With over 100 national parks, Thailand offers plenty of natural beauty. This makes choosing where to go on holiday a difficult decision. Of Thailand's most beautiful parks, this guide explores 7 top choices. Are you looking for a day trip or to stay longer?
No matter, because these parks offer breathtaking scenery and serene escapes. It's your chance to get away from the bustle of mainstream tourism.
It's no secret Thailand is a popular tropical destination, famous for its beaches, and more. If you're seeking peace, quiet, and unspoiled wilderness, Thailand's national parks are ideal. They're underdeveloped, less crowded than other tourist sites, making them perfect for nature.
Our travel guide highlights 7 of the best national parks for their beauty for you to consider. While the parks share similarities, each has its own unique landscape to discover. You can expect pristine rainforests and majestic mountains.
Explore for thundering waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and so much more. Continue reading to discover which park is for you.
The parks support and contribute towards eco-tourism which is something we agree with. Your time in any park is about rest, relaxation and peacefulness, and what you get even with guided tours is that. Tours are non-intrusive to nature and wildlife; your stay in a park will be far from boring.
Generally, it's thought that there are common activities found in all national parks. Of course, every park may have different geography, its own uniqueness. And yet every park has something in common with others:
We fail to see the need to mention specifics for each park, which is why we highlight the main activities now. At a marine park you'll be boating on the sea, but elsewhere (say in Khao Sok National Park) you'll be boating on a lake.
The same activity but each a different experience. You get the idea. For your day trip, or the few days you'll stay, there are enough things to keep you amused and happy.
Remember why you are visiting a park ― the tranquility, scenery and peacefulness.
The parks are open to visitors on foot. Many are also accessible (but not all) by bicycle, and motorbikes. It is possible to venture into the jungles on your motorbike, provided you stay on the trails. Every park has an entrance fee, about US$6 per adult and a little less, per child, for a day.
As always, when using a vehicle on holiday, think safety and have adequate insurance in place.
What may persuade you to go to one park, more so than another, could be that the park is, or has, a marine reserve.
Some of the parks are on an Island, but not all have coral reef and multi-colored tropical fish species. If you desire more time in the water, then by all means do consider this option. The parks in question thus, consider:
Ko Ang Thong National Park and Ko Chang National Park are in our guide. Both stunning, they are irresistible for snorkeling and scuba diving.
The wildlife is amazing, especially if you can get up and close (within a hundred yards) you can expect to see:
It's great if you do see the animals, yet if you don't then that's okay too, there may be another day for you. Trekking in the rainforest jungles for the chance of seeing the birdlife is a must. The further you go in, the clearer and louder the bird songs appear to be.
And one more thing being in the jungle, rather nice actually, to come across rare fauna and flora. Indicative of the jungle, you'll have never seen or smelled the flowers scent before. Some of the flowers are quite large too.
You are unlikely to ever have this experience repeated anywhere else in the world. You feel Thailand's national parks are a one-off holiday experience unlike anything else.
To top all that off there are the many waterfalls, many are small and less known about. Nonetheless each is awesome when you come across them, there's always a rush of excitement. Those that are well known, are the ones you must see.
Why we recommend you hire a local guide or book a guided tour in advance, your guide knows where all the top spots are.
When packing your suitcases, be sure to pack several sets of swimwear, along with your shorts. Don't neglect sunscreen and bug repellent. Both are essential packing items when swimming, sunbathing and trekking in Thailand.
Read Also: How to Plan a Low Cost Cheap Vacation to Thailand
It is less than a 4-hour journey by bus from Bangkok to Korat Town. The first and oldest national park, it's Thailand's most popular by visitor numbers. In our opinion because of how near the capital is. It's the ideal day trip out of the city, isn't it?
You can decide for yourself once you arrive at the famous Haew Suwat Waterfall. One other "must see" waterfall in this national park is Haew Narok Waterfall. To buy a ticket to gain entry to the park you do so from Pak Chong Entrance, in town.
Additionally, this park is Thailand's largest ― it's huge. Thus, you'll need a vehicle to get around. Safaris come to your rescue.
For the best experience, and to have a chance of seeing far more of the park, our recommendation is to book a park tour. A one-night, two-day package will suffice. It's the most sensible, convenient solution for most visitors, particularly for families.
