National Parks are among the biggest attractions in many destinations throughout the world, with tourists traveling all over the globe to enjoy the chilled out serenity of these natural spaces.
High up on the leaderboards, Thailand boasts a massive 102 national parks within its 198,000 square miles of land, so it’s not possible to fit them all in one on trip. All of Thailand’s parks are beautiful, but here are five that really stand out above the rest.
1. Khao Yai National Park
Declared a national park in 1962, this is the country’s first official area of unique beauty. It’s also Thailand’s second largest park covering over 800 square miles of flora and fauna. Arguably the best attraction here is the night tour which allows wildlife lovers to get a glimpse of native nocturnal creatures such as bats, deer and big cat species. Just 100 miles from Bangkok, access is easy.
2. Kaeng Krachan National Park
Covering more than 950 square miles of grassland, this park beats out Khao Yai as Thailand’s largest park. It’s considered to be one of Thailand’s most beautiful areas due to its largely unspoilt nature. Wildlife enthusiasts shouldn’t miss exploring this park as there’s more bird species just within the park boundaries than there are in the whole of the UK! There’s also 57 reported mammal species here too. It’s definitely a must see.
3. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
This mountainous park is popular for a number of reasons. Firstly, the top attraction, the somewhat toy-like Kuha Karuhas temple housed within the picturesque Phraya Nakhon cave. Secondly, the luxurious beach hut accommodations dotted along the coastline, and thirdly the small roadside shacks selling fresh prawns from the marshland farms. Many visitors can be seen packing a disposable barbecue for cooking up a tasty fish lunch.
4. Khao Sok National Park
Those looking for unique accommodation will find it here at one of the park’s floating bungalows, reach by a trip on a longtail boat. It’s also one of the best places in Thailand for seeing the major animals such as elephants, tigers and bears who are often found drinking down near the Khlong Saeng River. Of course, there’s plenty of smaller creatures too, particularly lizards who can be found just about everywhere in the park.
5. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
Travelers searching for peaceful and stunning nature are drawn to the Kaeng Song Waterfall located within this national park. Referred to as the ‘Niagara Falls of Thailand’, this three-tiered waterfall is renowned for being rather fierce during the rainy season. Travelers can raft or bathe in the choppy surrounding waters, or simply enjoy the view from the nearby coffee shop. Photographers will find excellent opportunities here.
Where is Thailand?
We have been living in Thailand for 9 months now, up in Chiang Mai and we are always looking for new places to visit, Khao Sok NP is on our list and hopefully we will get to it in the next few months, Hadn’t heard of Thung Salaeng Luang NP though, sounds fantastic & we will be sure to check it out! Great photos!
Wow the national parks look beautiful. I am hopefully going to Thailand next year with a couple of friends. I will have to check out Khao Sok National Park, it looks so beautiful. How long do you recommend spending in Thailand? We were thinking 10-14 days. Is that enough?
Michael, I am sure you’ll love Thailand: 14 days to visit a couple of islands in definitely enough. The risk? You may no want to leave Thailand after the 2 weeks holiday 🙂
I’m headed to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park next week. That place is a little piece of paradise!
Marco and I headed to Thailand in March, we really keen to explore Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Enjoy you trip, let us know if you have any tips.