English. Even if you are following the correct route, at points it can feel like you are on the wrong trail. So we have made this guide to show you exactly how to get to Black Rock Phuket in 2024. We have also tried to answer all of your questions.
If you’re feeling adventurous you can also trek down to Nui beach – a small secluded beach in the area.
If you love nature you may also be interested in our Phuket Waterfalls Guide – the BEST waterfalls in Phuket and How to find them AND don’t miss our FULL guide on amazing treks in Phuket.
Is the trek to Black Rock Phuket hard?
The trek to Black Rock view point is fairly challenging but not beyond most hikers. The main challenge for this walk will be the heat so we recommend hiking early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you are hiking later in the afternoon take note of the sunset times and bring a torch if you are likely to be trekking back after sunset (which is normally between 6-7pm in Phuket depending on the time of year)
The trek to Black Rock Phuket is not too far. The route that we recommend is around 3.8km and starts from the road. From the road the total height climbed to Black Rock is around 140m. This is a steady uphill gradient for most of the trek with a few steep sections. The start of the trek follows an uneven bumpy road. Later in the trek you follow smaller trails. The last section of the trek follows a narrow jungle trail.
What do I need to bring for a trek to the Black Rock Phuket viewpoint?
We recommend bringing plenty of water. It is also worth bringing good walking shoes. Trainers rather than sandals or flip flops. Some of the sections of trail are exposed, so wear sun screen. We also recommend bringing mosquito repellant. We also recommend bringing a torch if you plan to trek in the late afternoon or the evening.
How long does it take to trek to Black Rock Phuket?
The trek to Black Rock Phuket is around 3.8km and it is likely to take around 1 hour to reach the viewpoint from the road depending on pace and stopping times. Overall we recommend planning around 2-3 hours for the round trip, including time to stop at the Black Rock viewpoint and take some epic photos.
Do I need to buy tickets to go to Black Rock Phuket?
No, you do not need to buy entry tickets or a permit to visit Black Rock Phuket. The only cost of trekking to Black Rock Phuket is the cost of transport.
Is Black Rock Phuket safe to visit?
As with any outdoor activity there are some risks trekking to Black Rock Phuket. Heat, sun exposure and dehydration are always a risk trekking in a tropical climate. We recommend being aware of animals, especially snakes on the trail. Although it is relatively rare to see snakes, it is worth being alert and cautious. The Black Rock viewpoint itself does have a steep drop towards the ocean – however, there is sufficient space to enjoy the viewpoint safely.
What can you see from the Black Rock Phuket viewpoint?
The Black Rock viewpoint (ลานจอดรถผาหินดำ) is located at the south west tip of Phuket approximately 280m above sea level. Black Rock Phuket affords a breathtaking view of the Andaman Sea, Promthep cape and the Rawai district of Phuket. To the south you can see Koh Yaeo Yai, Koh Yaeo Noi and on a clear day you can also see Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi in the distance (also known as the Raya islands – these islands are around 30km from Phuket!)
The trek itself has several amazing viewpoints along the way. As you trek along the route you can see great views up the coast (Kata and Karon bay) and also Buddha Hill to the north. Some people also trek further to see other great viewpoints in the area. You can also hike down to Nui beach from the area. This is a small concealed beach.
How do I get to the start of the trek for Black Rock Phuket?
The Black Rock Phuket trek starts at a few hundred meters south of the Karon viewpoint on the right side of route 4030 between Kata bay and Rawai (GPS coordinates: 7.79451, 98.30202). The start of the walk is actually a bumpy trail that is wide enough for cars to drive up. It is possible to drive along this trail. You can park a car or bike at the start of the walk. You can also drive further up the road and park closer to the small walking trail. Be aware the trail is bumpy and steep at points. There are several ways to get to the start of the Black Rock Phuket trek:
You can take a taxi. Generally the cheapest way to do this is to use the GrabApp and select the “Just Grab” option. This is likely to cost around 100 baht from Kata. If you are coming from further afield (e.g. Phuket town) it may cost 200-300 baht. Check out our guide on how to get the best taxi prices using the Grab app in Thailand.
Another way to get to the start of the Black Rock Phuket trek is to rent a motorbike. Motorbike rental in Phuket costs around 200 baht per day plus petrol (normally not more than 50 – 100 baht for the day depending how far you’re driving).
There is also car rental. This is a very convenient way to get to the start of the Black Rock Phuket trek. You can rent cars in Phuket for around 500-800 baht per day depending on how long you wish to rent for. A lot has changed in recent years. Don’t miss our full guide on transport in Thailand.
