Thailand is a heaven for its turquoise beaches, extraordinary mountains, bustling cities, amazing foods, and wonderful parks. There are so many things to discover, activities to do and life lessons to learn in this exotic country. In this article, we will provide you with most spectacular national parks in Thailand for you to explore and admire the majesty of Mother Nature.
List of Most Spectacular National Parks in Thailand to Explore:
- Khao Sok National Park – Thailand
- Khao Yai National Park – Thailand
- Doi Inthanon National Park – Thailand
- Kaeng Krachan National Park – Thailand
- Erawan National Park – Thailand
- Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park – Thailand
- Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park – Thailand
- Doi Suthep-Pui National Park – Thailand
Perfect duet of natural parks in Thailand and a right time to admire!
1. Khao Sok National Park
This mystical heaven is located in the middle of the sea and Andaman Gulf, Thailand. It includes many caves, dense forests and vegetation that fully characterize the tropical area. This 738 km2 area is among extremely ideal national parks in Thailand for those who love to explore and adventure on a Thailand tour.
With the limestone rocks that still remnants of the whirlpool and artifacts, Khao Sok is surely an ancient land of 160 million years. Therefore, visiting Khao Sok National Park is an exciting journey to discover culture, history and natural life here.
Poetic beauty of Khao Sok National Park
Best time to visit Khao Sok
Featuring the characteristics of tropical forests, the park has two distinct seasons of the year, the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season starts from late May to early October. The remaining months of the year are quite dry and sunny.
If you come to Khao Sok National Park in the rainy season, you will feel their most noticeable change in your skin. At this time, the trees are thriving, the reptile layer is richer. However, instead, you have to face risks such as being squeezed to attack, or having slippery obstacles when hiking, etc.
Therefore, dry season from November to April is suitable to explore this area.
Some information to know about Khao Sok National Park
- Address: Andaman Bay, Thailand
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
- Ticket price: 300 baht/ adult, 150 baht/ child
Best things to do in Khao Sok
1. Trekking and discovering the forests
Khao Sok National Park with a large area of jungle, tangled vines vegetation and huge canopy will be the ideal place for trekking (hiking). Here, you will go through the forest, explore the undulating terrain of hills and mountains, learn about the variety of species of plants and animals, etc. In particular, you will have a chance to witness the giant flowers. Besides, the presence of more than 300 species of animals, bats and countless valuable woods will make you extremely surprised.
Trekking price: 1500-2000 baht/ person.
2. Kayaking and exploring majestic caves
Compared to trekking, kayaking or rafting will take less effort. Moreover, you can dig deep into caves, jungle by taking a pretty boat tour across the river here.
Kayaking price: 700 baht/ boat.
3. Experiencing Thailand cuisine
Not only impressed by the extremely unique scenery, here you will have the opportunity to try interesting Thai delicacies. More specifically, it will be processed and served by indigenous peoples in a unique local style.
In the famous Thai cuisine, there are a lot of popular dishes that are worth trying such as Tomyum, moyang, sticky rice with coconut cream, cakes of all kinds, etc.
4. Staying in a house hanged on a tree
If you have time to stay at one of most beautiful national parks in Thailand, you will surely have interesting memories with the bungalow houses. Their rooms are built on a solid wooden pillar, nestled close to the foliage of the tree, even though the house is hanging on the large wooden trunk. Visitors will feel like returning to the peaceful, free nature with this experience.
2. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is 120km from Bangkok and one of the must-visit national parks in Thailand. This is a beautiful small village for those who like to live slowly and find peace; surrounded by many trees, grass and grape fields, and beautiful romantic national forest road.
- Address: Hin Tung, Mueang Nakhon Nayok District, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand.
- Entrance fee: 400 baht/ adult, 200 baht/ child.
Best time to visit Khao Yai
The best season to visit Khao Yai is from October to April annually.
