Thailand National Parks Guide: The 15 Best Parks for Wildlife, Hiking, and Scenery

Byramita

Thailand has 147 national parks, covering approximately 22% of the country’s land area. They range from misty mountain peaks to underwater coral reefs, from limestone caves to ancient rainforests. As a Thai who has visited more than 40 of these parks, here is my guide to the 15 best, organised by region.

General Information

  • Entrance fees (foreigners): 200-500 THB ($5.70-$14.30 USD) per park. Some smaller parks charge 100 THB. Fees for children (under 15) are half price.
  • Entrance fees (Thai citizens): 20-50 THB. The dual-pricing system is controversial but standard practice in Thailand.
  • Annual pass: Not available for foreigners. If you plan to visit multiple parks, budget 300-400 THB per park.
  • Hours: Most parks are open 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Some have extended hours for sunrise/sunset viewing.
  • Best time to visit: November to February (cool, dry season). Marine parks are closed May-October.

Central Thailand

1. Khao Yai National Park

Thailand’s first and most famous national park. Wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and thundering waterfalls. 3 hours from Bangkok. UNESCO World Heritage Site. See our Day 21 guide for full details.

  • Entrance: 400 THB ($11.40 USD)
  • Highlights: Haew Narok waterfall, Haew Suwat waterfall, wildlife spotting, jungle trekking, KM 33 viewpoint.
  • Best for: Wildlife, day trip from Bangkok, families.

2. Erawan National Park (Kanchanaburi)

Home to the famous seven-tier Erawan Falls. Each tier has a natural swimming pool with turquoise water. Easy hiking trails connect all seven levels. See our Day 22 waterfall guide for details.

  • Entrance: 300 THB ($8.50 USD)
  • Highlights: Seven-tier waterfall, swimming pools, jungle trails, fish that nibble your feet.
  • Best for: Swimming, families, easy access from Bangkok.

Northern Thailand

3. Doi Inthanon National Park

Home to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565 metres). The park features cloud forests, waterfalls, Karen hill tribe villages, and the famous King and Queen pagodas. In the cool season (November-February), temperatures can drop to 5°C at the summit.

  • Entrance: 300 THB ($8.50 USD)
  • Location: 100 km southwest of Chiang Mai (2 hours by car).
  • Highlights: Summit of Thailand (2,565m), King & Queen Pagodas, Sirithan and Wachirathan waterfalls, Karen villages, Ang Ka nature trail (cloud forest).
  • Best for: Cool weather, photography, bird watching (over 360 species).
  • Tip: Bring a jacket — it can be genuinely cold at the summit. Hire a guide at the visitor centre for the best experience.

4. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

The mountain directly behind Chiang Mai city. Contains Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (the most famous temple in northern Thailand), Hmong hill tribe villages, and several waterfalls. Easily accessible by songthaew from the city.

  • Entrance: 100 THB ($2.85 USD)
  • Highlights: Doi Suthep temple, Bhubing Palace (royal winter residence, gardens open to public), Monthathan waterfall, Hmong village.
  • Best for: Easy access from Chiang Mai, half-day trips.

5. Doi Luang National Park (Chiang Rai)

Less visited than Doi Inthanon but equally beautiful. Contains the Pu Kaeng Waterfall (three tiers with swimming pools), caves, and forest trails. The park is quieter and more off-the-beaten-path.

  • Entrance: 200 THB ($5.70 USD)
  • Highlights: Pu Kaeng waterfall, Pha Tong viewpoint, jungle trails, caves.
  • Best for: Quiet hiking, escaping crowds.

Southern Thailand — Andaman Coast

6. Khao Sok National Park

One of the oldest rainforests in the world — estimated to be older than the Amazon. The park’s centrepiece is Cheow Lan Lake, a stunning turquoise reservoir surrounded by limestone karsts. You can stay in floating raft houses on the lake. Wildlife includes gibbons, hornbills, wild elephants, and the rare Rafflesia flower (the world’s largest flower, blooming October-December).

  • Entrance: 300 THB ($8.50 USD)
  • Location: Between Surat Thani and Khao Lak, 1.5 hours from each.
  • Highlights: Cheow Lan Lake (raft house stays 1,500-3,000 THB / $43-$86 USD per night), jungle trekking, cave exploration, wildlife.
  • Best for: Adventure, unique accommodation, nature immersion.
  • Tip: Book a 2-day/1-night package at Cheow Lan Lake through a tour operator. It includes the longtail boat transfer, raft house accommodation, all meals, and guided activities.

7. Ao Phang Nga National Park

The bay of limestone karsts made famous by James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan). Best explored by longtail boat or sea kayak. The park contains sea caves (hongs), mangrove forests, and hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak at certain tides.

  • Entrance: 300 THB ($8.50 USD)
  • Location: Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket and Krabi.
  • Highlights: James Bond Island, Koh Panak (sea caves), Koh Hong (hidden lagoon), mangrove forests.
  • Best for: Sea kayaking, boat tours, photography.
  • Tip: Skip the James Bond Island tour (overcrowded and underwhelming). Instead, book a sea kayaking tour that takes you through the hongs (hidden lagoons inside the karsts) — this is the real magic of Phang Nga Bay.

