Phuket: Jungle Trek, Big Buddha & Temples with Farm Lunch

Summary

Phuket jungle hike to Big Buddha temples and local flavors

You’ll hike through Phuket’s jungle trails with a local guide, taste fresh coconut overlooking the island, visit Big Buddha and two revered temples (with chanting and blessings), then unwind over an organic farm-to-table Thai lunch. Expect small surprises — monkeys on the trail or laughter over dessert — and moments that linger long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our guide, Somchai, handing me a piece of wild ginger he’d just snapped from the edge of the trail. He grinned and told me to smell it — sharp, earthy, almost spicy in my nose. We were barely ten minutes into the jungle trek above Phuket when a monkey darted across our path and someone behind me let out a surprised laugh. The ground was still damp from last night’s rain, so every step squished a little. I liked that nobody rushed; Somchai would pause now and then to point out some plant or call out to check if we were all good. I wasn’t sure how my sneakers would handle the mud but honestly, it felt like part of the adventure.

After the climb (my legs were definitely feeling it), we stopped for coconut water and these chewy Thai sweets wrapped in banana leaf. The air up there was lighter somehow — you could see all of Phuket island laid out below us, haze curling around the hills. Then came the shuttle up to Big Buddha Hill. Even though the main statue was closed off (Somchai said it’s been that way for months), we could still walk around behind it and snap photos. Up close, the marble tiles felt cool under my hand. It’s huge — much bigger than I’d pictured from photos online — and there was this hush even with other people around.

The temples after that were quieter than I expected. At Wat Luang Phu Supha, we brought little packets of soap and incense as offerings; one monk smiled at my clumsy wai greeting (I probably did it wrong). Chanting with everyone else was oddly calming — maybe just being included in something so old? Our guide explained why making merit matters here; I’m still thinking about that part days later. Wat Chalong felt busier but not less peaceful somehow. There’s this glass case with what they say is a splinter of Buddha’s bone — people lined up quietly to pay respects.

Lunch was at this breezy open-air spot surrounded by green fields. The rice tasted different — nutty or maybe just fresher than usual? My smoothie had pineapple from down the road; you could actually taste how ripe it was. We sat there longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave yet, which kind of says everything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jungle trek and temple visits

• Meet guide and start jungle hike
• Explore local plants and wildlife
• Take a break with coconut and fruits
• Shuttle to Big Buddha Hill
• View Big Buddha statue from behind
• Visit Wat Luang Phu Supha temple
• Make merit and receive blessing
• Visit Wat Chalong temple
• Learn temple history and pay respects
• Enjoy farm-to-table Thai lunch
• Return to CC's Hideaway Hotel

Top questions

How long does the Phuket jungle trekking & temple tour last?

The tour lasts most of the day, returning around 3:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off is included in Kata, Kata Noi, and Karon areas.

Can I visit inside Big Buddha on this tour?

No, currently access inside Big Buddha is closed by government order; you can view it from outside and take photos.

What temples are visited on this Phuket day trip?

You’ll visit Wat Luang Phu Supha (Si Supharam Temple) and Wat Chalong.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant with organic ingredients is included.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking.

What should I wear for jungle trekking in Phuket?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for hiking in humid conditions.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; moderate fitness is needed due to hiking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Phuket areas like Kata or Karon, guided jungle trekking with local insights about plants and wildlife along the way, fresh coconut water plus snacks after hiking, shuttle transport up Big Buddha Hill for panoramic views even while closed inside, visits to both Wat Luang Phu Supha (with chanting/blessing) and Wat Chalong temples led by your guide’s stories—and finally a relaxed farm-to-table Thai lunch before heading back mid-afternoon.