Gift-wrapped by nature with exquisite seashores, enigmatic caverns, peculiar limestone cliffs, and diverse other visually appealing geographic surprises, these national parks in Thailand are unparalleled in every aspect. While one is abundant in its coral reefs, the other is flourishing with fauna like Black Bear, Porcupine, Malayan Sun Bear, and Malkoha. While the 9-tiered Mon Hin Lai Waterfall and Nong Pha cavern with stalactites and stalagmites are attractions of one park here, delightful hot springs and “sea of frog” are attributes of another. All in all, Thailand has approximately 150 national parks, of which the finest are listed here.
The Finest National Parks In Thailand
Which one of these would you like to visit on your trip to Thailand?
1. Ao Phang Nga National Park
Encompassing the bay bordered by 42 karst islands, limestone cliffs, caverns, exquisite seashores, and lagoons, this is one of the most renowned national parks in Thailand. Take a boat to explore the Koh Panak Cave or visit the “James Bond Island” – Khao Phing Kan, where the Bond film was shot. The emerald Andaman Sea also favors the growth of native mangrove vegetation, which you can explore on a boat.
Entry fee: INR 634 (adults) | INR 211 (kids)
2. Kui Buri National Park
The Kui Buri National Park is opulent in damp and arid perennially verdant forests and possesses an abundance of diverse palm species. The fauna comprises Asian Elephant, Malayan Tapir, Gibbons, Serow, Asiatic Black Bear, Macaque, Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Banteng, and Fea’s Muntjac. Various wildlife-watching platforms at Pa Yang will let you enjoy observing elephants indulging in a mud bath and frolicking in the water. Bring your own car or travel via 4×4 trucks. You can even spend a night in the wilderness by renting bungalows and tents or embark on a 1 kilometer hike to the 15-tiered Dong Ma Fai Waterfalls.
Operating hours: 2 PM until sunsetAdmission fee: INR 422 (adults) | INR 211 (children)
3. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Plan a visit during January-February to observe the migratory birds such as Kentish Plover, Malayan Plover, Purple Swamphen, Oriental Hobby, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, and Eastern Marsh Harrier. Take a boat journey through the Khao Daeng Canal to catch a glimpse of Irrawaddy Dolphins. Other wildlife includes various types of kingfisher, herons, egrets, mudskippers, crab-eating macaque, pangolin, fishing cat, and serow. Go on a trek through rocky terrains to reach the Viewpoint and Sai and Kaeo Cave. The most fascinating attraction here is the Buddhist temple situated inside the Phraya Nakhon Cave where sunlight enters through the opening on the roof. Camping is allowed at Laem Sala Beach in Thailand’s national parks where you can rent a campsite.
Operating hours: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
4. Erawan National Park
Erawan National Park is renowned for the 7-tiered Erawan Falls flowing over the rocks, creating a deep blue pool where taking a swim can be invigorating. Nestled in the Tenasserim Hills, this national park also boasts four caves namely Phartat, Wang Bahdan, Rua, and Mi where hiking is enjoyable. You can also spot the Khao Nom Nang Hill that stands in the shape of a breast near the waterfall.
Operating hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PMAdmission fee: INR 633 (adults) | INR 422 (children)
5. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
This is one of the finest national parks in Thailand for sailing, rapid boat rides, diving, and snorkeling. The islands are endowed with sandy white beaches, inland saline lakes, sinkholes, caverns, and towering calcareous hills where trekking is pleasurable. Calcareous woodland and mangroves are flourishing here and what is noteworthy here is the native Ang Thong Lady’s Slipper Orchid. The wildlife includes Macaque, Otter, Leopard Cat, Wild Boar, Dusty-Leaf Monkey, Pacific Reef Heron, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Black Baza, Yellow-spotted Trevallies, and Sea Turtles in Coral Gardens. Delight in canoeing, kayaking, or trekking to Wua Ta Lap Viewpoint and Bua Bok Cave.
Admission fee: INR 633 (adults) | INR 316 (children)Tip: It is closed during November to the initial 3 weeks in December.
6. Khao Yai National Park
Covering sections of Khorat Plateau and San Kamphaeng Range on Thailand national parks map, Khao Yai is the first national park of Thailand and is a paradise for mountaineers and hikers. Within the tropical woodland and grasslands, you will find Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Red Junglefowl, Red-headed Trogon, Malayan Porcupine, Indian Elephant, Gibbon, Asian Black Bear, Wild Boar, Ussuri Dhole, Indian Muntjac, and Southern Pig-tailed Macaque. Heo Suwat and Heo Narok are among the most significant waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand.
Admission fee: INR 844 (adults) | INR 422 (children)
7. Kaeng Krachan National Park
This national park in Thailand near Bangkok is renowned for the highest density of butterfly species and over 420 bird species including ratchet-tailed Treepie, Giant Pitta, Wooly-necked Stork, and all the endemic Broadbill and Hornbill species. Many snakes like Oriental Vine Snake, Siamese Cat Snake, Red-headed Krait, Mountain Pit Viper, and Blue Coral Snake can be observed here. Enjoy boating in the lake and rivers or embark on a hike around Pa La-U and Thorthip waterfall. Camping at the HQ Checkpoint can be enjoyable as well!
Schedule: 5 AM – 5 PM. Not open from August to October.Admission fee: INR 633 (adults) | INR 425 (children)
8. Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is renowned for its ancient and diverse untouched rainforest, Rafflesia kerrii, and Cheow Lan Lake where you can enjoy boating after exploring caves like Nam Talu, Khang Cow, and Diamond Cave. Take a Bamboo raft or canoe to explore Sok River and the surrounding mountain ranges and limestone cliffs. Delight in trekking through rainforests and observe wildlife such as Malayan Tapir, Tiger, Gaur, Sambar, Muntjac, Asian Elephant, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Gibbons, Pig-tailed Macaque, and Scolopendra cataracta.
Schedule: 6 AM – 6 PMAdmission fee: INR 700 (adults) | INR 320 (children)
9. Mu Ko Surin National Park
With five islands in the Andaman Sea, Mu Ko Surin is one of the popular national parks in Thailand for diving and snorkeling. Richelieu Rock, Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, and Ko Khai are the potential locations. You can discover Snappers, Cardinalfish, Breams, Pufferfish, Unicornfish, Angelfish, Barracuda, Butterflyfish, Sea Turtle, Anemonefish, Moray Eels, Whale Sharks, and Manta Ray. The suitable time for diving and snorkeling is from February to April. Other fauna that you can encounter here include bats, skinks, reticulated pythons, Bengal Monitors, etc.
Admission fee: INR 846 (adults) | INR 430 (children)
10. Mu Ko Similan National Park
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This is among the top 10 national parks in Thailand with eleven islands on the Andaman Sea. The granite islands on the clear sea are fortunate with rainforests, white shores, and coral reefs surrounding them. Visit from December to April to explore the island fauna like Nicobar Pigeon, Flying Fox, Mangrove Monitor Lizard, Sea Turtles, and more. You can stay overnight on boats after a diving trip.
Entrance fee: INR 1056 (adults) | INR 634 (kids)
Make sure to include all of these aforementioned national parks in Thailand in your travel itinerary for a complete Thailand holiday experience.
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