Getting to/ around Khao Yai
When coming to this site from Bangkok, you can choose one of the following means of transportation:
- Bus: From Mochit bus station, take the bus to Pak Chong (about 104 baht/ person). When you arrive in Pak Chong, you take the Songthaews car to Khao Yai from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with a price of 40 baht/ person.
- Taxi: you can catch a cab from Bangkok to Khao Yai (about 2200 – 2500 baht).
If you want to wander around this park, you can rent a motorbike for 350 baht/ day.
Best places to see in Khao Yai National Park area
1. Primo Piazza Village
Also known as Little Italy, this village is one of the main tourist attractions in Khao Yai. The reason for such a name is because the architecture of the village is purely European style, creating a ‘luxurious’ beauty in the wild natural setting. When you come here, you can sip a cup of coffee in an Italian restaurant or roam the meadow with cute sheep.
- Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand.
- Opening hours: Friday & Saturday, 9am – 12pm; Sunday to Thursday, 9am – 10pm.
- Entrance fee: 100 baht/ person.
2. Palio Khao Yai
This is also an attractive place to visit in the park. There are many souvenir shops and delicious food to enjoy.
- Address: Thanarat Road, Mu Si, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 30130, Thailand.
- Opening hours: Friday & Saturday, 8am – 10pm; Sunday to Thursday, 8am – 8pm.
- Entrance fee: 20 baht/ person.
3. Khao Yai Panorama Farm
This is the largest mushroom farm in Khao Yai and there is always a resort for tourists to stay. A special feature of the mushroom farm is that all the architecture styles are designed in a mushroom-shaped, which is very funny and lovely to look at.
- Address: 297 Moo 6, Thanarat Road, Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong 30130, Thailand.
- Opening hours: 9am – 5pm daily
- Entrance fee: 300 baht/ day.
4. Valley Khao Yai Winery
This is the famous wine valley in Khao Yai with grape fields stretching. You can wander through grape fields, take selfies and sip on this sweet, shiny liquid.
Address: Phaya Yen, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand.
5. Chocolate Factory & Restaurant
If your family has young children or you yourself have a strong passion for the bitter, sweet taste of the chocolate bars, you cannot miss this place.
3. Doi Inthanon National Park
The nature trail at Doi Inthanon National Park
This destination is known as one of largest national parks in Thailand with many rare and precious plants and animals. The eco-tourism area is famous for dozens of natural waterfalls, caves, old forests, etc.
It also attracts tourists who love high altitude, because here is the highest Inthanon peak in this country, with an altitude of 2,565m above sea level.
- Opening hours: 6:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Address: Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Thong, Chiang Mai.
Best time to visit Doi Inthanon
Wintertime is the best time to observe native birds and birds migrating here.
Best places to see in Doi Inthanon National Park area
1. Namtok Mae Ya
It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Chiang Mai. The water flows from the steep cliffs of 280 meters up into the different rock formations below the basin, creating a beautiful scenery.
2. Tham Bori Chinda
This is a large cave located near Namtok Mae Klang, with an impressive formation of stalactites and stalagmites.
3. Namtok Siriphum
This amazing waterfall falls from a steep cliff in two streams. You can see it on the way to Doi Inthanon. At the kilometer of 31 national road 1009, turn right about 2 km and you will reach the waterfall.
4. Doi Inthanon Royal Project
Located in Khun Klang village near Doi Inthanon National Park headquarters, the project was initiated in 1979 to help mountainous ethnic minorities grow other industrial crops instead of opium and train them to practice modern agriculture. Most products are temperate plants. Flower plantations and a research lab in the mountainous ethnic group (Hmong) are open to visitors.
5. Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri
These twin temples were built to celebrate the birthday of the fifth cycle of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Located on two peaks close to each other, both temples of similar size, design and color are connected by a walking path. They hold relics of Buddha and Buddha statues, which are visited by many tourists at this one of the best national parks in Thailand.
6. King stupa Inthawichayanon
Doi Inthanon Peak has a cool climate all year round. This is also the place where the Inthawichayanon stupa is located. He was the last king of Chiang Mai that got so concerned about the importance of forests and wanted to protect them for future generations. He was very familiar with the place and had a part of his ashes here.
