Phuket, one of the heavenly corners of the earth, is a paradise island on the coast of the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, connected to the mainland by a small bridge.. Surrounded by 15 interconnected large beaches, Phuket’s idyllic beaches as well as its vibrant nightlife appealing to all tastes, lively colorful markets and Buddhist temples with deep philosophy also fascinate visitors.
Khao Phra Thaeo. National Park houses Phuket’s only remaining rainforest. It is also close to the airport. You arrive on the highway connecting Phuket Island to the mainland.. The traffic is crowded but I can say that it is safe to drive.
I had explored the south of Phuket Island the previous day.. Today I turned my direction north. My goal is to see Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, 22 km north of Phuket city, and the Bang Pae waterfall there.. I had not even left the city center yet, and I visited a temple that caught my eye on the way.
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Phuket
When I went there, wondering why the crowd was nearby. I realized there was a funeral. While the crowd was sitting on chairs inside, the funeral was in flowers in an open tower like a high-built temple.
After paying the entrance fee (200THB, 12TL), I left the motorcycle in the parking lot near the entrance. You reach the waterfall when you follow the path that goes into the forest for about 10 minutes from the parking lot.. The waterfall flowing through the 15-meter-high rocks was even weaker than I expected.
After all, we were in the dry season.. It is enjoyable to climb on the rocks and watch the view.. You can actually climb up and jump into the pool of the waterfall from there.. Of course, I didn’t skip it because he was both alone and not sure about the depth.. Its water looks cold and gray.
There is a path leading up to the hill where the waterfall flows.. This path leads into the forest.. I met an English group of young people returning from trekking here.. On the other side of the hill is Ton Sai waterfall.. Parts of Good Morning Vietnam were shot here.
There were groups of tourists, mostly Russians and Thai, visiting the waterfall.. I wanted to talk to 2 Russian couples who came to the waterfall with their dogs, but they didn’t speak English. Right at the entrance of the park, it also hosts an organization called The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.
Gibbons taken from their natural habitats, kept as pets or used by locals to take pictures with tourists and earn money, are rescued, here they are trying to adapt to their natural environment.
A worker on the project said they still have problems with poachers. The entrance fee cut at the park entrance was also transferred to this project.
There were many Thai student groups around the pond at the park entrance.. The chirping ones. When I met the two I met, they started asking a few classic English questions in their minds, without even listening to my answer.
If you’re not going to trekking, this park is not a place worth going all that way and seeing the waterfall alone.. I have time and it’s fine with me since my purpose is to explore the environment. There is an elephant safari farm on the main road from Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. If you want to do an elephant safari, this place can be a good choice.
Phuket’s tourist attractions consist of white sandy beaches, blue lagoons and bays where water sports activities are held.. Phuket, the richest region of Thailand with its extraordinarily beautiful beaches, also has the country’s second largest airport.
Patong Beach is the most popular beach on the island with its resorts, hotels, shops, restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Phang Nga Bay is an unforgettable destination with its stunning scenery, butterfly gardens and jungle safaris.. Phuket also offers a wide range of options from massage tents to spas on the beach.
Day 534: Thailand:23, Phuket, 19 January 2012
