The Seven Best National Parks in Thailand
From the Kingdom’s roof to its dazzling coral seafloors – a guide to the natural wonders that no visitor should miss
Words: Phoowadon Duangmee
Photos: Shutterstock
With its everchanging mosaic of landscapes and rich biodiversity, Thailand is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The country boasts 154 national parks, each with its own distinct character that attracts both local and international visitors alike. Showcasing picturesque valleys, exotic wildlife, ancient rainforests, and mesmerising underwater scenery, these natural wonders logged over 17 million recreational visits last year. Renowned parks like Khao Yai enchant the sense with the beauty of their rainforests. The allure rests in their tranquil and scenic beauty, the invigorating scent of fresh air, and thrill of outdoor activities. From the breathtaking valley vista on its highest mountaintop to dazzling white sandy beaches and warm crystal waters, here are Thailand’s top seven national parks to visit.
Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon National Park
Rising to 2,565 metres above sea level, Doi Inthanon National Park has earned the title of the “Roof of Thailand”. Beyond its majestic peaks, the park distinguishes itself with enchanting waterfalls, dense evergreen forests, panoramic viewpoints, and as a haven for birdwatchers. This patch of Himalayan foothills is renowned for the Kew Mae Pan trail, a 4-kilometre trek through moist evergreen cloud forests, open grassland, and mountain meadows. The trail offers a panoramic vantage point of awe-inspiring mountain vistas and wildflowers, especially the magnificent rhododendrons in full bloom during winter. While Doi Inthanon National Park may not be home to large exotic animals like elephants, tigers, and gaurs, lucky visitors might spot a Goral – a wild mountain goat navigating steep cliffs and narrow crevices along the Kew Mae Pan trail. Yet, it’s the smaller exquisite creatures, such as the leaf warbler, that attract visitors and birders. Hosting more than 340 bird species, including stars like the Green-tailed sunbird, Hume’s pheasants, and White-headed bulbul, Doi Inthanon National Park is a year-round destination for wildlife enthusiasts. However, the Kew Mae Pan trail is only accessible from November to May.
Kanchanaburi
Erawan National Park
Home to the iconic waterfall that gives the park its name, Erawan National Park stretches across 550 square kilometres along the Kwae Yai River and rainforest on Thailand’s western frontier. Erawan Waterfall’s seven-tier cascades gracefully descending into tranquil lagoons make it the country’s premier destination for outdoor swimming in the heart of tropical forest. Meticulously maintained hiking trails wind through lush forests, diverse flora, and wildlife, with opportunities for leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes of varying difficulty levels. The park is pockmarked with mysterious caves, offering a quick dose of adventure on your visit. Tham Phra That cave, located 12 kilometres northwest of the park entrance, enchants with its stadium-sized chamber filled with shimmering limestone formations. Erawan National Park is a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. The cooler months from November to February or the hot season from March to May are ideal for enjoying the falls and surrounding nature at Erawan.
Nakhon Ratchasima
Khao Yai National Park
Nestled in the heart of Thailand, Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a captivating sanctuary of natural wonders. Spanning 2,168 square kilometres, Khao Yai invites exploration – whether wandering through its evergreen forest trails, marvelling at cascading waterfalls, or observing its diverse wildlife. Awaiting visitors is a unique glimpse into the lives of elephants, deer, bears, gibbons, and a wide variety of bird species. Renowned waterfalls such as Haew Narok and Haew Suwat contribute to Khao Yai’s allure, their picturesque settings made famous by Hollywood blockbuster “The Beach”. Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife safaris along well-maintained trails catering to different skill levels. Just a few hours’ drive from Bangkok, the park’s highlands provide a refreshing escape with a cooler climate. Night safaris and stargazing opportunities offer a different perspective on the park’s diverse ecosystems, making Khao Yai and ideal year-round destination. Beyond the park’s wildlife, the surrounding area boasts vineyards, gold courses, stylish lodges, and glamping sites, promising an intriguing adventure for every soul.
There is also a newly opened restaurant zone called “LOVE EAT,” under the concept “Delicious Journey for Food Lovers,” offering a culinary adventure for food enthusiasts from around the world. The zone includes dining options such as Sukishi Korean Charcoal Grill, Din Tai Fung, Okuna Sushi, Akimitsu, Wa Japanese Yakiniku, and Pancake Corner.
