Wildlife & Waterfalls | Thailand’s top 5 National Parks

When you’re planning to travel to Thailand, it’s easy to get blinded by the idea of islands and beaches. However, Thailand has some stunning National Parks offering all kinds of wildlife adventures. Here’s a snapshot of Thailand’s National Parks to help you get inspired. Thailand is a tropical wonderland of jungles, waterfalls, mountains, beaches and islands. There are a few spectacular National Parks to visit during your Thailand holiday, so don’t miss out on the ones below:

Erawan National Park

The stunning, seven-tiered Erawan Falls are located near to both the River Kwai and Kanchanaburi, making them a logical stop if you’re exploring this area. The Falls are very fairytale, with sparking pools set against a chalk background. The park is popular with locals on the weekends, and this is probably the best time to visit to get a really interesting insight into local life.

Khao Yai National Park

This is Thailand’s oldest rainforest, only 4 hours from Bangkok. It’s probably the best place to spot wildlife in Thailand. During your Khao Yai trip, you might see wild elephants, tigers, bears, porcupines, gibbons, snakes and parrots. One great option is a sunset visit to the eerie bat caves, when thousands upon thousands of bats fly up into the dusk. You can also take a dip in the waterfall that Leonardo DiCaprio dove into during a scene in his movie The Beach.

Khao Sok National Park

This beautiful area is a perfect stop if you’re travelling from Bangkok down to the Thai islands. Again, expect enchanting rainforests and clear lakes. If you like, you can even stay in a floating lake house with your own personal rubber ring and canoe. You can trek through the Khao Sok jungle, past bamboo groves and giant trees, with monkeys swinging through the vines above.

Phang Nga Bay National Park

Phang Nga Bay is a true paradise, with tiny tropical islands floating in vast azure seas. Famous for its karst scenery, this bay is home to amazing underwater coral, so it’s perfect for both snorkelling and diving. The limestone formations are home to Bengal monitors, flying lizards, water snakes and different types of vipers. There’s more than 200 species that live in the mangrove forests so keep your eyes peeled! For a real castaway sensation, stay on Ko Yao Yai, a peaceful island with only a handful of rustic beach bungalows.

Ko Chang National Park

Ko Chang is located off the coast of south east Thailand, so it’s great for travellers heading for Cambodia or returning to Bangkok after a Cambodia trip. Much of the island is a mountain wilderness of waterfalls and dense tropical forests which has been relatively untouched by tourists. You can trek through the jungle on foot, and forest canopy tours are also available. Of course, Ko Chang also has beautiful palm-fringed beaches surrounded by colourful coral, so if you’re not feeling active you can simply swing in a hammock with a good book.

Kui Buri & Khao Sam Roi National Parks

A wildlife lover’s dream, Kui Buri is home to a large number of animals including elephants, sambar deer, water buffaloes and monkeys.  Located in the Tenasserim Hills in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Kui Buri is known to be one of the best elephant and gaur sighting in Thailand. With our Temple Caves & Elephant Herds of Pranburi trip you’ll head off with a guide and park ranger who will tell you all about the local flora and fauna, spotting elusive creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll also visit the Wildlife Friends Foundation to learn about the local rescued wildlife, from primates to tropical birds.

This trip also includes a visit to the Khao Sam Roi National Park that boasts wide swathes of sandy beaches, wildlife-filled marshes and around 300 impressive limestone peaks jutting from the calm waters. Khao Sam Roi means “The mountain with three hundred peaks” and refers to a series of limestone hills along the Gulf of Thailand. Probably the most memorable spot is the Phraya Nakhon cave, home to a small golden temple hidden inside, a place that looks like something out of Indiana Jones!