When you visit Thailand you know you’re going to see some amazing beaches as well as some stunning temples and cities, but did you know that you will also see some amazing national parks? Thailand’s national parks provide a wilderness experience with views of mountains, seascapes, forests, and swamps, depending on your location. See some of Thailand’s more unspoiled places with a visit to a Thailand National Park.
1) Kui Buri National Park
Kui Buri National Park is situated close to the border with Burma. It is one of the best places in Thailand to go to see elephants in their natural environment. It is also a great alternative to see elephants here as compared to some of the cruel elephant attractions in the country. The Pa Yang station is one good place to see elephants bathing, and you can get a good view from the wildlife platforms. It is a good idea to take a private tour which will allow you to get access to the park’s protected areas. You can also camp or stay in the park in cabins.
2) Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is in the center of Thailand and is the first national park to be created in the country, dating back since 1962. Since it is part of the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range this park is a great place for hiking and mountaineering. But you don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy it – this place also appeals to wildlife spotters and you can see monkeys, elephants, and leopards if you are lucky. One of the most popular features of the park is its waterfalls and the biggest one is Haew Narok.
3) Hat Chao Mai National Park
One of the beauties of Thailand is its seascape, and one of the best places to see this marine life is at the Hat Chao Mai National Park. This park is located in the southwest of the country and is blessed with a position on the amazing Andaman Sea. You can expect to see some wonderful examples of Thailand’s bird and animal life in stunning surroundings. The sunsets are great, and you may also see the endangered dugong. From here you can take a trip to many different islands and there are plenty of places to stay in the area.
4) Kaeng Krachan National Park
Kaeng Krachan is famous for its rainforest and the scenery is outstanding, especially in the early morning when mist cloaks the tops of the trees and blends into the mountains. You will also find a lot of wildlife here, from many different varieties of birds to elephants and bears, and even leopards. There are a few nice rivers and a huge lake where you can take boat trips to see a further variety of wildlife.
5) Khao Sok National Park
Situated in the Surat Thani province in Thailand, this national park is a beauty as it is full of rainforest and natural plant and animal species. The diversity of wildlife is very impressive, with deer, boar, elephants, birds, and insects. You will also find some impressive flowers native to Thailand. Since it rains an awful lot here it is best to visit during the dry season.
6) Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
The three-tiered waterfall called Kaeng Song Waterfall is a must-visit in this attractive park. The waterfall is high and you can swim in the waters around it, or simply walk the paths and watch the falls from a safe distance.
7) Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Full of mountains, this park is in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and is home to a large cave with a Buddhist temple inside. It is famous for its limestone hills, too, as well as its birds. It is a good distance away from Hua Hin so you can easily visit here on a day trip when you are staying in the resort town.
8) Erawan National Park
Set in the west of the country, Erawan National Park is home to Erawan Falls, a huge waterfall with a series of bathing pools. There are many caves to investigate and you can also stay in the park in a cabin or camp.
9) Ao Phang Nga National Park
One of the most popular and most visited parks in Thailand, this is a marine park which is right in the south of the country in Phang Nga Province. The park is made up of more than 40 limestone karst islands that tower out of the ocean and shelter some stunning beaches. The islands include James Bond Island, which is one of the most-visited places in Thailand.
Check out more highlights of Thailand at PhuketOn. The travel blog PhuketOn is your destination for Asia travel tips and advice including trips to Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
