Kaeng Krachan National Park
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Location: the Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces
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Ticket price: 400 baht (~20 USD)
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Best time to visit: December to March
Waterfall in Kaeng Krachan National Park
Kaeng Krachan is the largest national park in Thailand situated near the border of the Tanintharyi Nature Reserve in Burma. The park has the characteristics of a tropical forest and is renowned for the dense morning mist that envelops the surroundings.
The park is also famous for its diverse wildlife, especially birds and butterflies. With over 400 bird species identified, including rare ones like the great hornbill, large herons, and storks. Additionally, various mammals such as leopards, wild dogs, bears, and elephants thrive here.
Visitors can explore the park by boating on its two large rivers or lakes. Kaeng Krachan National Park offers an engaging destination for various activities, including hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and mountain climbing.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
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Location: Kui Buri District of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
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Ticket price: 400 baht (~20 USD)
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Best time to visit: January and February
Majestic caves at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is renowned for its limestone hills. Its name means "mountain with 300 peaks." Many travelers come here to witness Phraya Nakhon Cave - a large cave housing a Buddhist pavilion.
This park is an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts, with around 300 bird species to see. If you're in Hua Hin, you can easily arrange a day trip to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The distance between Hua Hin and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is approximately 63-70 km. You can take a car from Hua Hin to this national park for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Kui Buri National Park
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Location: Kui Buri District in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
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Ticket price: 400 baht (~20 USD)
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Best time to visit: June and July
Herds of elephants at Kui Buri National Park
Kui Buri National Park is Thailand's wildlife-watching destination, particularly for observing elephants. At the Pa Yang substation, you can frequently see herds of elephants playing in the watering ponds.
Although self-driving is permitted in specific areas, exploring protected zones requires a guided tour. In reality, those tours commonly utilize pickup trucks or 4x4 vehicles. For those looking to stay overnight, accommodation choices vary from tent rentals to comfortable bungalows.
Khao Yai National Park
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Location: Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, and Prachinburi provinces
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Ticket price: 420 baht (~21 USD)
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Best time to visit: November to April
The first national park in Thailand
Khao Yai National Park was established in 1962 as the country's first national park. Situated within the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range, it has become a popular destination for hikers and mountain climbers. The park features diverse landscapes, including grasslands and tropical forests.
Particularly appealing to wildlife enthusiasts, the park is home to various species such as gibbons, leopards, monkeys, and elephants. Numerous waterfalls dot the park, with Haew Narok being the largest among them.
Erawan National Park
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Location: Kanchanaburi Province of western Thailand
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Ticket price: 300 baht (~15 USD)
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Best time to visit: November to February
The fast-flowing waterfall at Erawan National Park
One of the main attractions of Erawan National Park is Erawan Falls, a seven-tiered waterfall named after an elephant from Hindu mythology. You can climb up this waterfall and swim in the pools. Additionally, the park features numerous caves for you to explore.
The easiest way to get to the park is by taking a bus from Kanchanaburi, which takes about one and a half hours. There are multiple buses every day to make a convenient day trip. If you want to stay at Erawan National Park for more than a day, you can camp or rent a bungalow. The cost of camping for an adult at Erawan National Park is 600 baht (~18 USD/night).
Mu Ko Surin National Park
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Location: Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand
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Ticket price: 500 baht (~25 USD)
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Best time to visit: November to April
Pure water at Mu Ko Surin National Park
Mu Ko Surin is a preserved island group in the Andaman Sea, situated 60km away from the mainland. This national park is an excellent diving destination with clear turquoise waters, stunning coral reefs, and a variety of fish.
You can buy tours to explore this marine park or experience it on your own. Some of the islands offer camping facilities or bungalows for rent. This is the perfect destination if you're looking to unwind on the beach or indulge in underwater exploration.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
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Location: the Gulf of Thailand, near the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
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Ticket price: 200 baht (~10 USD)
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Best time to visit: November to April
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park seen from afar
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is a marine national park comprising 42 islands. The best way to explore this park is by taking a boat tour or renting your own vessel. Both motorboats and kayaks are popular choices here.
This national park is an ideal destination for sea lovers. In addition to various marine creatures, you can spot monkeys, iguanas, wild boars, and long-tailed macaques on the islands. The islands also feature mountains where you can embark on long hikes and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
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Location: Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand
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Ticket price: 400 baht (~20 USD)
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Best time to visit: November to February
The limestones at Ao Phang Nga National Park
Ao Phang Nga National Park stands out as one of the best national parks in Thailand. There are plenty of fascinating discoveries awaiting you in this park, so it's advisable to spend at least a few days here. The park encompasses a bay with 42 limestone islands, featuring beaches, limestone formations, caves, and lagoons to explore.
The most popular destination is James Bond Island, named after its appearance in "The Man With the Golden Gun." For cave exploration enthusiasts, consider joining a day trip to Koh Panak Cave by boat. The cost ranges from 1,000 baht (approximately 28 USD) to 3,000 baht (approximately 85 USD), depending on the time of year, tour company, and boat type.
Khao Sok National Park
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Location: Surat Thani Province in southern Thailand
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Ticket price: 420 baht (~21 USD)
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Best time to visit: November to April
Tourists boating at Khao Sok National Park
This national park situated in the Surat Thani Province displays rainforest and tropical jungle. It is recognized as the rainiest location in Thailand and contributes to a vast diversity of flora and fauna. Alongside hundreds of bird species, the park is home to wildcats, deer, tapirs, elephants, and boars.
One of the world's largest flowers, Rafflesia Kerri, is thriving exclusively in Khao Sok in Thailand. The dry season spanning from June to October is the best time to visit. Meanwhile, from April to June is the monsoon season which has frequent flooding and slippery trails.
Mu Ko Similan National Park
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Location: the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Phang Nga Province in southern Thailand
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Ticket price: 500 baht (~25 USD)
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Best time to visit: November to April
Mu Ko Similan National Park attracts a large number of tourists
Mu Ko Similan National Park is one of the best national parks in Thailand. This destination comprises 11 small islands, situated 70 km (43 miles) off the Andaman Sea coast. These granite islands have the impressive beauty of white sandy beaches and coral reefs.
From December to April, the sea is crystal clear with rolling waves, providing ideal conditions for snorkeling and surfing. Some islands such as Ko Miang and Ko Simlan have many hotels and large restaurants. You can join diving tours or opt for overnight stays aboard a boat to fully immerse yourself in this marine paradise. Diving tours in Mu Ko Similan National Park cost between 2,500 baht (about US$75) and 10,000 baht (about US$300).
Continue your reading journey with our piece on Thailand travel guide!
Above are the top 10 national parks in Thailand that promise unforgettable adventures for tourists. From lush rainforests to captivating marine landscapes, these parks offer a diversity of beauty and excitement. Let’s get on a journey with New Asia Tours to discover the hidden gems of these national parks. We are ready to support you in immersing yourself in the beauty of Thailand's natural wonders!
