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Thailand is renowned for its beaches, parties, and temples, but beyond them are the protected sanctuaries of Thai national parks. Dense rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, mountains, grasslands, wetlands, and rich marine ecosystems are part of this country.
Thailand has 156 national parks, making it the country with the highest number of national parks among the ASEAN countries.
Visiting these national parks offers a chance to witness diverse wildlife, including Asian elephants, gibbons, gaurs, sun bears, hornbills, sea turtles, reef sharks, and more!
In this blog, we will explore the top 10 best national parks in Thailand.
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season, festivals, and other external factors.
1. Khao Sok National Park
Situated in the southern part of Thailand of the Surat Thani province, Khao Sok is one of the best places in Thailand not to miss.
The rainforests of Khao Sok are estimated to be much older and more diverse than the Amazon rainforests, as it dates back to dinosaurs and the ice age.
The 739 km² park consists of the Cheow Larn Lake, the Khao Daeng River, enormous limestone cliffs, lush forests, and ancient caves.
Things to do in Khao Sok
- Explore Cheow Larn Lake by long-tail boat.
- Deep jungle treks to spot the Rafflesia flower (world’s largest flower).
- Stay in a floating lake house.
Mammals: tigers, gaurs, Malayan tapirs
Birds: chestnut-capped thrushes, black magpies
Reptiles: enigmatic leaf turtles, bronzeback snakes
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fees (National Park):
- Adults: 579 INR
- Kids (3-14): 289 INR (approx.)
Entry Fees (Cheow Lan Lake):
- Adults: 869 INR
- Kids (3-14): 434 INR (approx.)
2. Kui Buri National Park
Set deep along the Thailand-Burma border, Kui Buri is a protected sanctuary, especially for the approximately 320 Asian elephants. It is also a haven for other wildlife found in the evergreen forests and grasslands of the Tenasserim Hills.
Things to do in Kui Buri
- Jungle Safaris.
- Wildlife spotting using rented binoculars at the entrance.
Mammals: elephants, gaurs, golden jackals
Birds: hornbills, rufous-collared kingfishers
Reptiles: Malayan softshell turtles, Burmese green lizards
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Timings: 2 pm to 6 pm
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 579 INR
- Kids (3-14): 289 INR (approx.)
3. Doi Inthanon National Park
Known as the “Roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain, towering 2,565 m above sea level. Southwest of Chiang Mai, the park is known for its alpine terrain, cloud forests, waterfalls, and rare high-altitude biodiversity.
This national park features ridgeline and cliffside pathways with vast views of the surrounding mountains, endless sky, and a carpet of clouds.
Things to do in Doi Inthanon
- Hike the Kew Mae Pan and Ang Ka nature trails.
- Visit the Thai National Observatory (booking required)
- Witness the 260 m Mae Ya Waterfalls
- Visit the twin pagodas.
Mammals: Asiatic black bear, deers
Birds: collared grosbeaks, Himalayan swiftlet
Reptiles: white-eyed litter frogs, elongated tortoise
Fact: Doi Inthanon is a hotspot for birds, as around 400 species of birds were recorded to call this park their home.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Timings: 5:30 am to 6:30 pm
Note: The Kew Mae Pa trail is closed from June to October.
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 869 INR
- Kids (3-14): 434 INR
- Pagodas: 289 INR (approx.)
4. Erawan National Park
Part of the Tenasserim Hills range, Erawan boasts deep forests, caves, and streams, with Erawan Waterfall as the key highlight.
Erawan is a seven-tiered waterfall hiked one level at a time through forest trails and uneven terrain, making it a must-try adventure in Thailand.
Things to do in Erawan National Park
- Hiking the Erawan Waterfall.
- Cave exploration.
- Relax in natural pools.
Mammals: crab-eating macaques, wild boars
Birds: black-naped monarch, kalij pheasants
Reptiles: big water-monitor lizards
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Timings: 8 am to 4:30 pm
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 869 INR
- Kids (3-14): 434 INR
- Motorbike: 57 INR
- Car: 86 INR (approx.)
5. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Being the first marine national park of Thailand, Khao Sam Roi Yot translates to “300 mountain peaks”, where clusters of limestone walls rise from the water bodies of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
The park features Phraya Nakhon Cave, the Thung Sam Roi Yot wetlands, and Gulf of Thailand beaches.
Things to do in Khao Sam Roi Yot
- Gaze up at the iconic natural skylight of the Phraya Nakhon Cave.
- Admire the lotus and lilies in the wetland.
- Sunbathe on pristine beaches.
Mammals: Malayan porcupines, Sunda slow lorises
Birds: grey-headed swamphen, little cormorant
Reptiles: bent-toed gecko, leaf-toed gecko
Best Time to Visit: November to May
Timings: 8 am to 4 – 4:30 pm
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 579 INR
- Kids (3-14): 289 INR (approx.)