Will you choose one of the tours that offer a night safari? A lot of the wildlife is nocturnal, your chances of sighting an animal increase. It is possible to go alone in the park without a guide but it's not advisable, unless you know your way around.
This park is Thailand's largest remember, and it's easy to get lost as there are so many roads. We love the freedom of the parks but there are times you realize you're out of your league. Khao Yai National Park is one such time.
Khao Yai National Park is convenient from Bangkok City, for an amazing day out. In the case Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, the convenience is Koh Samui Island on the park's doorstep. The archipelago comprises of over 40 Islands, with many uninhabited, or deserted Islands.
A special day trip awaits those who venture to the marine park. The majority of your day should and must on the water exploring marine life and coral reef. Try not to waste your time only exploring inland jungles on this adventure.
Because the reason you are visiting Ko Ang Thong is for what lies beneath the waves. That's not to say the park's jungles aren't worth exploring, they are. For example, there are marvelous views from its largest Island, Koh Wua Ta Lap.
It's a marine environment after all. And talking about water, there is the gorgeous Emerald Lake.
The turquoise, green hued water is bewitching. Unfortunately, our guide advised us we couldn't swim in the lake. Swimming wasn't permitted, which is disappointing but understandable because there are strong undercurrents. It's for your own safety.
The true beauty of the Islands though, is the limestone karst mountains and cliffs. It's those same karst mountains you see in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, and in Ninh Binh. Some are as much as 400m tall. When you are not looking up in awe at them, you are beneath the waves. There is a certain level of excitement, swimming with shoals of tropical fish.
It's very easy to get to this beautiful marine park. The best bet is to:
One enjoyment of a tour package is that you collected and dropped off at your hotel. You have none of the hassle hiring a taxi to and from the pier. You can expect to pay anything upwards of US$80 per person for a typical tour during peak season.
It takes a little effort to arrive at this Island paradise. You need to be in Trat Town to be in a position to catch the ferry first.
The closest, most accessible city is Pattaya, to the north. Bangkok City is further still more distant. There are daily flights from the capital to the local airport, on the outskirts of Trat Town. We liked the fact prices for return flights were inexpensive.
An hour later you are stepping off the ferry, at Ao Sapparot Pier and in earnest looking forward to your trip here. The flight from Bangkok only takes an hour, so you're soon jumping into a taxi. Going from the airport to the Ao Thammachat Pier in one easy step.
Because the ferries leave each hour you won't have to wait long. A few hours after flying out of Bangkok you are on the Island.
Instead of returning to Bangkok directly, opt for a one-way ticket.
On returning to Trat Town you stay over in Pattaya City first? A one night, one day break before making your way back to Bangkok. Read our Pattaya City travel guide for more information.
For moving around the Island, you should hire a scooter. That is the easiest option, giving you greater freedom. You can do so immediately soon after hopping off the ferry.
The park is part of a larger marine reservation meaning the Islands are protected. In other words, there are parts out of bounds to tourists. But it isn't all a dead loss, because:
You will enjoy all day traveling on the Island exploring the nature and wildlife. Be sure your hired scooter or motorbike is roadworthy and has a full tank of gas.
You will want to stay at least 2D1N on the Island. It's not possible to return to Bangkok (or wherever it is you arrived from) the same day. But it's a pleasure staying because there are quality hotels and beach resorts on the Island. Some of the best resorts are down the length of the Island's west coast.
Other accommodation is within easy walking distance of Klong Prao Beach. Budget friendly beach huts are also available, they cost very few US dollars. The huts are targeted towards backpackers, though.
A few kilometers further south bring you to Kai Bae Beach and its fine resorts. Neither beach has better resorts than the other one. You'll book your accommodation based on price and what's available.
If you want the best quality facilities, and so on, then book in advance. The Island's peak time is November to February, the best weather is outside the monsoon season.
Khao Sok National Park is our favorite Thai national park. We are positive you'll agree and fall in love with it too. We felt the limestone karst mountains found in this national park are so much grander. There is no comparison to those of Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park we visited.
For the large part, it's the Cheow Lan Lake that adds so much worth to your holiday experience. A deep valley gorged out by time, and now a lake.
The lake appeals to everyone because of the gorgeous karst limestone Islands. Nature has been good to us, are your thoughts of the lake.
