The Most Beautiful National Parks to Visit in Thailand

Introduction

Thailand is a country that takes great pride in its breathtaking scenery and numerous natural attractions. There is an abundance of breathtaking sights to see, including everything from towering mountains to lush tropical jungles. Taking a trip to one of Thailand’s many national parks is among the most rewarding ways to take in the country’s stunning scenery. You are welcome to take in the country’s natural splendor and picturesque settings in any of the nation’s more than one hundred national parks.

Thailand is a great example of a nation that has a rich variety of plant and animal life. Even though this Asian nation has struggled with the effects of modernization on its natural treasures, continuous conservation efforts are being made in each of its 127 national parks. Under the horizon, there are exotic animals and one-of-a-kind views just waiting to be found by you.

The national parks of Thailand are the undiscovered treasures of a nation that boasts an abundance of natural and cultural attractions. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of Thailand’s most breathtaking parks.

The Tarutao National Marine Park

Even though it has a troubled past, Tarutao National Marine Park is undeniably one of the most gorgeous protected areas in all of Thailand. This is even though it was once used as a prison. Aside from the breathtaking vistas, it has a lot more to offer tourists thanks to its expansive size (925 square miles of land and water combined).
There are beaches, forests, and coral reefs to be found on each of the park’s 51 islands and three archipelagos that make up the park. Aside from taking in the sights and smells of the area, visitors can also camp on the beach or in bungalows, dive and snorkel, go on boat rides, and watch wildlife while they dine at one of the restaurants that serve the visitor areas.

The Khao Sok National Park

The lush rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, which encompasses 460 square miles and is home to a lake surrounded by raft houses, can be found inside Khao Sok National Park. Because of the abundant wildlife and the convenience of access from several significant cities, it is the most popular destination in Thailand for tourists who are looking for an experience like this.
Elephants, primates, bears, porcupines, and over 400 species of birds are just some of the animals that visitors have the opportunity to see. The Khao Sok Lake is a sight to behold in and of itself. Kayaking is the only way for tourists to reach the limestone hills and caves in this area, and it’s also a fantastic place where they have a better chance of spotting rare animals on their way to find water.
Exciting hiking trails can be found throughout the National Park, and they lead to a variety of natural features, such as waterfalls, caves, gorges, and cliffs. There are even places along the trails where you can go swimming if you want to.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

The Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park can be found in the southern region of the Gulf of Thailand. The park is made up of a total of 42 islands, and the majority of the land that it encompasses is made up of water. The park encompasses a total area of 102 kilometers, but only about 18 kilometers are made up of land due to the disorganized collection of islands that can be found here. This is wonderful news for the wide variety of marine life that resides here. The Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park was established in 1980, and its name, which translates to “Golden Bassin,” seems to be quite appropriate when one considers the park’s breathtaking landscape.

The Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon is a mountain that is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) away from Chiang Mai, and it is well known for its spectacular waterfalls and abundance of birds. Not only is the summit of Doi Inthanon Thailand’s highest point, but the surrounding national park is also an important farming and conservation center for the neighborhood.
It held a special place in the heart of King Inthawichayanon, who requested to be laid to rest there. The Twin Pagodas, also known as Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri, are the most significant man-made structure in the park, and they were built as a memorial to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit.
even though Doi Inthanon National Park might not be the most accessible of the national parks, it provides a high level of hospitality to visitors, including the people who live in the surrounding communities.

Khao Yai National Park

This national park is the third largest one in Thailand, and it encompasses a total area of 1347 square miles, including both grassland and forest. It is home to an impressive variety of animals and plants, including elephants, jackals, otters, primates, reptiles, and more than 400 species of birds. Because the park is so big, you should consider booking a tour so that the guide can direct you to the most significant landmarks and the spots in the park where you are most likely to see animals.
You can make a reservation for a bungalow through their website if you want to stay there for at least one night. In addition, there are two available campsites for anyone interested in spending the night under the open sky. The park is home to three breathtaking waterfalls, including Haew Narok, which is widely considered to be among the most breathtaking waterfalls in all of Thailand. In addition, the park features seven different hiking trails that range in length and degree of difficulty.

Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park is a smaller national park that covers approximately 840 square miles. It is most well-known for Erawan Falls, which got its name because it resembles the three-headed elephant Erawan that is mentioned in Hindu mythology. The waterfall features seven different levels that can be reached by hiking, as well as picnic areas and ponds where guests can swim.
Because of this, it can become quite crowded quite quickly; therefore, if you want to try the ponds, you should visit during the weekdays in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds. Caves such as Phra That and Wang Bah Dan, both of which feature stalagmites and water streams, are among the other attractions in Erawan National Park.

