Bang Wad Dam Trail Loop (Phuket)

Distance: 19.5 kilometers

Elevation: 660m

Difficulty: Medium

What to expect on this trail?

This loop starts at the scenic Bang Wad Dam hidden behind the hills of Patong. From there it climbs up the hills along local double tracks through rubber plantations and forests. There are some amazing views along the way, and some exciting single track sections towards the end. There is a lot of construction going on with trails being moved or widened. This can be confusing at times, so you may need some orientation skills for this one.

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Bang Wad Dam Trail Loop in detail

The loop starts at the western side of the Bang Wad Dam. There is parking available so you can leave your motorbike or car there without any problem. The first section follows the asphalt road along the lake for about 1,5 kilometer until you turn right onto a local road. You will start climbing right away and this will be the longest climbing section of the route.

As soon as you are a bit higher up you will start to get some nice views, and the trail gets a lot more fun. However, do keep your eye on the navigation as there are many trails branching off as you run. Some trails are also a bit overgrown, so again, it is important to pay attention. You will have some nice sections along rolling hills and through green forest until you reach a big construction site. You’ll have to make your way down and keep left to start climbing a bit more/

Your efforts will be rewarded though! Because at the top of this climb you will pass a small coffeeshop that offers amazing views over Patong Beach below. Continue along the double track road to start circling back towards the dam. However, before you reach the end of the route you will have another hill to cross. You will find that this section is the most difficult one as it is badly overgrown. You will start the climb on a concrete single track road leading up to a house. There is a gate, but when I did the run I was allowed to pass. After the house the trail disappears into the jungle and you will just need to follow the general direction for a couple hundred meters.

You will arrive at a local meditation center (showing up there sweaty was a bit of an awkward moment) from where you will have a small road section ahead of you. Finally you will get to enjoy some amazing single track downhill trails through rubber plantation, until you end up at the Bang Wad Dam on the eastern side. Just follow the road counter clockwise to get back to the starting point.

Tips for this trail

Take plenty of water because during the first half of the trail there are no refill options.
The route is not really technical in general, but some confidence in navigating is highly recommended as some sections are overgrown.
Since it can get hot and humid very quickly in Phuket, we recommend to start early.
For a post-run coffee or snack, there are some local shops lining the road towards the dam which is a great way to support the locals.

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