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National parks to see in Thailand

National parks to discover in Thailand

There is a remarkable diversity of national parks in Thailand, offering visitors the opportunity to experience stunning natural landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. There are currently 147 national parks across the country, varying in size, notoriety and interest.

Thailand's national parks fall into two main categories: marine parks and land parks. Marine parks protect coastal and marine ecosystems, while terrestrial parks preserve forests, jungles, mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Marine parks are mainly found in the Gulf of Thailand and on the Andaman Sea side. Land national parks are scattered all over the country but more numerous in northern Thailand.

Whether marine or land, Thailand's national parks are incredible places to see wildlife. You can observe all kinds of land animals, ranging from monkeys to wild elephants (not everywhere), passing by bison, deer, even tapirs sometimes... And some maritime parks have magnificent snorkeling or diving sites.

Please note that a few national parks in Thailand are subject to annual closures during the rainy season to protect fragile ecosystems and ensure visitor safety in the face of harsh weather conditions. The closing period may vary from one park to another and the closing may only be partial. I obviously do not list here all the national parks in Thailand but the ones I find the most interesting and I regularly add new ones.

Doi Inthanon

Chiang Mai

It is the highest mountain in Thailand and also one very interesting national park near Chiang Mai's. People like to go there especially for treks, discovering nature, birds, flowers, waterfalls, mountain villages and rice fields. And of course the two pagodas on the summit.

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Koh Samui

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is an archipelago of about 42 islands offering breathtaking sceneries. All the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except two: Koh Paluay, inhabited by gypsies of the sea and Koh Wua Talap where the park office and the bungalows for those who would like to spend the night there are located. There are also two lovely beaches, the Buaboke Cave and the most famous viewpoint of Ang Thong. The other must-see of any excursion in the park is Thale Nai, a beautiful emerald saltwater lake. Admission to the park costs 300 baht per person. All Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao agencies offer boat trips to the Ang Thong Marine Park with snorkeling and diving but it is Koh Samui which is the nearest island.

Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Trail

Krabi

This trail in the mountains about forty kilometers from Krabi offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in Thailand. The 3.7 kilometers long climb is quite physical but the view at the summit is just amazing !

Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park

Prachuap Khiri Khan

located at the edge of the sea with numerous caves including the very photogenic Phraya Nakhon Cave with its little royal pavilion lighted by a ray of sun comming from the opening at the top. The park is about sixty kilometers from Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan, thirty from Pranburi and a dozen kilometers from Kuiburi. There are a few accommodation options in the park.

Phraya Nakhon Cave

Prachuap Khiri Khan

it is the highlight of any visit to the Sam Roi Yod National Park. This beautiful cave hosts a small Royal Pavilion which is often illuminated by a ray of light coming from the opening at the top of the cave. A relaxing and very photogenic place which is also the emblem of the province.

Erawan National Park

Kanchanaburi

with its magnificent waterfalls, it is one of the most beautiful national parks in Thailand. Probably the most beautiful one.

Huai Mae Kamin waterfalls

Kanchanaburi

Less known than Erawan Waterfalls 40 km before and less easy to access because there is no bus to go there, the Huai Mae Kamin waterfalls are at least as pretty and easier to visit once there and also much less crowded.

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park

Khao Lak

Here you can do interesting tours and especially where is our favorite beach in Khao Lak!

Phang Nga Bay

Khao Lak

one of the most beautiful natural scenery in Thailand with its limestone cliffs and mountains in a turquoise sea. The main attractions in the bay are the famous James Bond Island and Koh Panyee with its floating village.

Similan Isands

Khao Lak

Comprising 11 islands, the Mu Ko Similan National Park offers seascapes and beaches as well as some of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spots in Thailand. This exceptional environment is threatened by tourism, but measures have been taken to try to preserve it such as the closure to visitors during the low season and more recently the introduction of daily quotas of tourists.

Similan Isands

Khao Lak

Comprising 11 islands, the Mu Ko Similan National Park offers seascapes and beaches as well as some of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spots in Thailand. Many local agencies in Phuket offer daily tour to Smilan Islands

Koh Surin islands

Khao Lak

With their beautiful white sand beaches with turquoise water and snorkeling or diving spots among the most beautiful in Thailand, the Surin Islands are clearly a must go place during your stay in the area. But be aware that they are only open to the public 6 months per year.

Koh Surin islands

Khao Lak

Mit ihren wunderschönen weißen Sandstränden mit türkisfarbenem Wasser und Schnorchelplätzen sowie den schönsten Tauchgebieten Thailands sind die Surin-Inseln ein Muss für Ihren Aufenthalt in der Region. Aber Vorsicht, sie sind nur 6 Monate im Jahr für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich.

Khao Yai National Park

Nakhon Ratchasima

the most famous of the country, among the most beautiful national parks in the world and UNESCO listed, it is a rendezvous for nature, flora and fauna lovers. About hundred kilometers far, it is not very practical to visit it and come back to Nakhon Ratchasima on the same day. It is better to settle down in Pak Chong, the nearest city.

Khao Yai National Park

Nakhon Ratchasima

It is the most visited national park in Thailand. And it is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world as its listing as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 confirms. It is an amazing place for nature, fauna, and flora lovers. One of the best places to trek in the jungle and see wildlife and it is not so far from Bangkok. Generally, people visit it from Pak Chong, the city closest to its main entrance, the Northern entrance.

Phu Ruea National Park

Loei

It is the most important park in Loei province. It is particularly famous for its sunrises and has the advantage of not being affected by mass tourism yet. There are beautiful waterfalls and caves and you can stay for the night in a tent or a bungalow.

