Kathu Waterfall in Phuket: Access, Swimming, Season and Alternatives (2026 Guide)
Kathu Waterfall is a small forest cascade about 15 minutes' drive from Patong, halfway between Patong and Phuket Town. Entry is free (a small amount may be asked at the car park) and most sources say it is open from 8:00 to 18:00. Allow one to two hours: about ten minutes' walk to the lower pool, plus the stone steps if you want to see the upper tiers. It is at its best from June to November; in the dry season the flow drops a lot.
Highlights
The lower pool
The easiest spot, about ten minutes on foot from the car park. According to guides the water is shallow there: children paddle in the pools, but it is not a real swimming spot.
The upper tiers
Stone steps lead to the upper falls. One guide warns that the last tiers mean scrambling over wet rock with no marked path; do not climb if the rock is slippery.
The surrounding forest
The site is surrounded by jungle and shade, which makes the visit pleasant in the hot hours.
Practical info
Tips
- Wear shoes with grip: rocks and steps are slippery when wet. There is no lifeguard and the site is unlit: do not stay at nightfall. Come on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowd. Before making the trip in the dry season (December to April), look at recent photos: the flow can be very low. Hours vary between sources, and only one says "24 hours". If you want more adventure in nature, see quad and zipline in Phuket; for an easier-to-reach cascade, Ton Sai waterfall. The information comes from travel guides, not an official site.
How to get there
In Kathu district, halfway between Patong and Phuket Town, about 15 minutes by car from Patong. From Patong, take the road towards Kathu and follow the signs. Taxi, Grab, tuk-tuk or hire car; the access road is paved and the car park is large according to one guide. See getting around Phuket.
Opening hours
Nearby
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