One special aspect of the lake is the accommodation. A lot of the resorts either float on the lake, on pontoons, or are on stilts, off the water surface. Better yet, they're built with eco-tourism and sustainability in mind: no concrete buildings. Wonderful, nothing to impact on the natural world.
The huts (from the basics) to the bungalows (more stylish and classier). Made from natural materials they're simple inside: only a bed with little in the way of furniture. More to the point, the accommodation is clean and airy inside.
Because, who wants a TV or a coffee making machine anyway? From early morning to late evening, every day of your stay you are outdoors. The resorts have free wi-fi, that is essential, and they have a canteen with meals prepared for you. All guests sit around and eat together.
Be ready for roll call because the banter is always superb ― very friendly.
Being surrounded with so much beauty, you must stay a few days at the very least. Staying 2D1N is very brief. It's better to stay 3D2N instead, and the best place of course, is by the lakeside.
The easiest way to get to the national park is from Ao Nang Town, Krabi Province. It's several hours by taxi, to cover the 150km costing US$60 to you. The bus of course is much cheaper, but longer. You can also fly to one of the local airports, either:
And then be driven the rest of the way.
In any case if you choose not to stay by the lake, there is always accommodation available in the Khao Sok Village. The small village with homestays is on the park's boundary. As with any holiday to Thailand, book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Named after a waterfall, how amazing is that?
The national park has caves and hot springs, the landscape is mountainous and rugged. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you'll love it here. The Chae Son Hot Springs, close to the park's visitor center, is the main attraction of this national park. But there is another hot spring, also more popular, which is the Jae Son Hot Spring.
Either one is suitable for making you feel good, so do go out your way to visit. Detox your body, improving your health and wellbeing is a top activity on holiday.
In fact, Chiang Mai is well known by its hot springs, such as the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs for example. Chiang Mai City is 100km distant, you can fly into the city's international airport direct. If your holiday takes you anywhere near Lampang City, that's as good a bet.
Chae Son National Park is only a few hours' journey from either city. That makes it a reality for you and your family to enjoy a nice day trip and enjoy new experiences. It is easy to spend the day bathing in the hot springs, but there are huts with hot tubs instead.
Those feed off the hot springs and you can hire one (or a few). They're cheap so whole families benefit. Bathing more accessible and practical (for young children, especially) using the huts. They also afford a little more privacy too.
There are walks along the various rivers, forest trails leading you to waterfalls.
One in particular, Chae Son Waterfall spans over 6 tiers, or smaller waterfalls. The park is worth bearing in mind if you are ever holidaying in Chiang Mai. Don't forget to pack swimming gear and sunscreen before heading on the trails.
Chae Son Waterfall may have 6 tiers, but Erawan has 7 and they're so much better. Better and in fact, the higher you go up the trail, the more beautiful each fall seems and its pool more inviting. We don't recommend you jump into any of the pools because they're not deep enough. But they are deep enough and large enough for a party or group of people to swim in and splash about and have fun.
Cool off, lounge on the rocks and rest before moving onto the next one. The tiered Erawan Waterfalls are the park's main attraction, for many visitors. The jungle trail following the waterfalls does give you the best "jungle adventure" feeling. Often you stop a few moments to rest, only to stop for longer because of a viewpoint you've found.
Sure, there is the rainforest jungle and all its beauty, the wildlife to grab a photo of if you can. But remember why you came; it was for the waterfalls that brought you. When visiting the national park, it's recommended you stay in Kanchanaburi City. By doing so, you have enough hours to:
Or you can either a) rent a bungalow in the park grounds or b) camp out near to the river. The clear advantage is you are the very first people on the trail, which becomes crowded and noisy, later.
Waterfall number 3 in our opinion is the most beautiful for taking photographs. The waterfall itself is taller too, clear to see. From number 4 the trail becomes a lot steeper and between each waterfall, more distant. Arrive as early as possible in the morning because the park closes its gates at 5pm sharp. The first bus leaves at 8am, from the main bus station. Tickets, you pay for at the booth.
