Thailand National Parks worth a visit in 2022
If the white sandy beaches, the yummy tropical cocktails, the breathtaking temples, or the awe-inducing archaeological sites come to mind when you think of Thailand, then you might be surprised to find out just how captivating Thailand National Parks can be.
You will have an unforgettable experience, especially since you get to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat and from a safe distance. Visitors and locals attest to the fact that Thailand National parks are priceless gems that make the country an irresistible choice for holidaymakers and locals alike. If you are wondering how many national parks in Thailand there are, note that Thailand has hundreds scattered across the country.
So which Thailand National Parks are worth seeing as we move beyond covid and try and get back to nature? We have made it easier for you to choose from.
Read on now!
Experience the Khao Sok Nature Resort
Located in Southern Thailand, the Khao Sok Nature Resort has the most compelling features that you must see when in the country. One of the most beautiful and most visited of all Thailand National parks was founded in 1980. The nature resort is part of the Thailand government’s efforts to preserve the environment and natural development.
Once you visit Khao Sok, you will be taken aback by the rich-green rainforest which has the reputation for being the oldest in the world. In addition, you won’t help but feast your eyes on the huge limestone mountains that rise magnificently into the skyline. They also have seemingly bottomless valleys, intriguing caves, beautiful lakes, as well as exotic species of plants and animals.
Want some ideas on what to do in Khao Sok Nature resort?
You can engage in a number of activities at the Khao Sok nature resort. If you are brave enough, you can request a not-so-close but personal encounter with an elephant, get your adrenaline pumping by taking a nature walk in the jungle on foot or explore clear waters by means of a canoe.
If you are the kind of person who likes knowing facts about places, then be sure to sit near a tour guide and ask as many questions as you can about the resort itself, as well as the history of the plant and animal life in the resort. Whatever is the case, you will remain enthralled by the rich diversity Khao Sok nature resort offers.
Thinking about how to get to Khao Sok National Park?
The best way to get there is to first get yourself to Phuket. If you aren’t already in the region, regular flights arrive at Phuket Airport throughout the day and night. In terms of getting to the park, you can take a taxi or a hire car.
Try the Doi Inthanon Tour
Doi Inthanon is infamous for having the highest mountain in Thailand called the Inthanon mountain. In addition to this unique feature, visitors have a variety of interesting places to visit within the park and fun activities to engage in.
To kick-start your Thailand national parks tour to Doi Inthanon, you can engage the services of a tour guide. The guide can plan activities for you to do and select places to visit based on their cultural and historical significance. But start by visiting the National Park itself. A good tour guide should be able to show you other interesting spots that are on the way to the park. These include passing through the scenic villages and settlements, via acres of rice fields, vineyards, and beautiful fruit orchards. Along the way, you will meet very friendly locals who will warmly greet you with a smile and an embrace.
Thinking of what to get to do in Doi Inthanon national park?
Here are some of our best recommendations:
At the Doi Inthanon national park itself, you can decide to head straight to the mountain peak, which is 8415 feet (2,565 meters) above sea level. It is important to follow all instructions while on the climb. When there, feast your eyes on the glorious, surrounding landscape. Awaken the adventurer in you by going on a “search” for the remains of the previous king of Chiang Mai entombed in the park. From there take a hike along the Angka Luang natural trail so that you can enjoy the view of the forest from above.
To finish off your Thailand national parks tour to Doi Inthanon, pay a visit to the twin pagodas (Phra Mahathat Napha Methanidon and Phra Mahathat Naphaphon Bhumisiri) erected for King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit to mark their fifth cycle birthdays. Historians note that each pagoda also enshrines Buddha’s relics.
Chiang Mai National Park
Chiang Mai National park is ranked amongst the most important landmarks in northern Thailand. These parks have some of the most beautiful species of plant and animal life. In addition, you will also find lush-green jungles, captivating mountains, waterfalls, and other water bodies.
One of the parks found in the vicinity of Chiang Mai is the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The Doi Suthep has many exciting features and landmarks. To begin with, the Doi Suthep is home to the notable Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Bhubing Rjanives palace. You will also find the twin mountains known as Doi Suthep and the Doi Pui.
The Doi Suthep will thrill hikers to no end. This is because of the many trails that crisscross throughout the park. A hike should take you through numerous caves, beautiful views of the mountain points, lush greenery, as well as the thunderous waterfalls.
Speaking of waterfalls, make sure you visit the infamous Bua Tong Sticky waterfall. This waterfall is located about an hour and a half drive from Old City Chiang Mai. The Bua is famous for the fact that you can walk barefooted along the waterfall’s edge without slipping, as the bed of the waterfall grips or sticks to your feet, giving you a firm, if unexpected, footing!
What to Do in Khao Yai National Park
Wondering what to do in Khao Yai? Head on to Khao Yai National park. Hailed as the third largest national park in Thailand, Khao Yai will treat you to stunning grasslands and forests which resemble those found in Africa. Thousands visit the Khao Yai National park yearly to enjoy the natural beauty and we highly recommend you do the same. If you are undecided as to what activities you should partake in while you visit the Khao Yai, these suggestions should help:
- Embark on a nighttime tour in the wild. If you are fortunate enough, you might happen upon a deer, wild pigs, porcupines, rare Asiatic black bears, and even tigers. Note that the latter is hard to spot and you should never go off into the natural habitats of these animals without an experienced tour guide beside you.
- The Khao Yai Thailand National Park is home to a large number of elephants. You might as well watch these magnificent creatures go about their daily living (from a safe distance of course!)
- Visit the Italian themed park on the grounds of the Khao Yai where you can feed sheep and alpacas.
- How about going for some wine tasting in the vineyards at the Khao Yai Park. Thanks to the cooler temperatures, this region of Thailand is perfect for the cultivation of grapes that make glorious wine favourites including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chenin Blanc.
- Take a tour (by foot) of the designated UNESCO world heritage site located in the park. During your tour, you can enjoy watching the glorious waterfalls, see exotic birds, as well as enjoy the procession of large elephants!
Keep the heat at bay by taking a swim in the Ban Tha Chang Spring waters. Locals have used the spring for hundreds of years to refresh themselves and you should as well.
Elephant Nature Park What to Bring
So you have booked yourself a place at the famous Elephant Nature Park, to see these creatures in their natural habitat. It is important for you to come prepared for this activity. In this regard, make sure you pack the following items for one of the most famous Thailand national parks:
- T-shirt or tank top
- Shorts
- A long-sleeved shirt, scarf, or light jacket to protect you from the weather.
- Light and comfortable shoes that give you a firm grip on the ground. You can also carry sandals adapted for long hikes. Carry flip flops, if you’re certain to spend the night.
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- A small backpack
- Photocopy of your passport
- A water bottle
- Bug/mosquito repellant
- A camera
- A book to read
- Toiletries
- Spare batteries
- A fully charged power bank and charging cable
You noticed we mentioned having a photocopy of your passport above. If you are a visitor who must travel back to your country at a later date, then this is vital. It’ll help if you were to lose important documents in a country where replacements can take a significant time to process.
Last of all, always remember to have high spirits and bring out the adventurer in you as you explore Thailand national parks!