Swap your sunbed for hiking boots! While the beach and pool days are a dream, sometimes a bit of adventure is just what you need. Why not take a break from lounging and hit the trails? Here are four of our top hiking trails in Phuket South, some leading to stunning views that will leave you in awe!
1. Rawai Nature Reserve Trail
Just around 2 km north of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐨-𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 is one of many hiking trails in Phuket South called the ‘Rawai Nature Reserve Trail’, a 2.4-km out-and-back path starts near Pa Phakawan Monastery on 𝐒𝐨𝐢 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐮𝐦 𝐓𝐨𝐫, Rawai, Phuket. This moderately challenging trail takes about 1 hour to complete. It’s popular for bird watching, hiking, and walking. You can find some quiet moments during less busy times of the day. The best time to visit is from October to June.
The trail winds through forests near the Rawai Nature Reserve center, offering views of diverse plants and wildlife. The thick forest provides plenty of shade. It’s advisable to wear breathable long pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Avoid visiting during the rainy season (July to October) as the trail can become muddy, washed out, and overgrown. Falling branches are also more common during this time.
Expect a lot of mosquitoes and some sharp sticks along the trail. However, the view at the top is worth it, offering beautiful sights over Chalong and Panwa.
Trail Details:
- Length: 2.4 km
- Elevation Gain: 207 m
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Conditions: Bugs, Muddy
2. Soi Masjid – Soi Plukjae Loop
South-west of 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤, you’ll find the lesser-known ‘Soi Masjid – Soi Plukjae Loop,’ a 6.1-km loop trail perfect for adventurers seeking a challenge among the hiking trails in Phuket South. This demanding trail takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete and is ideal for bird watching and hiking, with the added bonus of likely having the trail mostly to yourself. The best time to visit is from November to March.
Starting from 𝐒𝐨𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐣𝐢𝐝 street and ending at 𝐒𝐨𝐢 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐤𝐣𝐚𝐞 street, the trail offers views of diverse plants and wildlife amidst dense jungle trees. It is recommended to wear breathable long pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
Avoid visiting during the rainy season (July to October) as heavy rains can wash out the trail, making it overgrown and difficult to navigate due to falling leaves and branches. While the trail offers fantastic views, some route directions might be confusing, and parts of the trail may be fenced off, requiring you to find alternative paths back to the main route. Some areas are overgrown, and the last part of the trail has seen recent changes with road widening. Experience with the trail is advisable to navigate these challenges.
Trail Details:
- Length: 6.1 km
- Elevation Gain: 300 m
- Route Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Hard
- Conditions: Bugs, Muddy, Overgrown
3. Laem Krating Cape
One of the popular hiking trails in Phuket South is the scenic Laem Krating Cape trail, a moderately challenging 1.8-kilometer out-and-back route located near 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐮𝐤𝐞𝐭. This hike generally takes about 30 minutes to complete and is popular among birdwatchers and hikers alike. The trail is best enjoyed between November and May.
The trail starts with a brief trek through a jungle section, leading hikers to a beautiful beach where they navigate up and down rocky terrain. Continuing on, the trail reaches a coastal prairie, offering stunning views of the coastline and the Andaman Sea. As an excellent location to watch the sunset, it’s recommended to bring a flashlight for the return journey.
Street parking is available near the trailhead, which is located on hotel property; however, hotel parking is not permitted, so you must access the trailhead by passing through the hotel on foot. Alternatively, you can park your motorbike near the 𝐁𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭, walk through the resort, follow the sign towards the beach, and begin the trek from the rocks.
When planning a hike, it’s important to consider the trail conditions and safety tips. Avoid visiting from July to October during the rainy season, as heavy rains can wash out the trail and cause overgrowth. The trail itself is unmarked and can be steep, presenting challenges for beginners, though experienced hikers will find it manageable. Proper preparation is essential: wear sneakers, bring plenty of water, and be cautious of the cliff and bouldering sections. Since the trail offers no shade, it’s crucial to plan accordingly and stay hydrated.
Hikers rave about the breathtaking views throughout the hike, despite the challenging steep climbs along the ocean and rocky sections. Overall, they find the trail enjoyable and worth the effort for its beautiful vistas.
Trail Details:
- Length: 1.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 72 m
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Conditions: Steep, Rocky, No Shade
4. Black Rock Viewpoint
Experience the rugged beauty of Phuket on the 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 Trail, also known as Pa Hin Dam. This 1.6-kilometer out-and-back trail, one of the popular hiking trails in Phuket South, is situated on the southeast side of Phuket, above Naiharn Beach. It’s considered a moderate hike that typically takes around 30 minutes to complete.
The trail offers a delightful mix of coastal prairie and dense forest, culminating in a stunning viewpoint perched nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. From this elevated vantage point, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Nai Harn Beach, Ya Nui Beach, and the distant Phromthep Cape. On clear days, you can even spot the islands of Koh Kaew Yai and Racha Yai (20 km to the south).
The path begins from a 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 that diverges near Karon Viewpoint, also leading towards Nui Beach. As you hike, you’ll follow a narrow forest trail alongside a barbed wire fence. While the trail is well-defined, be prepared for some steep sections and watch your footing—there are no proper steps or railings, so caution is essential. Wear breathable long pants to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
The best time to visit is from November to May, as the trail can become challenging and potentially hazardous during the rainy season (July to October) due to overgrown plants and possible trail washouts. At the viewpoint, space is limited, and the cliff drops off steeply, so exercise extreme caution and avoid approaching the edge too closely.
Overall, Black Rock Viewpoint is an amazing trail that offers a touch of rock climbing excitement at the end. Just tread carefully and enjoy the rewarding panoramic vistas.
Trail Details:
- Length: 1.6 km
- Elevation Gain: 290 m
- Route Type: Out & back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Conditions: Steep, Cliff
Safety Tips for Hikers
When planning a hiking trip in Phuket, especially on the hiking trails in Phuket South, choosing the best times to hike is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. The ideal seasons for hiking in Phuket are from November to May, when the weather is generally dry and pleasant. During this period, the trails are less likely to be slippery or washed out, and the visibility is better for appreciating the stunning landscapes and vistas.
In contrast, the rainy season, from June to October, can bring heavy downpours that make trails muddy and potentially hazardous. Trails can become overgrown, and sudden weather changes may increase the risk of slips and falls. For this reason, it’s advisable to avoid hiking during these months unless you’re prepared for challenging conditions and have local knowledge of the trails.
Timing your hikes to early morning or late afternoon can also enhance your experience. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and less crowded trails, while late afternoons provide beautiful light for photography and a chance to see wildlife. However, it’s important to plan your hike to finish before dark, as trails can be difficult to navigate at night.
Regardless of the season or time of day, always check the 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly. Being aware of trail safety—such as carrying adequate water, wearing appropriate footwear, and informing someone of your plans—ensures a safe and enjoyable hiking experience on the hiking trails in Phuket South.
Wrapping Up Our Thoughts on Hiking Trails in Phuket South
Hiking in Phuket South is a dope way to seek out the island’s natural beauty and experience another side of Phuket that most tourists totally miss out on. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to give your legs a good stretch after all that scooter riding.
We hope our four recommended hiking trails in Phuket South have sparked your interest to explore the island’s best spots.
Got inspired? Check out our selection of 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 in Phuket South now!
