Kathu waterfall and the old mining valley

A shady jungle stream behind Patong's hills.

Area

Nature & waterfalls

Start from

Patong

Distance

about 15 min from Patong

Time needed

2–3 hours

Best season

June – November for more water

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Scooter, taxi

Tickets & rules

None

Why go

Kathu waterfall is small, but the forest walk along the stream is cool and green, a perfect break from the beach.

The valley is the old tin-mining district, with the Kathu Mining Museum telling that story.

Local families picnic here at weekends.

The trail follows the stream through bamboo and big trees, passing small pools where local kids swim. It's a gentle walk of about half an hour to the upper tiers.

Kathu is also good for local food, far from tourist prices.

Kathu sits in the valley between Patong and Phuket Town, and it's the best place to understand how the island looked before tourism. Old shophouses line the main street, a Chinese shrine anchors the village, and roadside stalls sell the same noodles and curries that miners ate a century ago.

The Kathu Mining Museum, housed in a handsome building styled after an old colonial mansion, uses life-size scenes to show how tin was dug, washed and smelted, and how Chinese and Thai families lived around the mines. It's surprisingly well done and almost always quiet.

The story

Kathu was one of the richest tin-mining areas; the museum reconstructs mining life.

Kathu's shrines take part in the Vegetarian Festival.

Kathu was settled by Chinese miners; their shrines remain the area's spiritual heart.

The mining museum building is a replica of a colonial mansion.

During the Vegetarian Festival, Kathu's shrine is one of the most important on the island. It is often said that the festival itself began here in the nineteenth century, when a travelling Chinese opera troupe fell ill and recovered after observing a strict vegetarian diet and rituals to honour the Nine Emperor Gods. The tradition spread to the other shrines and became the festival Phuket is known for today.

Getting there

From Patong, cross the hill to Kathu and follow signs.

The road is paved; parking at the entrance.

A suggested plan

1. MorningWalk the waterfall trail.
2. Late morningKathu Mining Museum.
3. LunchLocal restaurants in Kathu.
4. OptionalVisit Kathu's Chinese shrine.
5. AfternoonOn the way back, stop at Kathu's shrine and the main street for iced coffee and a bowl of noodles before crossing the hill back to Patong.

Where to stay

Day trip.

Good to know

• Go after rain for more water.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Morning is coolest.
• Wear sandals that can get wet.
• The museum is closed on some days and over certain holidays; check before you go.
• Combine with Phuket Town if you have a car: the two are only a short drive apart.