Photo by Fabien BASTIDE – Fabien BASTIDE, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19654981
Thailand is known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning beaches. But beyond the tourist hotspots lies a world of incredible wildlife waiting to be discovered. From elephants to tigers, from monkeys to birds, Thailand is home to an array of fascinating animals. Here are some of the country’s top wildlife sanctuaries, 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 home to a wide variety of wildlife, including gibbons, deer, and over 300 species of birds. 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.
- Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary
Located in the northern province of Sukhothai, Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary is a haven for rescued elephants. The sanctuary is home to a number of elephants that have been rescued from working in the logging or tourism industries, and visitors can see these magnificent animals up close and learn about their care.
To get to Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, take a bus from Bangkok to Sukhothai, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the sanctuary.
- Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Located in the eastern province of Chonburi, Khao Kheow Open Zoo is a sprawling zoo and wildlife park that is home to a range of animals, from tigers and elephants to gibbons and macaques. Visitors can go on safari drives, feed the animals, and even stay overnight in a jungle bungalow.
To get to Khao Kheow Open Zoo, take a bus from Bangkok to Chonburi, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the zoo.
- Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the western province of Uthai Thani, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest protected areas in Thailand. The sanctuary is home to a range of endangered species, including tigers, leopards, Asiatic wild dogs, and gaurs (the world’s largest wild cattle). Visitors can go on guided nature walks and river cruises to spot the park’s wildlife.
To get to Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, take a bus or train from Bangkok to Uthai Thani, and then take a taxi or a shared minivan to the sanctuary.
- 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.
Thailand’s wildlife sanctuaries offer a chance to see some of the country’s most incredible animals in their natural habitats. With a little planning, you can easily get to these parks and experience the wonder of Thailand’s wildlife.
