Thailand is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, from mountain ranges and forests to beaches and islands. To protect these natural treasures, Thailand has established over 100 national parks across the country. The national parks allow visitors to experience pristine jungles, scenic coastlines, exotic wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Here is an overview of some of Thailand’s top national parks that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list:
Khao Sok National Park
Located in Surat Thani province, Khao Sok is one of Thailand’s most popular national parks. Spanning 739 square kilometers, Khao Sok is dominated by towering limestone mountains shrouded in lush rainforest. The park is home to rare wildlife like the Malaysian sun bear, clouded leopard, and guar. A key highlight is Cheow Lan Lake, a gorgeous 165-square-kilometer artificial lake ringed by dramatic cliffs and islands. Visitors can enjoy jungle trekking, boating on the lake, and staying overnight in floating bungalows.
Address: Moo 6, Tambol Klong Sok, Amphoe Klong Sok, Chang Wat Surat Thani 81180
Entry fee:
- Adults: 300 THB
- Children: 150 THB
Open daily: 6 am – 6 pm
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
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Based in Kanchanaburi province, Sai Yok National Park covers 500 square kilometers of rainforest, waterfalls, and the Khwae Noi River. The main highlight is the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall which cascades through lush jungle. Visitors can trek to the nine-tiered Sai Yok Yai Waterfall and nature trails to observe gibbons, hornbills, and elephants. Rafting along the Khwae Noi River is also popular.
Address: Sai Yok, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi, 71150
Entry fee:
- Adults: 200 THB
- Children: 100 THB
Open daily: 8 am – 6 pm
Sai Yok National Park
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Based in Kanchanaburi province, Sai Yok National Park covers 500 square kilometers of rainforest, waterfalls, and the Khwae Noi River. The main highlight is the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall which cascades through lush jungle. Visitors can trek to the nine-tiered Sai Yok Yai Waterfall and nature trails to observe gibbons, hornbills, and elephants. Rafting along the Khwae Noi River is also popular.
Address: Sai Yok, Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi, 71150
Entry fee:
- Adults: 200 THB
- Children: 100 THB
Open daily: 8 am – 6 pm
Khao Yai National Park
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As Thailand’s first national park, established in 1962, Khao Yai National Park covers a huge 2,168-squarekilometer area in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The park has one of the most diverse ecosystems, spanning grasslands, tropical rainforests, and mountains up to 1,351 m high. Wildlife includes tigers, Asian black bears, gibbons, and over 300 bird species. Activities include jungle trekking, camping, bird watching, and bat spotting at dusk.
Address: Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130
Entry fee:
- Adults: 400 THB
- Children: 200 THB
Open daily: 6 am – 6 pm.
Kui Buri National Park
Covering 99 sq km of natural wilderness in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Kui Buri National Park is home to mixed deciduous forests and grasslands. Wildlife includes elephants, deer, pangolins, civets, and king cobras. The park offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, hiking to the Kui Buri Mountain viewpoint, and relaxing by the Burapa waterfall.
Address: Nong Ta Taem, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, 77130
Entry fee:
- Adults: 200 THB
- Children: 100 THB
Open daily: 8 am – 6 pm
Erawan National Park
Spanning 550 sq km of mountains and forests in Kanchanaburi province, Erawan National Park is named after the Erawan Waterfall, which has seven tiers akin to the seven heads of the Erawan elephant in Hindu mythology. Hiking to the top provides scenic vistas of each tier. The park also contains the 12-tier Pha That waterfall and abundant wildlife like macaques and gibbons.
Address: Sai Yok District, Kanchanaburi, 71150
Entry fee:
- Adults: 300 THB
- Children: 200 THB
Open daily: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Mu Ko Surin National Park
Located off the Andaman coast, Mu Ko Surin National Park comprises five breathtaking islands renowned for pristine beaches, coral reefs, and rare wildlife. The islands are home to endangered dugongs, whale sharks, and sea turtles. Popular activities include snorkeling to admire the reefs, swimming, and beach lounging. Visitors can stay overnight in tents or park lodges.
Address: Ko Surin Tai, Kuraburi District, Phang Nga Province, 82150
Entry fee:
- Adults: 400 THB
- Children: 200 THB
Open daily: 9 am – 6 pm
Kaeng Krachan National Park
As Thailand’s largest national park, Kaeng Krachan covers 2,914 square kilometers, stretching along the Burmese border in Phetchaburi province. About 40% of the park area consists of lush tropical rainforests with rich biodiversity. Endangered animals like tigers, leopards, and tapirs inhabit the region. Activities include birdwatching, trekking (to waterfalls), and rafting along the Phetchaburi River.