Mu Ko Similan National Park

Mu Ko Similan National Park is certainly in the running for being one of the most stunning discoveries on this side of the country, even though the island of Phuket is known as the Pearl of the Andaman. Mu Ko Similan National Park is located on the island of Phuket.
This national park was established in 1982, and because it is situated approximately 70 kilometers from the mainland, it is without a doubt one of the parks that is the most challenging to visit. Having said that, once they catch a glimpse of the park, which is comprised of nine or so islands, tourists will undoubtedly feel relieved that they made the effort to get there.
Divers come from all over the world to explore the Mu Ko Similan National Park’s underwater terrain, as the park is best known for its dive sites. These dive sites feature vibrant and one-of-a-kind coral, in addition to a wide variety of marine life, which draws divers from all over the world.

Ao Phang Nga National Park

In 1981, the Ao Phang Nga National Park was established as a protected area. The 1980s seemed to be a prime time for proclaiming many of these pristine wonders to be national parks, which is what they are today. This national park, which is comprised of around 40 islands, is certain to impress even the most ardent of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Ao Phang Nga National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking natural features that can be found in Thailand. These features include mangrove forests, cliffs made of limestone, and several caves. Day trips can be taken by tourists to this location, where they can wander around in search of a secluded stretch of beach where they can relax and take in the views.
It would be a serious oversight to travel throughout Thailand’s national parks without making a stop at Ao Phang Nga. The province of Phang Nga is home to the Ao Phang Nga National Park, which is a coastal park. The park encompasses a bay that is dotted with forty-two rocky islands, as well as a breathtaking coastline, towering limestone cliffs, and breathtaking caves.
If you’re a fan of the James Bond series, you’re probably aware that “The Man with the Golden Gun” filmed some of its scenes there. Since the airing of that episode, this location has become one of the most impressive destinations, drawing in a significant number of vacationers and becoming universally referred to as James Bond Island. If you have a passion for caving, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to spend the day at Koh Panak Cave, which can only be reached by boat.

Khao Luang National Park

With a total area of approximately 570 kilometers, Khao Luang National Park is one of the largest parks in the southern region of Thailand. However, the park is most well known for the many waterfalls that can be found within its boundaries, which is not to say that it does not contain a wealth of other natural wonders.
In addition to this, it is the location of the highest mountain in the southern region of Thailand, which is the inspiration for the park’s name. At a staggering 1,835 meters above sea level, Khao Luang Mountain is widely considered to be one of the most notable features of the park.
In addition to the natural attractions, tourists can look forward to seeing colorful orchids, rare birds, a variety of monkey species, and other interesting animals and plants. If guests wish to spend more than a single day at the national park, there are a few different lodging options available to them.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

If you are someone who enjoys challenging themselves through rock climbing activities, one of the first places you should think about visiting is Khao Sam Roi Yot Park. Here, you will have the opportunity to climb limestone cliffs while taking in the breathtaking views. The province of Prachuap Khiri Khan is home to Thailand’s very first marine park, which can be found in that province’s namesake. The park is well-known for the variety of landscapes it contains, which range from stunning limestone mountains and wildlife to breathtaking beaches with crystal-clear water and an abundance of marine life.
The expansive Phraya Nakhon cave, which contains a Buddhist temple on the premises, is one of the most popular features of the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. In addition, the location is well known among people who enjoy bird watching because it is home to approximately 300 different species of birds. January and February are the months that offer the best opportunities to see migratory birds.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Tanintharyi Nature Reserve and Thailand’s largest national park, Kaeng Krachan, share a common border. Kaeng Krachan is Thailand’s most visited national park. The majority of the park is comprised of tropical rainforest, and it is well-known for the famous morning mist that blankets the mountains and creates a hazy landscape.
In addition to this, the Kaeng Krachan National Park is home to a flora and fauna that is extremely varied. During your time spent in the park, you may have the opportunity to see some unique animals, such as leopards, elephants, bears, and porcupines. During your time spent exploring Kaeng Krachan National Park, you can take part in a variety of exciting activities like going on a boat ride, looking at birds, or going on a hike.

Conclusion

When most people think of Thailand, images of stunning temples, mouthwatering tropical drinks, beautiful beaches, and crumbling archaeological sites likely come to mind. Thailand probably also brings to mind thoughts of mouthwatering cuisine and warm, welcoming people.

The Southeast Asian nation of Thailand is home to several breathtaking national parks. The more urbanized areas that are located close to the majority of hotels and resorts offer a striking contrast to the natural splendor that can be found in Thailand’s national parks, which are located throughout the country. You will have the opportunity to view some of the natural habitats and animals in these parks.