Thailand’s
national parks are the hidden gems of a country which has everything. Here are the top 10 most beautiful parks in Thailand to visit.
Namtok Phlio National Park
Just outside Chanthaburi you will find Namtok Phlio National Park. Without a foreigner in site, you will be greeted by nothing other than emerald green foliage and local Thais bathing in emerald pools. Be sure to bring a swimsuit, as there are plenty of pools to stop along your journey to cool off and swim with the local tourists…and fish. There are also plenty of food stalls and vendors leading up to the park, as well as bungalows available for rent — if you find yourself not wanting to leaving any time soon, they’ll have you covered.
Namtok Phlio National Park, Tambon Phlio, Amphoe Lam Sing, Chanthaburi, Thailand +66 39 434 528
KhaoYai National Park
Park
Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam
Just outside Krabi Province in southern Thailand is Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam, or “Two Water Canal.” Visitors follow crystal-clear canals along a wooden pathway that takes them further into the national park. The water is deep emerald due to the nearby seawater mixing with fresh water coming in from the nearby mountains. Mangrove trees compliment the water, growing from all sides of the canal and home both crabs and lizards.
Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam, Moo 2 Ban Nong Chik, Khao Khram, Thailand +66 87 707 6912
Pha Taem National Park
Park
Pha Taem National Park
Bordering Laos is the Pha Taem National Park. Look out onto the Mekong River as you survey the surrounding park, but be careful: there is little between you and the steep drop from the cliff’s edge. This is one of Thailand’s few national parks that not only has natural beauty and a variety of species but also historical roots; some 3,000-year-old designs, animal drawings and hand prints come together to tell a story on the cliffs.
Pha Taem National Park, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand +66 98 758 0696
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Park
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Strap on your hiking shoes because the only way to capture the beauty of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is by first climbing a steep, daunting cliff. If you’re not up for the challenge, boats are also available to take guests directly to the cave’s opening, but in doing so, you will miss out on some of the beautiful views the height of the climb offers you. After making the journey up the steep cliff, guests of the park are greeted by the beautiful Phraya Nakhon Cave, covered in stalagmites and home to a royal pavilion. The cave is also decorated with trees growing from its core that come together with roots dangling from the top. Located about three hours from Bangkok, this marine national park has everything an outdoorsy traveler could want, including panoramic ocean views.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand +66 89 782 6002
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park
Park
Erawan National Park
Park
Erawan National Park
About an hour outside the city of Kanchanaburi lies the beautiful Erawan National Park. One can spend an entire day exploring its seven levels of waterfalls, lounging in an emerald green pool or simply hiking the trails. Being that it is one of the more popular national parks in Thailand, you should visit during the week to avoid the throngs of tourists. If you don’t think you can see the entirety of the park in a day, there are bungalows available for rent to prolong your stay.
Erawan National Park, Tha Kradan Sub-district Kanchanaburi 71250, Thailand +66 34 574 222
Pranburi Forest Park
Forest, Park
