Description

Step off the beaten track—quite literally—on this nature walk through Phuket’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest. Explore a dense jungle landscape that may not be here forever, offering a rare glimpse into one of the island’s most precious natural environments.

Your small-group adventure begins on a narrow forest trail that winds deep into the Bang Khanun Forest Reserve. Parts of this protected area could disappear in the coming years, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing rapid tourism development with forest conservation. Shortly after setting off, you'll stop at the Bang Khanun Visitor Centre, where the friendly staff will welcome you. They also appreciate visitors signing the guest book before entering the reserve.

From the visitor centre, the trail leads into a dark, humid rainforest alive with towering trees, giant leaves, climbing vines and spiky tropical plants. Fallen trees occasionally block the path, but your experienced guide knows the forest well and will safely lead the way.

Take in the sounds of the jungle as your guide helps you spot some of the forest's remarkable wildlife. With a bit of luck, you may encounter slow lorises, monitor lizards, squirrels, cobras, pythons and a variety of bird species. During the mating season from April onwards, listen for the unforgettable chorus of cicadas—the world's loudest insects—which can create an astonishing wall of sound.

As the walking tour continues, you'll discover the surprising diversity of Phuket's northern countryside. The rainforest gradually gives way to palm oil plantations, neat rows of rubber trees and wide-open pineapple fields. Rubber remains one of Phuket's most important agricultural products, and many rubber tappers still live in traditional stilt houses surrounded by the plantations they work—a world away from the island's bustling beach resorts.

The trail then opens onto a vast pineapple plantation, where you'll discover why Phuket’s famous pineapples are celebrated for their exceptional sweetness and flavour. This is the only unshaded section of the walk, lasting about 15 minutes, so we recommend bringing a hat or cap.

Continuing through the countryside, you pass a secluded naval base hidden among the trees before entering the final stage of the hike. A narrow, winding forest trail—often lush and almost overgrown during the monsoon season (May to October)—leads deeper into the jungle. After crossing a small creek, you arrive at one of Phuket’s smallest villages, where your Phuket hiking adventure ends with a refreshing young coconut served at the community’s only local shop.