Thailand’s 10 Most Spectacular National Parks

Thailand, renowned for its golden-sand beaches and ornately decorated temples, also reveals breathtaking natural treasures in its national parks. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a change of scenery, these ten national parks in Thailand deserve a top spot on your list of destinations.

Each site offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of these exceptional places and marvel at the beauty of nature at every corner.

Written by Mai VuUpdated on 06-04-2024

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1. Ang Thong National Marine Park

One of Koh Samui's best-kept treasures is an archipelago known collectively as Ang Thong National Marine Park. Made up of 42 islands, it's nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, near Surat Thani, and offers just about every natural wonder one can imagine. From hidden beaches to lush jungles, this park promises true immersion in nature for all types of adventurers.

For diving enthusiasts, Ang Thong is a must-see destination. The archipelago is home to exceptional marine biodiversity with various coral reefs and marine species. Each island group has unique surprises in store, giving you a unique diving experience at each stop.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Ang Thong is the diversity of its forest formations. You'll find evergreen forests on the larger islands, while rainforests line the beaches near the high-water mark. On some islands, you'll discover limestone forests that are home to a variety of vegetation, including morinda and euphorbia. In addition, in the sheltered areas of the archipelago, you can explore the mysterious mangrove forests by kayak, especially on the island of Mae Koh, east of Phaluai.

The star attraction of the archipelago, located on the island of Koh Mae Ko, is the Emerald Lagoon. It is said that it was once a limestone cavern several hundred feet high, which eroded into a seawater lagoon, surrounded by limestone cliffs and connected to the sea by an underground tunnel. This site is simply stunning.

2. Khao Sok National Park

Located in Thailand's Surat Thani province, Khao Sok National Park was once part of a much larger area, and research has shown that this area is even older than the Amazon. It's a mix of tropical rainforests and evergreen forests, where flora thrives thanks to the devotion of a team of rangers, conservationists, and determined local residents.

This region is famous for being the rainiest in all of Thailand, favoring a wide variety of vegetation and animals, totaling more than 350 species. The rivers, caves, and man-made lake of Cheow Lan offer a wealth of activities, such as boat trips on the lake and exploring fascinating caves.

In addition, the park is home to one of the largest flowers in the world, the rare Rafflesia kerrii, which is only found in Thailand, specifically in the Khao Sok area. It is recommended to fully experience this wonder of nature during the dry season, which runs from June to October, as between April and June, the rainy season can lead to flooding and make the trails slippery.

3. Khao Yai National Park

For visitors staying in Thailand's capital city of Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park offers a peaceful getaway away from the noise and hustle and bustle. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a protected nature reserve and one of the largest in Thailand. Its biodiversity is staggering, home to elephants, black bears, gibbons, and a variety of birds, with a rare chance of spotting a tiger.

An ideal choice for trekking enthusiasts, Khao Yai National Park offers many hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty. Many of the shorter trails can be ridden independently, with clear markings and maps available at the Information Centre. However, if you are planning a longer hike in the heart of the jungle, it is recommended that you be accompanied by a professional guide who knows the area, both for your safety and to preserve the natural environment.

While many hiking trails pass through dense forests, offering thick foliage all around you, several walkable viewpoints offer panoramic views of the park. The park is also dotted with waterfalls, the largest of which is Haew Narok, a three-tiered waterfall that pours its waters 150 meters, creating an impressive waterfall and forming numerous pools below.

To get to Khao Yai National Park, you can take a car or bus ride of about three hours from Bangkok. Another option is to take a bus to Pak Chong, located in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where you will find the main entrance to the national park as well as many tourist amenities.

>>> Ready for a trip? From Bangkok to Tropical Nature & Beach 10 days 

4. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park - Chiang Mai

Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, close to Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park offers a true refuge combining nature and spirituality, while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding region.

The park is divided into two distinct areas. The southern region, comprising Doi Suthep and Doi Pui, is home to most of the top attractions, such as Doi Suthep Temple, waterfalls, Bhubing Palace (royal residence), and Doi Pui Mountain and Village. About 10 km to the north is a smaller area, centered around the Mok Fa waterfall. The national park is one of the best in the country for hiking, offering a multitude of varied trails to explore from various directions and elevations. Cycling is also very popular among visitors.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park offers a variety of ecosystems, while travelers seeking serenity will find a setting for meditation and contemplation. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature lover, or a spiritual seeker, this national park is a captivating destination to discover.

5. Mu Ko Similan National Park

Located in the Andaman Sea in the south of Thailand, the Similan Islands archipelago is a collection of nine islands, including the famous Ko Similan. These islands are distinguished by their impressive rock formations, shallow waters, and dense rainforests.

With hard and soft coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and white sand beaches, Mu Ko Similan Marine Park is considered one of the best dive sites in the world, offering extraordinary biodiversity and the opportunity to observe fascinating sea creatures, such as manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles.

