10 Best National Parks in Thailand, it boasts several breathtaking national parks, adding to the allure of this diverse and picturesque country. When exploring this captivating destination, the national parks in Thailand offer a striking juxtaposition to the bustling urban areas that surround most accommodations and resorts. These parks provide an opportunity to witness the pristine wilderness and remarkable wildlife that the country has to offer. Here are a few of Thailand’s most extraordinary national parks.
Khao Yai National Park
In 1962, the first national park in Thailand was established in central Thailand, known as Khao Yai National Park. This park is situated in the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range, making it a popular spot for hikers and mountain climbers. Additionally, the park boasts a variety of landscapes, including grasslands and tropical forests, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife lovers will also be delighted to know that the park is home to a diverse range of species, such as gibbons, leopards, monkeys, and elephants. Although rare, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of a tiger. Visitors can also explore the many waterfalls in the park, with the largest being Haew Narok.
Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park, located in the Kanchanaburi Province of western Thailand, offers a range of attractions for visitors. Among them, Erawan Falls stands out as a magnificent seven-tiered waterfall, named after a legendary elephant from Hindu mythology. Climbing up the waterfall and indulging in the refreshing pools is a popular activity for tourists. Additionally, the park boasts several captivating caves waiting to be explored.
To conveniently access the park, one can opt for a bus journey from Kanchanaburi, which typically takes around an hour and a half. With multiple buses operating daily, it is effortless to plan a day trip to Erawan National Park. However, if you desire to extend your stay, the park provides options for camping or renting a bungalow.
Mu Ko Surin National Park
The Andaman Sea is home to the Mu Ko Surin, a cluster of protected islands located 60km (37 miles) away from the mainland. These islands boast of numerous snorkeling spots that offer crystal-clear waters, breathtaking coral reefs, and a diverse range of marine life, including fish, sea turtles, and more. Additionally, the area is renowned for its diving sites, with Richelieu Rock being a world-famous spot. You can either opt for an organized tour or visit the marine park on your own. Some of the islands provide camping facilities or bungalows for rent. If you’re looking for a place to unwind on the beach or go snorkeling, Mu Ko Surin National Park is the perfect destination.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is a collection of 42 islands located in the Gulf of Thailand. To fully experience this marine national park, you can either take a boat tour or rent your own boat. Popular options for exploring the park include speedboats and kayaks. The park offers numerous snorkeling and diving spots. If you wish to stay overnight, you can rent tents or bungalows. Some of the islands boast stunning white sand beaches, while others have mountains that offer breathtaking views from the top. In addition to the diverse marine life, you may also encounter monkeys, otters, wild boar, dusty-leaf, and macaque monkeys on the islands.
Khao Sok National Park
Located in the Surat Thani Province, this national park is predominantly composed of rainforest and jungle. It is renowned for being the wettest area in Thailand, which contributes to the thriving biodiversity of flora and fauna. The park is home to a vast array of bird species, as well as wildcats, deer, tapirs, elephants, and boar. Visitors can also witness the rare Rafflesia kerrii, one of the world’s largest flowers, which is becoming increasingly scarce and can only be found in Khao Sok. The dry season, from June to October, is the best time to explore the park, while the monsoon season, from April to June, brings frequent flooding and slippery trails.
Mu Ko Similan National Park
Mu Ko Similan National Park is a marine park in Thailand consisting of 11 islands located 70 km (43 miles) away from the Andaman Sea coastline. These islands, made of granite, possess breathtaking beauty both above and below the water surface. They are adorned with lush rainforests, surrounded by pristine white beaches, and adorned with vibrant coral reefs.
From December to April, the waters surrounding the islands become exceptionally clear, creating ideal conditions for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Some of the islands, such as Ko Miang and Ko Simlan, even offer accommodations and dining options. Numerous companies provide diving tours to explore the wonders of these islands. On select tours, visitors have the opportunity to spend multiple nights on board a boat and embark on diving excursions during the day.
Ao Phang Nga National Park[SEE MAP]
The marine park located in the Phang Nga Province of southern Thailand is known as Ao Phang Nga National Park. This park offers a variety of attractions, making it ideal to spend a few days exploring. With its 42 karst islands, stunning beaches, impressive limestone cliffs, and captivating caves and lagoons, there is much to discover.
One of the park’s highlights is James Bond Island, named after its appearance in The Man With the Golden Gun. If you have an interest in cave exploration, a day trip to Koh Panak Cave is a must. Accessible only by boat, this cave offers a unique experience.
Kui Buri National Park is one of the 10 Best National Parks in Thailand
Kui Buri National Park, situated close to the Burmese border, is renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for elephants. The watering ponds near the Pa Yang substation are a popular spot for elephant herds to bathe, and visitors can observe them from wildlife-viewing platforms. While self-driving is allowed in the park, guided tours are mandatory for exploring protected areas. These tours are conducted on pickup trucks or 4×4 vehicles. Overnight stays are possible with tent or bungalow rentals. It is advisable to expect heavy rainfall if visiting between May and November, with June and July being the driest months.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Thailand’s largest national park, Kaeng Krachan, is situated on the border of the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve in Burma. This expansive park is predominantly covered in rainforest and is renowned for its mesmerizing morning mist that envelops the park, with hilltops piercing through the misty clouds from December to March, offering a truly breathtaking sight.
Apart from its captivating scenery, the park is also celebrated for its abundant and diverse wildlife, particularly its avian and butterfly populations. With over 400 bird species recorded, including rare and elusive species like the giant pitta, great argus, and whooly-necked storks, bird enthusiasts will find themselves in awe. Additionally, the park is home to various mammals, including leopards, wild dogs, bears, and elephants.
Visitors to Kaeng Krachan National Park can embark on boat rides along its two rivers or explore the vast lake within its boundaries. The park offers an array of thrilling activities, such as hiking through lush forests, indulging in bird watching, enjoying boating adventures, or conquering one of the park’s towering peaks.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, located in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, is renowned for its towering limestone hills. The park’s name translates to “mountain with 300 peaks,” and it is a must-visit destination for many tourists who come to explore the Phaya Nakhon Cave, which houses a Buddhist temple. Additionally, the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 300 species of birds to observe, particularly during the migratory season in January and February. If you’re staying in Hua Hin, arranging a day trip to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is a breeze.