7. Namtok Mae Pan
This is the longest waterfall in the park, flowing from a 100 meter high cliff. You can enjoy its charm by standing a little further away. From afar, white foam water and green forests around the waterfall together paint a beautiful picture.
8. Namtok Huai Sai Lueang
It is located on the other side of Namtok Mae Pan, about 21 km from Doi Inthanon-Mae Chaem. Here you turn left into a dirt road, only in the rainy season can cars go. Medium sized waterfalls have water flowing year round from one cliff to each level.
9. Bird Watching Information Center
This is an exchange base between bird watchers, natural students and the general public. Detailed information on the habitat and food of birds and animals living in this mountain park. The goal is to impart this knowledge to the next generation. It also provides Bird Watching Diary, sketches of various studied experts, trails, photos, etc.
Entrance fee: 300 baht/ adult, 150 baht/ child.
4. Kaeng Krachan National Park
This is Thailand’s largest national park. It lies on the border with Myanmar. The park is famous for its diverse wildlife, especially birds and butterflies. More than 400 species of birds have been identified here, including rare species like giant butterflies and eagles.
There are also many mammals, such as leopards, stray dogs, bears and elephants here. You can sail on two rivers or a large lake. Kaeng Krachan National Park is an interesting destination for many activities, including trekking, bird watching and boating.
Kaeng Krachan National Park, the heaven on land
Best time to visit Kaeng Krachan
The park is a tropical rainforest and is famous for its dense fog from December to March, creating a breathtaking view. Therefore, this time is perfect to visit this site.
Best places to see in Kaeng Krachan National Park area
1. The Vana Nava Water Jungle
Located right in the heart of Hua Hin is this Asia’s first water jungle. The water park is famous for its lush scenery and state-of-the-art facilities. Inside, you can try over 19 rides and slides, all of which guarantee exhilarating moments. You can also check out the huge man-made mountain waterfall in Asia which is one of the highlights that you should not miss when going to Vana Nava Water Jungle.
2. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The first impression when coming to Damnoen Saduak is the image of different small boats full of vegetables, fruits and many other goods. It will be interesting to watch vendors in colorful clothes weaving through bustling canals to offer to customers on the river.
3. Santorini Park Cha-Am
Experience a Mediterranean vibe of the Greek island at Santorini Park in Cha-am. It features five zones namely, the Park Zone, Village Zone, Rest Area, Activity Zone, and the Weekend Art Market. The Park Zone offers 40-metre-high Ferris wheel, G-MAX reverse bungee and giant swing. This park also has Asia’s first Wallholla climbing structure.
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm daily.
4. Swiss Sheep Farm
Located in Cha-am, Swiss Sheep Farm is a European-styled country farm where you can feel a valley-like atmosphere and enjoy the scenic meadows among shepherds. Do not miss a chance to enjoy the European vibe and take lots of pictures with adorable animals and attractive backgrounds. You can also try fun activities like feeding the sheep, rabbit, goat, and horse or try the horseback riding activity when coming to this farm.
5. Erawan National Park
Famous for its seven-storey waterfall, Erawan National Park is an attraction that attracts a lot of both domestic and international visitors annually.
- Entrance fee: 300 baht/ adult, 200 baht/ child.
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.
Getting to/ around Erawan
By bus
After reaching Kanchanaburi on a bus (ticket price: 50 baht/ person) in about 90 minutes, you go right to the sightseeing center.
By train
Nam Tok Unim Railway Station actually gives visitors more than simply visiting destinations. The train will stop at the station and continue 1.5 km to the beautiful Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi waterfall.
Best places to see in Erawan National Park area
1. Tham Phra That cave
This cave is 550km2, a fascinating limestone cave where you can take a caverning tour with kerosene.
2. Erawan Falls
This is the most beautiful waterfall in Central Thailand. Originating from Mongolia stream, the water flows from the hills at an altitude of 2000 m and flows into the Khwae Yai River.
6. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
This is a famous tourism place in Prachuap Khiri Khan province and one of the most popular national parks in Thailand. The park prides itself on its fascinating natural beauty, which has attracted thousands of tourists to admire the hundreds of limestone hills jutting out and creating distinctive landscapes.
Best places to see in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park area
1. Phraya Nakhon Cave
The majestic Phraya Nakhon Cave is one of Thailand’s most mysterious and mysterious places.
A few notes when visiting Tham Phraya cave:
- In the afternoon, the round stone surface is very slippery, you should be very careful.
- There is a skinny dog living in the cave. If possible, you can bring some food for this lovely friend.
- 11am is the time when the sunshine through the cave creates the most beautiful scenery. Note this and take some deep pics!
2. Tham Rai & Tham Kaeo Caves
If Tham Rai cave is famous for its beautiful natural stalactites, Tham Kaeo Cave has countless stalactites with sparkling colors inside the cave. They are even more sparkling when the light shines on. You will not want to miss this one of the most majestic national parks in Thailand.
3. Hat Sam Phraya
If you are a lover of water, then it is a good idea to relax at Hat Sam Phraya. This is a peaceful beach full of pine trees inside the national park.
7. Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park
This ASEAN heritage park is an archipelago, located about 2 hours away from Koh Samui. Here, you can find 42 large and small islands, from islands made of limestone boulders to islands with white sand stretches.
Best places to see in Mu Koh Angthong National Park area
1. Koh Mae Lake
One of the most prominent islands of Ang Thong is Koh Mae, also known as the “Mother of the Islands”. As the nickname tells, this is a beautiful turquoise lake surrounded by steep limestone rocks.
Also, you can go kayaking on this lake to admire deeper and feel the blue cool water of this magical site.
2. Koh Wua Talap
From the top of Koh Wua Talap, at a height of 100 meters, visitors can observe the whole view of the island. And the higher you go, the more majestic the landscape will be.
This is also a great place to put on a diving suit and explore the diverse ecosystem of the water. You will see fish of all sizes, types as well as extremely rich colors.
8. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is located on the hills that form the northwest outskirts of Chiang Mai. From the city center, visitors can take a taxi or drive about 35 minutes northwest to get to this one of most famous national parks in Thailand.
It is a beautiful natural area famous for its magnificent palaces, impressive temples and interesting royal history. Thai monarchs often stop here when they come to the north in the winter. This park is not only picturesque but also has an extremely rich flora and fauna for you to discover.
Best things to do in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area
1. Take pictures of the magnificent horizon at Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha and Doi Pui
Doi Pui is the highest mountain in the park with a height of 1,685 m. To enjoy the breathtaking view from above, take some effort to hike up the mountain. Remember to bring your clothes as the temperatures on the top of the mountain will get quite low.
2. Join your own Animal & Planet Discovery in Thailand
The park has evergreen forests located above 1,000 m and deciduous deciduous forests. In the dense green forest, visitors will encounter beech and magnolia among the flowers and ferns. At the lowest forest floor is the habitat of Asian black bears, Malaya porcupines, wild boars and many other animals. Don’t forget to bring binoculars to watch the red-headed hornbills, the owl and the white-headed babbler.
3. Visit majestic and beautiful waterfalls
The national park also has many beautiful waterfalls rushing down into tropical vegetation and mossy cliffs. The most notable might be the nine-story Mon Tha Than Waterfall and the smaller Huey Kaew Waterfall near the public entrance. Besides, Mok Fa Waterfall is also an ideal destination that you must discover!
Mok Fa Waterfall
4. Take a spiritual tour
In addition to nature, the park is also famous for many religious and royal buildings. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep will surprise visitors with its sacred shrines, stupas and beautiful frescoes. The nearby Bhubing Palace, which is the royal winter retreat, is also an attractive attraction. Remember to wear formal attire when visiting palaces and temples when coming to this one of the most famous national parks in Thailand.
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