Discover Thailand’s Stunning National Parks

Boasting sublimely beautiful landscapes that have captivated countless outdoor enthusiasts, Thailand’s wilderness reserves provide an abundance of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, jungle safaris, kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

You will encounter lush tropical forests abundant with diverse animal and bird species, alongside ultramarine oceanic sanctuaries rich with splendid coral reefs and megafauna such as sharks and rays.

Most of the country’s top national parks are conveniently located within easy driving distance or a short flight from the urban sprawl of Bangkok, making it easy to combine visits with Thailand’s other major attractions, including food, culture, architecture, beach vacations, and nightlife.

Among Thailand’s 150-plus national parks, several stand out as must-visit destinations. All are subject to governmental rules, regulations, and entrance fees (notably, some parks close during the annual monsoon season from May to October).

Khao Yai National Park

Best for Family Outings

Established in 1962, Khao Yai is Thailand’s first national park and a popular spot for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Boasting over 300 species of birds, Khao Yai is home to iconic residents like the great hornbill, the Austen’s brown hornbill, and the rare rufous-tailed robin. Additionally, the park is inhabited by notable wildlife, including Indian elephants, Asian black bears, and white-handed gibbons.

Families can enjoy forest walking, jungle safaris, and night safaris, each offering up-close encounters with wildlife. A visit to the stunning Haew Suwat and Haew Narok waterfalls is a popular activity, along with various camping and glamping options in designated areas.

Located about two hours by road from Bangkok, Khao Yai spans over 770 square miles (2,000 square kilometers) of rolling hills in one of the most picturesque landscapes in the country, including Thailand’s wine-producing Asoke Valley – an excellent reason to explore this area.

Khao Sok National Park

Best for Serenity

At the heart of this breathtaking national park lies Cheow Lan Lake, an artificial reservoir formed by damming the nearby Klong Saeng River for an electricity project in the early 1980s.

The vast lake, over 70 square miles (180 square kilometers) in size, is surrounded by towering karst and limestone formations. Some argue that the evergreen forests enveloping these hills may be among the oldest rainforests in the world.

Clusters of stilted eco-huts offer a unique overnight experience on the serene waters. Visitors can kayak on the tranquil lake or hike along ancient forest trails in search of elephants, bears, leopards, and even the rare blooming rafflesia flower between October and December.

The Sok River, winding quietly through the beautiful scenery, provides an excellent backdrop for leisurely river rafting. This national park is a short drive from Surat Thani, easily accessible from Bangkok.

Khao Sam Roi Yot & Kui Buri National Parks

Best for Wildlife

The adjacent parks of Khao Sam Roi Yot and Kui Buri are top spots for animal spotting and bird watching. Located off the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Khao Sam Roi Yot, meaning ‘mountain of 300 peaks,’ features a freshwater marsh bordered by towering limestone summits.

This wetland is a sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds, with over 350 avian species sighted here. Local boatmen offer boat tours, providing guests with the chance to spot dolphins while enjoying the Gulf’s waters.

Further inland, Kui Buri is renowned for wild Indian elephant encounters, making it a fantastic location for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can also expect to see leopards, wild boars, and wild dogs in this forested region.

Both parks are located in Prachuap Khiri Khan province and can be reached by road from Bangkok in under four hours.

Mu Ko Surin & Mu Ko Similan National Parks

Best for Scuba Diving

Set in the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, the neighboring archipelagos of Surin and Similan are celebrated among scuba diving enthusiasts as premier diving locations worldwide.

Home to legendary dive sites such as Richelieu Rock and Ko Tachai, these tropical waters provide incredible encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, barracudas, Bryde’s whales, and both hawksbill and green turtles. The underwater visibility often exceeds 65.5 feet (20 meters), making for an unforgettable diving experience.

The Surin and Similan islands lie approximately 37 miles (60 kilometers) from the mainland, accessible from Ranong and Khao Lak, respectively, by speedboat. While day trips are possible, embarking on a liveaboard holiday is the best way to fully experience the underwater wonders of these national parks, with diving trips available from November to May, as they close during the wet season from mid-May to mid-October.

Erawan National Park

Best for Hiking

The stunning Erawan Waterfall lends its name to this national park and is one of the most visited outdoor destinations in Thailand, making it worthwhile even for those on tight schedules.

A cascading jade-green stream descends through seven picturesque tiers, offering picturesque photo opportunities at every turn, from shaded grottos teeming with fish to white-water rapids contrasting with the lush canopies.

The waterfall also serves as a fantastic hiking reference, with a park trail that follows its entire 1-mile (1.5 kilometers) course, providing access to one of the region’s most beautiful jungles.

About 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the park entrance, Tham Phra That Cave winds hundreds of meters into the earth, revealing stunning limestone formations. Reaching the cave involves a strenuous climb of nearly 600 steps, making it an excellent outdoor activity for those prepared to tackle the trail.

Erawan National Park is located in Kanchanaburi province, approximately a breezy three-hour drive from Bangkok.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Best for Waterfalls

This national park in northern Thailand is dominated by the majestic Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in the country at 8,415 feet (2,565 meters). Visitors frequently flock to the summit, but the surrounding wilderness is home to numerous spectacular waterfalls.

These waterfalls are particularly impressive during the rainy season from May to October. Notable sites include the 820-foot (250-meter) Mae Ya Waterfall, the multi-tiered Pha Dok Siew Waterfall, the grand Wachirathan Waterfall, and Siriphum Waterfall, surrounded by blooming peach blossom trees in spring.

Quaint villages of ethnic Karen and Hmong communities can be found on the park’s fringes, allowing visitors to explore the indigenous cultures and cuisines of this unspoiled mountainous region. Several local tour outfits based in nearby Chiang Mai – just an hour’s flight from Bangkok – can arrange day trips to the park.