Phu Kradueng

Loei

This mountain is one of Thailand's most famous for its stunning sunrise views, often on a sea of mist. But you have to deserve it ! The climb of 3.5 kilometers followed by 2 kilometers of a flat path is really not easy. There are tents at the top to spend the night up there.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok

It is certainly one of the most beautiful national parks in Thailand ! The highlight of Khao Sok is Chiew Lan Lake that many compare to Halong Bay. Some even dare to say that it is more beautiful. Spending the night in a floating hotels on the lake is an experience I recommend. Otherwise, you have interesting treks to discover waterfalls and caves.

Cheow Lan Lake

Khao Sok

Cheow Lan Lake is undoubtedly the jewel of Khao Sok National Park, offering spectacular scenery between steep limestone cliffs and emerald waters surrounded by lush jungle. Accessible after a journey of about 1 hour from the land entrance to the lake, this reservoir can be explored by longtail boat. While taking a private tour is magical but expensive, there are day-long group tours, ideal for a first approach. Sailing on the lake, trekking in the jungle, wildlife, and sleeping in a floating bungalow on the lake are generally on the program for two days on Cheow Lan Lake, one of the most unforgettable places in Thailand.

Hup Pa Tat

Uthai Thani

This cave with a collapsed ceiling located in a lush forest with rare and ancient tree species is probably the most unmissable natural tourist attraction in Uthai Thani province. It is 50 km away from the city.

Sticky Waterfall (Bua Thong waterfall)

Chiang Mai

The Bua Thong waterfall, a 1-hour drive from Chiang Mai city is nicknamed Sticky Waterfall because of its naturally gripping coating which allows you to climb it by its bed very easily. That's also why people go to visit it: to climb the waterfall!

Koh Hong

Krabi

This pretty island is probably the most visited on the outskirts of Krabi or Ao Nang. It offers a small, charming beach with a bit of snorkeling and a beautiful lagoon surrounded by a circle of limestone peaks.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

Phitsanulok

This national park located 1h30 drive from Phitsanulok and 1 hour from Phetchabun is known for its plateau with rock formations reminding the back of a huge crocodile on which you walk. It is not the most essential national park in Thailand but a pleasant piece of nature and mountains which is also an important historic place.

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

Phitsanulok

This national park located 2h30 drive from Loei and 1 hour from Phetchabun is known for its plateau with rock formations reminding the back of a huge crocodile on which you walk. It is not the most essential national park in Thailand but a pleasant piece of nature and mountains which is also an important historic place.

Khao Daeng Viewpoint

Prachuap Khiri Khan

This is the most famous viewpoint in Khao Sam Roi Yod Park and certainly offers a superb 360 ° view of the surroundings which is appreciated at sunrises and sunsets.

Pa La-U Waterfall

Prachuap Khiri Khan

This waterfall about sixty kilometers from Hua Hin is located in Kaeng Krachan National Park. It is a pleasant area of nature but not the most photogenic waterfall in Thailand.

Kuiburi national park

Prachuap Khiri Khan

This thai national park, which is home to many animal species in lush nature with a few waterfalls, is the place where you are most likely to see wild elephants in Thailand ! There are more than 300 elephants in the park and tours offered by the park rangers give you a good chance of seing them.

Khlong Phlu waterfall

Koh Chang

Khiri Phet, Khlong Phlu and Than Mayom waterfalls to only name the most important

Phu Chi Fah

Chiang Rai

It is the most popular and well-known mountain in Chiang Rai Province. In good weather, it offers beautiful views of Laos and the surrounding mountains. The landscapes crossed to get up there are also superb. In winter, many Thais come Phu Chi Fah to see the "sea of mist" in the morning.

Khao Laem Ya National Park

Rayong

This is the Khao Laem Ya promontory part of the park I am speaking about here, with its pretty little stretch of coastline with a path of wooden walkways that runs along it and allows you to enjoy the shades of blue of the sea and shades of brown of the rocks. A pleasant walk by the sea!

Namtok Phliu National Park

Chanthaburi

This national park near Chanthaburi does not lack of charm with its waterfall, its pools with turquoise waters in places and countless fishes. You will also see a small chedi covered with moss and can of course walk in the forest thre. A refreshing and pleasant nature pose in this province which possesses sea, mountains and rivers.

Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park

Prachuap Khiri Khan

mountainous park on the seafront at the end of Ao Noi beach. There is a pleasant trek along the coast.

Sai Cave

Prachuap Khiri Khan

This little-visited cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park has superb stalactites that form like a waterfall. The path to get to it, if it is not very long, is arduous.

Sai Yok Noi Waterfall

Kanchanaburi

located about sixty kilometers from Kanchanburi, it has many waterfalls, including the most important ones: Sai Yok Yai and Sai Yok Noi

Chae Son National Park

Lampang

The Chae Son National Park is a good complement to the visit of Wat Chalerm Prakiat 10 kilometers from here. Its pretty waterfall on 6 levels and hot springs where you can cook an egg and relax in a mineral bath make it a nice place to finish your day before returning to Lampang.

Chae Son Hot Springs

Lampang

Thailand has many natural hot springs, among which are the Chae Son Hot Springs within the <strong><a href='/en/visit-thailand/chae-son-national-park-lampang-387' alt='chae son national park lampang'>Chae Son National Park</a></strong> 75 km from Lampang city. They are always nice places to relax and have fun boiling an egg.

Phu Sang Waterfall

Chiang Rai

This waterfall is very easy to access because at the edge of the road. It can be a nice stop on the road to Phu Chi Fah. But on the other hand, it does not justify to come over there just to see it.