8. Mu Ko Similan National Park

The Similan Islands — Thailand’s best marine national park. World-class diving and snorkelling. See our Day 24 diving guide for full details.

  • Entrance: 500 THB ($14.30 USD)
  • Season: November to April only. Closed May-October.
  • Best for: Scuba diving, snorkelling, liveaboard trips.

Southern Thailand — Gulf Coast

9. Ang Thong National Marine Park

An archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, near Koh Samui. The park inspired the novel and film “The Beach.” It features limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches, and excellent snorkelling. Day trips from Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

  • Entrance: 300 THB ($8.50 USD)
  • Location: 30 km west of Koh Samui.
  • Highlights: Koh Wua Talap (viewpoint, Emerald Lake), Thale Nai (enclosed lagoon), snorkelling, kayaking.
  • Best for: Day trips from Koh Samui/Koh Phangan, snorkelling, photography.
  • Cost: Day tours from Koh Samui: 1,500-2,500 THB ($43-$71 USD) including park fee, lunch, and activities.

10. Tarutao National Marine Park

The most remote and pristine marine park in Thailand, located in the far south near the Malaysian border. 51 islands with white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and rainforest. Koh Lipe (the only inhabited island) is the base for exploring the park. Very few tourists compared to the Similans or Ang Thong.

  • Entrance: 200 THB ($5.70 USD)
  • Location: Satun Province, near the Malaysian border. Ferry from Pak Bara pier (2 hours) or from Langkawi, Malaysia.
  • Highlights: Koh Adang (waterfall, viewpoint), Koh Rawi (pristine beaches), snorkelling, jungle trekking on Koh Lipe.
  • Best for: Escaping crowds, pristine beaches, serious snorkelling.

Western Thailand

11. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Thailand’s most important wildlife reserves. This is one of the few places in Thailand where tigers still roam. Access is restricted — you need a permit from the Royal Forest Department. For serious wildlife enthusiasts only.

  • Entrance: Permit required. Contact the Wildlife Conservation Office.
  • Best for: Serious wildlife research, bird watching.

12. Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary

Adjoining Huai Kha Khaeng, this is the largest protected area in Thailand. Contains Thi Lo Su waterfall (see Day 22). Remote, pristine, and difficult to access — the adventure is getting there.

Eastern Thailand

13. Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park

A small but beautiful park between Bangkok and Pattaya. Features a 3-tier waterfall with swimming pools, and the Khao Wong caves (a series of 5 limestone caves with Buddhist shrines). Great for a day trip from Bangkok or Pattaya.

  • Entrance: 200 THB ($5.70 USD)
  • Highlights: Khao Chamao waterfall (swimming), Khao Wong caves.
  • Best for: Day trip from Bangkok/Pattaya, families.

Northeastern Thailand (Isaan)

14. Phu Kradueng National Park

One of Thailand’s most beloved national parks for Thai people. A flat-topped mountain (mesa) accessed by a 5.5 km trail (about 3-4 hours of hiking). At the top, there are pine forests, waterfalls, and a 60 km network of trails. Many Thai visitors camp at the summit for 1-2 nights.

  • Entrance: 400 THB ($11.40 USD)
  • Location: Loei Province, northeastern Thailand.
  • Highlights: Summit plateau, waterfalls (Pha Nam Yoi, Phen Phop Mai), pine forests, cliff viewpoints (Pha Mak Duk, Pha Yiap Mek).
  • Best for: Hiking, camping, cool weather (December-February).
  • Tip: Porters are available to carry your luggage to the top (about 300 THB / $8.50 USD per porter). Book in advance during peak season (December-February).

15. Pha Taem National Park

On the Mekong River, this park features ancient cliff paintings (3,000-4,000 years old), mushroom-shaped rock formations, and spectacular sunrise viewpoints over the Mekong. Very few foreign tourists. A wonderful off-the-beaten-path destination.

  • Entrance: 200 THB ($5.70 USD)
  • Location: Ubon Ratchathani Province, northeastern Thailand.
  • Highlights: Prehistoric cliff paintings, Pha Taem viewpoint (sunrise over the Mekong), Sao Chaliang rock formations.
  • Best for: Off-beat travel, sunrise photography, cultural history.

Tips for Visiting Thai National Parks

  1. Go early. Parks open at 6:00-7:00 AM. Wildlife is most active at dawn, and you avoid the heat and crowds.
  2. Bring your passport. It is required for the entrance fee verification and differential pricing.
  3. Check seasonal closures. Marine parks (Similan, Surin, Tarutao) close from mid-May to mid-October. Some trails in northern parks close during burning season (March-April).
  4. Book accommodation early. Popular parks like Khao Yai and Doi Inthanon have limited bungalows and campsites. Book through the Department of National Parks website (dnp.go.th).
  5. Hire a guide for wildlife. Without a guide, you will see trees. With a guide, you will see gibbons, hornbills, and possibly elephants.
  6. Respect the rules. Do not feed wildlife, do not pick plants, stay on marked trails, and take all rubbish with you.
  7. Be prepared for leeches. In the rainy season (June-October), leeches are common. Wear leech socks (available at park offices for 100 THB / $2.85 USD).

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