Ton Sai Waterfall is a tranquil place in the northeastern part of Phuket. Although it is inland and far from the beaches, you can easily enjoy the scenery along the road from the Thalang town junction towards the waterfalls. This 3km road offers beautiful rural views and farmland; It gets even better once you are in the green jungle and peaceful surroundings. Ton Sai is more accessible than the nearby Bang Pae waterfall but not as big or impressive. Still, it’s an excellent place to spend a day outside in the hot Phuket sun.
Tonsai Waterfall is similar in many ways to its neighbouring Bangpae Waterfall. Located a little further north, it’s about the same size, height, and walking distance from the parking lot. A national park entrance fee of 200 baht per person upon arrival is mandatory. There is only a little around Tonsai except for a small restaurant open in high season, and the waterfall itself could be more impressive.
Hike the winding, overgrown trails in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, spotting different species of plants and lichens on your way to Ton Sai Falls. You might even see some pretty spotted deer and gibbons along the way. The waterfall is a 2km walk within the park, making it ideal for a little nature walk.
Tonsai Waterfall highlights
Tonsai Waterfall is located on the west side of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, a green area of about 22.28 square kilometres. You can walk through the park from the waterfall to Bang Pae. You can even hire a guide to help point out exciting fauna and flora along the way. There is an information centre where you can ask for a rental guide.
Please note that all signs and displays are in the Thai language. There is also a well-marked 2 km hiking trail around the back of the falls. Cold drinks and snacks are usually available from a small restaurant near the information centre.
If you are interested in tropical plants, you will enjoy seeing the rare white-backed palms. First discovered in Thailand, this graceful palm has beautiful large circular leaves fan-shaped, with a green upper surface and a white underside. Tonsai Waterfall is a good spot for bird watching as the rainforest is home to colourful native birds such as the red-billed malkoha, bat-tailed drongo and red-backed sea eagle. Some of the many migratory birds you can see here are the Siberian bluethroat and the wagtail.
Good to know about Tonsai Waterfall
Tonsai Waterfall is an excellent place to visit in Phuket as it is very family oriented. There are spacious bathrooms, a car park, manicured gardens, a small playground, shaded areas and a place to camp—the small natural pool and romp around in clothes (t-shirts and shorts). Avoid wearing a bikini to a Thai waterfall if you want to avoid standing out.
How To Get to Tonsai?
If you still want to see Tonsai Waterfall: Pass the Heroine Monument on the way to Phuket International Airport (coming from Phuket Town) and continue to Thalang Town. Turn right at the traffic light and drive to Tonsai National Park. There are usually a few street signs giving directions.
