Warm, beautiful sunsets, picturesque scenery and clear blue waters give Phuket its reputation as one of Asia’s best beach destinations. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is a Mecca for beach lovers world over, with many activities offered to any tourist who is looking to spend time under the sun of the exotic beaches that the island has to offer. However, Phuket is also home to quite a number of parks and wild life sanctuaries that are simple havens of relaxation and serenity. The amount of the flora and fauna found delicately tucked under the foliage of expansive woods and forests are truly magnificent.
The Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park covers an area of 22 sq. kilometres and is effectively the only virgin rainforest left in Phuket. Located in the north of Phuket, the park is home to towering trees and an impressive shady canopy which provides an ideal habitat for many species and types of animals. Being a lush forest, the park offers protection to many different animals. Malay sun bears, Slow Lorises, Langurs, Porcupines, Gibbons, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Cobras, Pythons and Monitor Lizards all have found a safe sanctuary within the confines of this wildlife park. There are also many different species of birds that flit from tree to tree. As you hike through the trails, you’d be able to experience the sounds and sights of different animals whilst being able to get up close with everything from beautiful flowering shrubs to gargantuan trees. Khao Phra Thaeo is also home to rare Governor’s Palm, found only in Phuket. In addition, there are several wet cut out forest trails for hiking and guides can be hired to make your experience more informative and enjoyable.
The park boasts three main attractions: The Ton Sai Waterfall, the Bang Pae Waterfall and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre. The Ton Sai Waterfall is quite small, but it offers scenic views and is located at the entrance of the park headquarters. The Bang Pae waterfall, though not a huge cascade, is Phuket’s largest waterfall. There is an 8km hike through the park if you feel up to it to get to Bang Pae or you can opt to head straight to Bang Pae via road. Bang Pae is home to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre. It is an NGO run project which aims to rehabilitate abandoned pet gibbons into living in the wild after their owners have left them to neglect.
Accommodation in Phuket is of no shortage. Phuket villas located near the beach or towards inland are in abundance and offer you a variety of services. However, if you are looking for a Phuket resort that will facilitate all your needs whilst providing you with an excellent hospitality experience, then Anantara Phuket, Thailand is the most ideal choice for your stay.
