Photo by Chris huh – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2542221
Thailand’s stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems have given rise to a range of incredible national parks. From lush rainforests to towering mountains, Thailand’s national parks offer a glimpse into the country’s natural wonders. Here are some of the top national parks to visit, and how to get there.
- Khao Yai National Park
Located in the central region of Thailand, Khao Yai National Park is the country’s oldest and one of its most popular national parks. Covering an area of over 2,000 square kilometers, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, bears, deer, and gibbons. Visitors can go on guided jungle treks, bird-watching tours, and wildlife-spotting drives.
To get to Khao Yai National Park, take a bus from Bangkok to Pak Chong, the nearest town to the park. From there, you can take a taxi or a shared minivan to the park entrance.
- Doi Inthanon National Park
Located in northern Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park is home to Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, which stands at 2,565 meters. The park is also home to a range of ecosystems, from montane forests to cloud forests. Visitors can go on jungle treks, visit waterfalls, and explore hill tribe villages.
To get to Doi Inthanon National Park, take a bus from Chiang Mai to the town of Chom Thong, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the park entrance.
- Khao Sok National Park
Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is a vast area of rainforest, rivers, and limestone cliffs. The park is home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, gibbons, and bears, as well as a huge variety of bird species. Visitors can go on jungle treks, explore caves, and take boat trips down the Sok River.
To get to Khao Sok National Park, take a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the park entrance.
- Erawan National Park
Located in the western province of Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park is known for its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and lush forests. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer, and macaques. Visitors can go on jungle treks, swim in the park’s natural pools, and explore the park’s caves.
To get to Erawan National Park, take a bus or train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the park entrance.
- Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Located in the central province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is known for its limestone mountains, caves, and wetlands. The park is home to a variety of bird species, as well as monkeys, deer, and even a small population of leopards. Visitors can go on hikes to explore the park’s mountains and caves, or take boat trips to see the park’s wetlands and mangroves.
To get to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, take a bus or train from Bangkok to the town of Pranburi, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the park entrance.
- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of over 40 islands, many of which are uninhabited and offer stunning views of the turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. The park is home to a range of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Visitors can go on island-hopping tours, snorkeling and diving trips, and explore the park’s hidden beaches and lagoons.
To get to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, take a ferry from Koh Samui or Surat Thani. Boats also depart from the mainland town of Donsak. Once in the park, visitors can hire boats or kayaks to explore the islands.
- Khao Luang National Park
Located in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Khao Luang National Park is known for its high mountain ranges, dense jungles, and waterfalls. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including gibbons, macaques, deer, and over 200 bird species. Visitors can go on hiking trails to explore the park’s mountains and waterfalls, and visit the Khao Luang Cave, which houses a sacred Buddha image.
To get to Khao Luang National Park, take a bus or train from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the park entrance.
- Sai Yok National Park
Located in the western province of Kanchanaburi, Sai Yok National Park is known for its rugged mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. The park is home to a range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, gibbons, and macaques. Visitors can go on jungle treks, visit waterfalls, and explore the park’s historic sites, including the Death Railway and the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.
To get to Sai Yok National Park, take a bus or train from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the park entrance.
Thailand’s national parks offer visitors the chance to explore the country’s incredible natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Whether you want to go on a jungle trek, swim in crystal-clear pools, or island-hop in the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand’s national parks have something for everyone. With a little planning and preparation, a trip to one of these national parks can be the highlight of any visit to Thailand.
