5 Best National Parks To Explore In Thailand In 2023
For those travelers wishing to explore beautiful nature in its unspoiled state, Thailand is one of the best countries to choose from. The country has 156 national parks, 58 wildlife sanctuaries, 67 non-hunting areas and 120 forest parks. In fact, these spectacular protected areas cover almost 31 percent of the kingdom’s territory. Due to such an amazing selection to choose from, here are five top national parks and forest parks to explore in Thailand in 2023. For convenience, distances from major cities are included.
1. Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
Distances: Bangkok 180 km (112 mi), Ayutthaya 120 km (75 mi), Saraburi 65 km (40 mi)
Khao Yai was Thailand’s first official national park and was established in 1962. Meanwhile, it is also the third-largest park in the country. Meanwhile, the park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and has an amazing array of wildlife. In fact, Khao Yai is home to deer species, elephants, hornbills, gibbons, macaques, porcupines, civets and many bird species. Moreover, wildlife and birdlife can easily be seen while traversing a series of hiking trails that often pass beautiful waterfalls.
2. Khao Sok National Park
Distances: Phuket 160 km (99 mi), Krabi 150 km (93 mi), Ko Samui 220 km (137 mi)
Located in the south of the country, Khao Sok National Park is among the most popular in Thailand. What makes it so famous is its striking limestone cliffs, with caves waiting to be found. Meanwhile, its tropical forests and hiking trails are wonderful to explore, as are the fascinating raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake pictured above.
3. Kui Buri National Park, Thailand
Distances: Hua Hin 85 km (53 mi), Bangkok 280 km (174 mi), Kanchanaburi 280 km (174 mi)
The closest city to the national park is Hua Hin, making Kui Buri the perfect spot for elephant sightings in its wildlife-watching area. In fact, visitors are 100 percent likely to spot wildlife on any day of the year. Moreover, besides the elephants, other commonly seen wildlife includes deer, gaurs, jackals, the Burmese hare and others.
4. Pran Buri Forest Park, Thailand
Distances: Hua Hin 25 km (16 mi), Phetchaburi 90 km (56 mi), Prachuap Khiri Khan 85 km (53 mi)
Pran Buri Forest Park features a small, mangrove forest, navigated via a convenient wooden boardwalk, as well as a beautiful quiet beach. Here, visitors can enjoy a boat tour through the mangrove forest, spotting a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and birds. Meanwhile, information huts are dotted throughout the park where visitors can find all they need to know about this beautiful natural area.
5. Ao Phang-Nga National Park
Distances: Phuket 35 km (22 mi), Krabi 50-65 km (31-40 mi), Khao Lak 70 km (43 mi)
Located off the coast of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi, Ao Phang-Nga National Park is famous for its iconic James Bond Island. Once known as Khao Phing Kan, the island earned fame in 1974 when it starred in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. Here, striking rock formations stand tall from the water, making this one of the best canoeing destinations in Thailand.
Read up on more of Thailand’s beautiful national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and forest parks on the country’s official website.