The latest addition to the mall is a 2,000 sqm first-in-Phuket air-conditioned indoor electric go-kart racing track, “Power Drive Karts”, on the third floor.
Surat Thani
Khao Sok National Park
Located 160 kilometres north of Phuket island, Khao Sok National Park showcases the rugged and diverse landscape of southern Thailand with its pristine ecology and geological wonders. Its ancient rainforest dating back 160 million years ranks among the world’s oldest, enthralling visitors with unmatched biodiversity and awe-inspiring limestone formations. Trekking here becomes a captivating adventure as troupes of macaques gracefully navigate the towering canopy accompanied by the haunting calls of gibbons resonating through the dense forest – an immersive and unforgettable experience. Khao Sok is home to 48 mammal species, 311 bird species, over 30 species of bats, and reptiles and insects galore, solidifying its status as one of Thailand’s premier wildlife-watching destinations. At the park’s heart lies the enchanting Cheow Lan Lake, a tranquil oasis surrounded by towering cliffs. Here, boat tours, kayak adventures, and floating bungalows offer a fully immersive experience for visitors. Easily accessible from Phuket, Khao Sok National Park seamlessly blends ancient allure, vibrant ecosystems, and nature-friendly adventure for unforgettable expeditions into the heart of Thailand’s natural treasures. The park’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism further enhances its allure, making it a haven for those seeking an enriching and responsible encounter with the wild.
Surat Thani
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
A two-hour speedboat trip from Koh Samui lands you among the natural wonders of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, a seaborne sanctuary from the hassle and hustle of modern life. With 42 jungle-covered islands recalling scenes from Alex Garland’s “The Beach”, the archipelago forms an emerald necklace in the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This remote locale offers a postcard-perfect tropical escape characterised by lush greenery, untouched ivory beaches, and gin-clear waters. Hiking trails meandering through the islands guide explorers to breathtaking viewpoints, with Koh Mae Koh’s summit revealing an iconic panorama complete with an emerald-green saltwater lake surrounded by sheer cliffs. Beyond its scenic allure, Mu Ko Ang Thong is a testament to conservation efforts that have preserved its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Beneath the waves, a diverse underwater realm beckons, inviting visitors to explore vibrant coral reefs and teeming marine life with a snorkel or oxygen tank.
Ubon Ratchathani
Pha Taem National Park
Along the Thailand-Laos border, where the Mekong River gracefully winds its course, sits the hidden gem of Pha Taem National Park. While not the oldest, Pha Taem National Park. While not the oldest, Pha Taem boasts prehistoric rock art dating back over 3,000 years, offering a unique fusion of ancient heritage and natural splendour. The ancient cliff paintings depict vibrant scenes of daily life three millennia ago, providing a captivating window into the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Towering cliffs above the Mekong River serve as a dramatic backdrop for panoramic views, luring nature enthusiasts and photographers in search of serenity amid the surrounding countryside. Hiking trails weave through this natural sanctuary, leading to hidden treasures and introspection. From November to January, delicate wildflowers such as common pipewort (“kradum ngern” in Thai), Burmese sundew (“chok bor wai”), and purple bladderwort “soi suwanna” paint a vivid canvas across Pha Taem National Park. This destination offers a bewitching blend of history and nature, making it ideal for both heritage buffs and scenery freaks.
Phang Nga
Mu Ko Similan National Park
A two-hour boat journey from Phuket Island transports you to the awe-inspiring Mu Ko Similan National Park. Situated in the Andaman Sea, this captivating marine national park spans 128 square kilometres and 11 islands renowned among visitors and divers for breathtaking seascapes both above and below the waterline. Striking features above include rainforests, granite boulders, vivid aquamarine waters, and powdery white-sand beaches guarded by pristine coral reefs. Below the surface, Mu Ko Similan is a diver’s paradise, boasting world-class sites with distinctive rock formations, swim-throughs, and the potential to encounter majestic marine creatures. People flock from all over the world to experience Similan’s numerous treasures, diving in to swim with whale sharks, giant manta rays, great barracuda, giant trevally and green sea turtles. The snorkelling is also exceptional, with warm lagoon waters and thriving shallow coral reefs. Awesome landscapes and diverse marine ecosystems position Mu Ko Similan as an essential destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those yearning for an idyllic retreat from the bustling world.