Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park

(T076-311998, 20 km north of Phuket City, 0600-1800, Admission for foreigners is) ฿฿200. Entry is ½-price for children.

To get to this wildlife park turn east off the main road in Thalang and follow signs for Ton Sai Waterfall. The beautiful, peaceful road winds through stands of rubber trees and degraded forest. The park supports wild boar and monkeys and represents the last of the island’s natural forest ecosystem. During dry season, a walk around the park is a lot of fun and not particularly gruelling. The primary nature trail has 14 stations where you can stop and learn a bit about the park. There isn’t much wildlife to be seen, although you may come across a monitor lizard, gibbon or even wild boar. The main trail is about 2 km long. The park’s two waterfalls, Bang Pae Waterfall and Ton Sai Waterfall, are not up to much during the dry season when there isn’t any water. When there is water, visitors can paddle in the upper pool. There are bungalows, a lakeside restaurant and a number of hiking routes here.