Black Rock Phuket viewpoint trek map
Trekking to Black Rock Phuket – route guide
Trek along the trail. After around 500m the trail goes around a bend to the right. You will see a small trail leading off to the left – do not take this trail. Just follow the main trail round the bend. After a further 500m the main trail takes a bend to the left and you will see a small road leading down the hill towards Nui beach. Do not take this trail. Just follow the main trail round to the left.
Walk up the hill a further few hundred meters. You will see a small walking trail leading off to the left. At this point you have reach the loop. You can either walk clockwise or anticlockwise around the loop. Here is the junction at the start of the loop.
OPTION 1 Clockwise route around the loop to Black Rock Phuket
At the point that the road bends round to the right you will see a small walking trail leading off to the left. If you go left here you can go clockwise around the loop. The trail to the left is a small walking trail.
Follow the small trail to the left. This small trail is too small for cars. Follow this small trail around 400m. This section of trail is surrounded by foliage but it is not in the jungle. Along this section of trail you get some great views of the jungle and may notice wildlife too.
Eventually you will get to a junction. There is a small right turn leading up into the jungle. This is the most tricky part to navigate. You will notice another small trail leading down the hill here. Don’t take this trail. However, you need to go right and follow the trail up the hill through the jungle.
Keep following the small path as it meanders through the jungle. There are some steep uphill sections along this trail . It may feel like you have gone the wrong way but stick with it. The trail leads all the way to the Black Rock viewpoint.
Eventually this small path leads to the end of the world! It is an amazing feeling emerging from the jungle to such a stunning open viewpoint.
The view point is a great place to stop, have a drink and a rest. As you face the view, the next path you need to take is to your right.
After enjoying the viewpoint there is a small trail to the right that leads back into the jungle. Follow this trail. The trail becomes a steep jungle path which drops back down to the road.
When you reach the road turn right and walk along the road. After a few hundred meters you return to the beginning of the loop. Keep following the road back to the starting point along your original route.
OPTION 2 Anticlockwise route round the loop
From the junction where the small walking trail branches off to the left, you can keep following the road as it bends round to the right. This will take you anticlockwise around the loop, and past the Black Rock viewpoint.
From the point where you see the small left turn, an alternative is to keep following the main road a few hundred metres further. Just past a parking area you will see a small trail to the left that leads up the hill.
Follow this steep jungle path up the hill until you reach the Black Rock viewpoint. Once you have enjoyed the view point there is a trail the leads into the jungle (behind you if you’re facing the view). Follow this trail into the jungle. This trail leads down a hill all the way to a left turn. When you reach the left turn follow it back to the road. When you reach the road follow it back to the starting point.
What is the best place to stay near the Black Rock Phuket trek?
If you wish to stay in Kata we recommend the Ozo Hotel Phuket. The Ozo hotel Phuket is around 4km north of the Black Rock trek. The Ozo hotel is a great one for families and couples. The staff are super friendly and very helpful. The rooms are comfortable, stylish and well designed. They have 3 swimming pools including a waterslide and kids splash park. They also have an excellent restaurant and bar. We love the packages and activities Ozo Phuket offer.
If you want a novel experience check out the Roost Glamping. This is only 4km from the start of the Black Rock Phuket trek, located to the south in Rawai. You can stay in comfortable, stylish yurts (with Air Conditioning) situated beautifully amongst trees and tropical plants. Each yurt has its own dedicated toilet and shower room next to it. The Roost glampsite also has a stunning jungle pool and an amazing cafe and coffee shop. We love the incredible healthy yogurt and fruit smoothie bowls.
Ways to extend the Black Rock trek
You can also trek down to Nui Beach from the Black Rock trekking area. Be aware that this is around 3km further (to get down to Nui beach and back). Nui beach is a small secluded beach and can only be accessed by trekking or using a suitably sturdy vehicle to travel on rough trails and up and down a steep hill.
What else is there to do near the Black Rock Phuket trek?
A few hundred meters to the north of the start of the Black Rock you can visit the stunning Karon view point. This viewpoint affords an excellent view up the west coast of Phuket – including Kata and Karon bay. Further along the road in the Kata direction (to the north) you can find a fantastic little jungle cafe called “Cafe Hill Coffee and Bistro”. Kata beach is a great spot for surfing, kayaking and waters ports. Alternatively Nai Harn beach (to the south is a lovely spot to relax). Another top spot in the south of Phuket is the Buddha hill – you can trek up to the Buddhe statue from Kata or you can take a tax or car from the Chalong side (east side).
Planning a holiday in Phuket? – don’t miss our complete one week holiday itinerary for Phuket.
Also, don’t miss our epic guide on THE BEST Phuket Resorts for families.
Finally – if you’re looking for other great view points in Phuket check out the Big Buddha
DID YOU KNOW? You can also go Paragliding at Black Rock
