Thailand is a country that prides itself on stunning landscapes and natural wonders. From towering mountains to tropical jungles, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights to see. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Thailand is to visit its national parks. With more than 100 national parks spread across the country, you are free to admire the beauty and scenery here.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the 10 most beautiful national parks in Thailand and what makes them so special. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip to Thailand, this guide is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the natural wonders of this amazing country.

Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai, founded in 1962, is the first national park in Thailand. Located in Central Thailand, just a few hours from Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park is a famous destination for both domestic and international tourists. Animals here are diverse and plentiful, some species you can see include the leopard, monkey, elephant, etc.

Khao Yai National Park is in the San Kamphaeng Mountain range, which is very suitable for climbing and hiking. While visiting Khao Yai National Park, you can see many waterfalls like Haew Narok – the most magnificent one.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon is among the most unique and beautiful national parks in Thailand. The park is located in Chiang Mia province, where the climate is cooler than the rest, so it is famous for its spectacular scenery. The highest peak in the park is Doi Inthanon mountain, which is 2565m above sea level. Standing on the top of the mountain, beautiful scenery appears in front of your eyes: lush forests, comfortable hills, waterfalls, and small villages that show a different aspect of Thailand.

Doi Inthanon National Park is a place for adventurous activities like hiking, cycling, and climbing. It is the unforgettable crown on a trip to Thailand.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Chiang Mia: Best Areas & Hotels

Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park is in Kanchanaburi province, where there is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand: Erawan waterfall. This 7-storey waterfall is named after an elephant in Hindu myth. Erawan waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and towering cliffs, making it an attractive tourist destination. In Erawan National Park, tourists can explore caves, walk through forests, or go camping overnight.

Tips from Trip & Wellness: The best way to travel to Erawan National Park is by bus from Kanchanaburi. Many buses go to the park every day, which is very convenient. While taking the bus, you will have lots of memorable experiences with the people in Thailand.

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is a large park in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The geographical location leads to the specific vegetation: mainly tropical forests and jungles. This place is home to many animals such as birds, horses, elephants, wild boars, etc.

While discovering Khao Sok National Park, you can participate in some activities across the forest like canoeing on Cheow Lan Lake or encountering elephants.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

If you are a lover of adventure climbing activities, the first destination you should think about is Khao Sam Roi Yot Park, where you can challenge yourself to climb limestone cliffs to watch the beautiful scenery. The park is in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, and it is the first marine park in Thailand. The park is known for its diverse landscapes from beautiful beaches with clear water and rich marine creatures to spectacular limestone mountains and wildlife.

One of the main attractions of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is the big Phraya Nakhon cave covering a Buddhist temple inside. In addition, the place is a popular spot for bird observers, with about 300 species of birds for you to explore. The best time to observe the migrant birds is in January and February.

Ao Phang Nga National Park

Exploring the national parks of Thailand without visiting Ao Phang Nga is indeed a mistake. Ao Phang Nga National Park is a coastal park in Phang Nga province. The park consists of a bay with 42 rocky islands, a beautiful coastline, impressive limestone cliffs, and spectacular caves. If you are a fan of the James Bond series, you probably know that a part of “The Man With the Golden Gun” was filmed there. Since that episode, this place has become one of the most impressive destinations, attracting a large number of tourists and being named by everyone as James Bond Island.

If you’re a fan of caving, you’ll want to take a day trip to Koh Panak Cave, which is accessible only by boat.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Kaeng Krachan is Thailand’s largest national park and is located on the border of Tanintharyi Nature Reserve. The park is mostly rainforest, famous for the morning mist that covers the peaks creating a hazy landscape. In addition, Kaeng Krachan National Park is home to extremely diverse fauna. During your visit to the park, you can encounter some rare animals such as leopards, elephants, bears, and porcupines.

While exploring Kaeng Krachan National Park, you can participate in many interesting activities such as boating, bird watching, or hiking.

Mu Ko Surin National Park

Mu Ko Surin, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the mainland, is an archipelago surrounded by the Andaman Sea. Normally talking about national parks is about climbing and hiking, but at Mu Ko Surin you can relax on the white sand beach or snorkel. The islands here also offer great snorkeling spots, with crystal clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and colorful marine life giving you breathtaking pictures.

In addition to snorkeling at a world-famous site like Richelieu Rock, you can join some island tours or explore on your own. Some small islands offer bungalows or camping.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, consisting of 42 islands, is in the Gulf of Thailand. The best way to get to the park is by boat. Several water sports and activities are popular like boating, snorkeling, and diving. Tourists can rent tents or bungalows if they would like to stay for more nights.

Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam National Park

The last national park that Trip & Wellness would like to introduce to you is Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam (or “Two Water Canal”). Although this is the smallest national park on the list, it is a destination worth noting when traveling to Thailand. Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam is a great place allowing you to observe nature thanks to its wild and diverse environment. The park lies at the edge of the Andaman Sea tidal currents, where the water changes from brackish water to freshwater and from slightly turbid to emerald green.

Read More: Top 9 Reasons Why Traveling To Thailand – the Land of Smiles