6. Tarutao National Marine Park
Located along Thailand’s western maritime border, Tarutao National Marine Park is the country’s first ASEAN Heritage Park.
Tarutao is a must-visit Thailand park for anyone wanting to experience a day in an offbeat location in Thailand. With 51 islands and three archipelagos, they all offer secluded Thai beaches, calm waters, and a slow lifestyle.
Things to Do in Tarutao
- Check into charming island bungalows.
- Explore via an MTB.
- Kayak through mangrove forests.
- Snorkel offshore reefs
Mammals: mouse deer, sea otters
Marine Animals: Irrawaddy dolphins, sperm whales
Birds: Nicobar pigeons, masked finfoot
Best Time to Visit: November to May
Yearly Duration: 1st October to 31st May
Timings: 8:30 am – 4 pm
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 579 INR
- Kids (3-14): 289 INR (approx.)
7. Kaeng Krachan National Park
Spanning 2,914 km², Kaeng Krachan is the largest national park in Thailand. Besides its rich wildlife, a kaleidoscope of butterflies is frequently seen clustering at mineral-rich spots during winter and the dry seasons.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaeng Krachan boasts raw wilderness, immersive forest environments, and diverse biodiversity.
One of the best national parks in Thailand for forest camping is Kaeng Krachan, where you can rent camping gear for an overnight stay.
Things to Do in Kaeng Krachan
- Forest camping.
- Small waterfall hikes.
- World-class birdwatching.
Mammals: black leopards, sun bears
Birds: racket-tailed treepies, hornbills
Reptiles: Asian forest tortoises, clouded monitors
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Timings: 5 am to 5-7 pm
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 869 INR
- Kids (3-14): 434 INR
- Vehicles: 86 INR
- Per Night Stay: 86 INR (approx.)
8. Khao Yai National Park
Tucked deep in mainland Thailand, Khao Yai is part of the UNESCO-listed Dong Phayayen Khao Yai Forest Complex, spanning five protected areas.
The natural features of Khao Yai include rainforests, evergreen forests, grasslands, reservoirs, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
Things to Do in Khao Yai
- Watch the sunrise at Pha Diew Dai viewpoint.
- Check out the Nong Phak Chi Observation Tower.
- Enjoy the sunset at Sai Sorn reservoir.
- Night safari
- Waterfalls
Mammals: elephants, barking deers
Birds: rufous-tailed robins, junglefowls
Reptiles: Chinese water dragons, Gibson’s wolf snakes
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 1158 INR
- Kids (3-14): 579 INR (approx.)
9. Ao Phang Nga National Park
A marine national park in southern Thailand, Ao Phang Nga is known for its islands, mangroves, sea caves, lagoons, and floating villages.
Things to Do in Ao Phang Nga
- Tour the famous James Bond Island.
- View centuries-old cave art at Khao Khian.
- Boat ride through mangroves.
- Explore limestone islands and lagoons.
- Observe floating villages (Koh Panyee).
Marine Animals: finless porpoises
Birds: mangrove pitta, Oriental pied hornbills
Reptiles: clouded monitors
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Yearly Duration: 15th October to 15th May
Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 869 INR
- Kids (3-14): 434 INR (approx.)
10. Mu Ko Similan National Park
The Similan Islands are an 11-island archipelago in the Andaman Sea and one of Thailand’s most popular diving destinations.
Mu Ko Similan showcases its rich marine ecosystem, teeming with pinnacles, soft and hard coral reefs, and rock formations.
Things to Do in Mu Ko Similan
- Scuba dive at the Richelieu Rock.
- Visit Donald Duck Bay.
- Snorkel at Sail Rock.
Marine Animals: leopard sharks, moray eels, hawksbill sea turtles
Birds: barn swallows, Pacific reef egrets
Reptiles: rock geckos, common butterfly lizard
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Yearly Duration: 15th Oct to 15th May
Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
Entry Fee:
- Adults: 1448 INR
- Kids (3-14): 724 INR (approx.)
Conclusion
Thai national parks reveal the side of a country that is beyond beaches and nightlife. Some of the unique experiences, such as boating across the emerald waters of Cheow Larn Lake and spotting Asian elephants in their natural habitat, can only be enjoyed here.
These national parks are the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, adventure seekers, people looking to reconnect with nature, and also families with kids.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, Dimaak Tours offers a variety of Thailand tour packages, with itineraries tailored to suit you and your family!
FAQs About National Parks in Thailand
1. Which is the best national park near Bangkok?
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khao Yai National Park is the closest one to Bangkok, as it is located around 180 km away.
2. Which national park is the best in Thailand?
National parks throughout Thailand are special for their own features. Here are a few of them and what makes them special.
- Khao Sok – Boating at Cheow Larn Lake.
- Kui Buri – Elephant safaris
- Mu Ko Similan – Scuba diving
- Kaeng Krachan – Large groups of butterflies