Address: Nong Ya Plong, Phetchaburi, 76170
Entry fee:
- Adults: 200 THB
- Children: 100 THB
Open daily: 7 am – 6 pm
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park encompasses 42 pristine islands featuring limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and talcum-white beaches. The signature viewpoint is at a 100-meter-high peak on Wua Talab Island, offering stunning 360-degree vistas. Underwater highlights include coral reefs and fish-filled caves to explore while snorkeling.
Address: Amphoe Wichit, Chang Wat Phuket, 83000
Entry fee:
- Adults: 300 THB
- Children: 150 THB
Open daily: 8 am – 6 pm
Ao Phang Nga National Park
Extending over 400 square kilometers in Phang Nga Bay, Ao Phang Nga National Park contains scenic islands, mangroves, and dramatic limestone karsts rising from the sea. Boat tours take visitors to sea caves like Koh Hong, with hidden lagoons encircled by cliffs. Kayaking through the karsts and appreciating diverse wildlife, including crab-eating macaques, are park highlights.
Address: Wichit, Phuket, 83000
Entry fee:
- Adults: 500 THB
- Children: 300 THB
Open daily: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Doi Inthanon National Park
Encompassing 482 square kilometers and surrounding Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon National Park offers hiking trails through dense forests and scenic viewpoints. The park’s signature attraction is the twin ‘Daughter of the King’ pagodas. Diverse birdlife includes pheasants and laughingthrushes. The park also contains Thailand’s highest waterfall, Mae Ya waterfall.
Address: Ban Luang, Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, 50160
Entry fee:
- Adults: 300 THB
- Children: 150 THB
Open daily: 6 am – 6 pm
Mu Ko Lanta National Park
Encompassing 152 square kilometers near Krabi, this coastal park includes the Lanta archipelago, featuring thick forests, mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs. Spot sea otters, hornbills, sea eagles, and monitor lizards. Popular activities include beach-hopping, snorkeling, and cliffside hikes.
Address: Ko Lanta Yai, Krabi, 81150
Entry fee:
- Adults: 200 THB
- Children: 100 THB
Open daily: 8:30 am – 6 pm
Ao Phang Nga National Park
Extending over 400 square kilometers in scenic Phang Nga Bay, this park contains steep limestone karsts emerging from the sea, hidden lagoons, and mangrove estuaries. Boat tours visit sea caves and allow wildlife viewing, including crab-eating macaques and sea otters.
Address: Wichit, Phuket 83000
Entry fee:
- Adults: 500 THB
- Children: 300 THB
Open daily: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
Based in Krabi province, this 50-square-kilometer coastal park contains the towering 1,397-meter-tall Khao Phanom Bencha Mountain covered in virgin rainforest. Wildlife includes dusky langurs and Malaysian tapirs. For hikers, it offers scenic jungle trails leading to waterfalls.
Address: Nuea Khlong, Krabi, 81130
Entry fee:
- Adults: 200 THB
- Children: 100 THB
Open daily: 8 am – 6 pm
Kaeng Krachan National Park
As Thailand’s largest national park at 2,914 square kilometers, Kaeng Krachan lies along the Burmese border in Phetchaburi province. About 40% of the park comprises lush rainforests sheltering tigers, tapirs, and other endangered species. Activities include jungle trekking, birdwatching, and river rafting.
Address: Nong Ya Plong, Phetchaburi, 76170
Entry fee:
- Adults: 200 THB
- Children: 100 THB
Open daily: 7 am – 6 pm
Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park
Located in Rayong province, this 100-square-kilometers park encompasses forests, mangroves and the island archipelago of Ko Samet, famed for its pristine beaches. Wildlife ranges from crab-eating macaques to tree frogs. Key activities include sunbathing, snorkeling, and coastal hikes.
Address: Ko Samet, Rayong 21160
Entry fee:
- Adults: 200 THB
- Children: 100 THB
Open daily: 8 am – 5 pm
Tarutao National Park
Covering 1,490 sq km near Thailand’s southwest border, this park spans 150 islands with forests, mangroves, limestone caves, and quiet beaches. You can spot seabirds, dolphins, and even dugongs here. Highlights include hiking, relaxing at the beach, and snorkeling to view coral reefs.
Address: Ko Tarutao, Satun, 91000
Entry fee:
- Adults: 500 THB
- Children: 300 THB
Open daily: 8 am – 5 pm
Conclusion
This overview shows Thailand’s national parks offer incredibly diverse natural landscapes and ecosystems to explore. From thick jungles to marine paradises, Thailand’s parks showcase the beauty of its forests, mountains, rivers, and seascapes. The parks provide sanctuary to exotic wildlife while enabling visitors to hike through nature, go boating, or relax on a pristine beach. With their magnificent scenery and outdoor adventures, Thailand’s national parks should be high on every nature and wildlife enthusiast’s travel bucket list.