If you hire a motorbike (your hotel should be able to help you there) you can be at the park, leaving the city, within the hour. Or you can use a bus, they leave for the park too, hourly. Tickets cost a few US dollars for a return, per person. Before arriving, you should have with you two essential things:
Bring lots of water because you will dehydrate being in the jungle, the humidity sees to that. You will want to spend as long as possible at the waterfalls ― all day, even. Bring plenty of food with you, to be sure everyone eats.
Pro Tip #1: Give yourself 90 minutes to descend the trail to reach the gate before it closes. This takes into account those who stop on the way down or are moving slower than you.
Pro Tip #2: The fish like to nibble on you, let them. Because they will remove dead skin, leaving you feeling completely revitalized. The feeling is nice as well.
You can enjoy some of the best diving in southeast Asia, when holidaying in this marine national park. Have you never dived before in your life? There's no other perfect place than the Phi Phi Islands, so come and learn. Diving is one of the best ever activities you can do in Asia. Because let's be clear on this: you are coming to this national park with the expectation of diving. Remove any doubt of that fact from your mind.
The small group of Islands are a tropical paradise. Can you imagine how many people have longed dreamt about them? And yet, here you are, in paradise. The main Island of Phi Phi Don is where you're dropped off at, arriving from Phuket Island by speedboat.
One popular location to springboard a Phi Phi Island trip from is Krabi Province. From mainland Krabi, it's a continuation of something beautiful, and natural. Your transfer from Ao Nang to your destination:
You shouldn't need to pay more than US$15 per person for a one-way trip by speedboat (faster than the public ferry). Some services offer "first class" but you get what you pay for: if you want to pay US$29 or more, that's great. It's the same time to travel. With Phi Phi Marine National Park, you do not have the sense of any national park. With our holiday experience, it was because of the heavy tourist footfall. And that's partly because of the location, on the Andaman Sea. It's everyone's dream, remember:
It's perfect in other words. Best time to avoid Thailand's notorious monsoon season? Continue reading.
The best time is outside the rainy monsoon season, from min-May through until as late as November. Weather patterns calm down and return to normal by December, in time for a winter break. Are you planning on spending your Christmas and New Year on Ko Lanta Island? These 6 beautiful Phi Phi Islands are only a short boat trip away. Temperatures are very comfortable and warm. You can walk around in a shirt and a pair of shorts. Smiles all around.
There is no point in arguing which of the 6 Islands to go to, because you'll want to visit them all. If only you had more time? Plan ahead, knowing what you want:
There are some nice one-day tours you could pick up. Accept you can go for a day trip, or you book accommodation. The main attractions, or best spots are Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island. Sadly, Phi Phi Don Island has become over commercialized, with what jungle remaining found on the mountainous areas of the Island. And getting around on the Islands is on foot mostly, or by bicycle. There are no asphalt roads worth speaking of. Phi Phi Leh Island.
Getting around on the Islands is on foot or by bicycle. There are no asphalt roads worth speaking about. Isn't that what you want though, with so much natural beauty surrounding you? Finally, it's what these Islands are world renowned for: the sunset. It's agreed that a Phi Phi sunset is rare, and one of the finest in the world to experience. Because of the Andaman Sea.
The accommodation you can expect to be simple:
If you decide on "winging it" and visiting the marine national park at the last minute, don't panic. The Islands have touts who'll sort something out for you, when stepping off the boat or ferry. What accommodation ― exactly &hotbar; they'll find for you is anyone's guess. If in doubt, book in advance anyway, and cancel if your plans fall through.
It's an unforgettable holiday. If you are lucky, your chosen resort will have a spa and wellbeing facilities. Wouldn't that be marvelous? Yes, it is. Many of the national parks in Thailand will have a resort or hotel with spa treatment facilities. Not all, but a good many of them do, so look forward to some serious pampering whilst on holiday.
Khao Sok National Park in our opinion, is the best national park in Thailand. Hands down, the natural world and decadent indulgence in everything you expect. It's everything, from kayaking and boating on the lake to jungle treks and communal eating. Everything about this one park is beautiful, the beauty you see oozing out of every nook and cranny. Incredible, and it's a land you never want to leave and when you must, it pains you.
Why it's our favorite, because few other national parks move you like this on an emotional level. Number two of course, the tropical paradise what Phi Phi Marine National Park is. But second place because Ko Lanta can be as beautiful too. The tropics are amazing so come and see for yourself.
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