>>> Also read: Scuba Diving In Thailand: The 10 Most Fascinating Dive Sites

The best time for diving is from December to April, when the waters are particularly clear. However, it should be noted that these islands have faced overcrowding with tourists, especially in the high season. In 2018, this problem became so concerning that park authorities limited the number of visitors allowed on the Similan Islands to 3,325 people per day, in order to preserve this fragile environment.

6. Mu Ko Surin National Park

Mu Ko Surin National Park, a popular snorkeling spot in southern Thailand, is actually quieter than the Similan Islands, mainly due to the higher cost of travel from Phuket and Khao Lak to the Surins than the Similan Islands. This relative absence of crowds, combined with a larger space, has allowed the flora and fauna of Mu Koh Surin National Park to thrive much more than in the famous Similan Islands.

The shallow 200-meter strait that separates the two islands, Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai, is a popular spot for snorkeling. These islands remain among Thailand's few unspoilt gems. Apart from a small Moken village and a park, there are no other buildings on the islands.

Must-sees in Mu Ko Surin National Park include the famous Richelieu Rock dive site, known worldwide for its exceptional marine biodiversity. In addition, the park's islands offer beautiful white sand beaches, hiking trails, and offer picturesque campsites as well as bungalows for rent, providing an ideal refuge for those who wish to relax on the enchanting beaches or explore the underwater world by snorkeling.

7. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Khao Sam Roi Yot is a national park with varied geographical conditions located 45 kilometers from Hua Hin. This park offers a unique mix of limestone mountains, sandy beaches, caves and wetlands. Its name, meaning "the mountain of 300 peaks", reflects the majesty of its rock formations.

The star attraction of Khao Sam Roi Yot is the impressively large Phraya Nakhon Cave, which houses a royal pavilion within it. It is the emblem of the park and the province. For stunning views of the region, the Khao Daeng viewpoint is a popular spot, best combined with a visit to Phraya Nakhon Cave.

This national park has an impressive variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The area east of the mountain range running through the park provides unique habitat for some species of freshwater birds. Other activities to enhance your day include a boat ride through the mangrove forests, discovering two more caves, or simply relaxing on one of the beaches.

A day trip to Khao Sam Roi Yot can also be combined with a visit to the Kui Buri Wildlife Viewing Area, where you can spot wild elephants. In this case, it is recommended to leave Khao Sam Roi Yot no later than 2 p.m. in order to arrive in time at the elephant viewing area.

8. Kui Buri National Park

Kui Buri National Park is a little-known gem of Thailand, nestled in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, about 40 kilometers from Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It has a well-deserved reputation as the best wild elephant viewing site in Thailand. In the wildlife viewing area of Kui Buri National Park, visitors are almost 99% certain to spot wild elephants at any time of the year.

Guided safaris offer a unique experience allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the majestic elephants and other exceptional creatures while contributing to the preservation of their habitat. The Kui Buri wildlife viewing area is unique and is located at Huai Luek Ranger Station, about 16 km north of the visitor center. It is imperative to arrange a guided safari from this location.

The wildlife viewing area is open daily from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., although wildlife activity is usually most intense in the late afternoon. For the best experience, it is recommended that visitors arrive around 3 p.m., leaving some room for preparations.

9. Erawan National Park

Located in the west of Thailand, in the province of Kanchanaburi, Erawan National Park offers a captivating natural experience. It is famous for its seven levels of turquoise waterfalls and natural pools that attract visitors from all over the country. You have the opportunity to climb along this picturesque waterfall and take a dip in the crystal clear pools that make it up.

In addition to its waterfalls, the park is also home to several fascinating caves for adventure seekers to explore. If you want to extend your stay in Erawan National Park, you have the option of camping or renting a bungalow for a total immersion in the heart of this preserved nature. To reach the park, the most convenient way is to take a bus from Kanchanaburi, a journey of about an hour and a half, with daily departures for an easily achievable day trip.

10. Ao Phang Nga National Park

Ao Phang Nga National Park is located along the coast of Phang-Nga Province in southern Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea. Popular attractions include James Bond Island, other picturesque limestone karst islands, a number of white sand beaches, and a few caves. The turquoise waters surrounding the islands are generally calm, making them a great spot for canoeing. You'll find some interesting places for canoeing, including sea-level caves leading to inland lagoons.

>>> Also read: Phang Nga Bay: A Guide to the Stunning Sea Destination 

In addition to its natural beauties, the park is also home to archaeological sites dating back more than 1,000 years, as well as prehistoric paintings on the cliffs. Stone tools and pottery objects have been discovered at some of these sites.

The park's most popular attraction is undoubtedly James Bond Island, an emblem of karst limestone that rises between two islands, made famous by the 1974 James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun." It is a must-see for most tourists visiting the national park.

Our Final Words

As you explore these national parks in Thailand, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the splendor of Thai nature in all its facets, whether it's the sea, mountains, jungle, or wildlife. Each of these national parks offers a unique glimpse into the country's natural beauty, catering to a wide variety of tastes and desires for adventure.

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