Thailand is a country where nature is improbably green, with national parks hidden in every corner. Whether you adventure by boat or on foot, there is always something to discover, from wildlife to a variety of landscapes.
1. Khao Sok National Park
In southern Thailand, between Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak, lies Khao Sok National Park. This more than 160 million-year-old area consists of jungle, limestone cliffs, hidden caves and waterfalls and is home to a wealth of flora and fauna. The paradisiacal setting is home to tigers, elephants, gibbons, tapirs and an extraordinary number of bird species. The jungle is waiting to be explored, with many hiking trails leading to waterfalls and viewpoints. Adventure night safaris, multi-day jungle treks and canoe trips are also perfect ways to explore this park. The freshwater lake of Cheow Lan Lake is best explored by longboat. This boat takes you afterwards to your lake house: floating accommodation where you can spend the night in peace and where you can observe the lake awakening in the morning.
2. Doi Inthanon National Park
In the far north of Thailand lies Doi Inthanon National Park, which is part of the Himalayan Mountains. The Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is one of the trails that leads to the highest peak, Doi Inthanon. The trail winds up through dense forest, where towering trees are covered with ferns and moss. After a long climb, you will reach a small waterfall, followed by a path with unobstructed views of the surrounding golden hills. You will also see Phra Maha Dathu Naphamethinidon and Nabhapolbhumisiri along the way. Through a ridge overlooking blue-green mountains, you will reach the final point which lies at an altitude of 2565 meters: the highest point in Thailand! Here several mountain tribes still live authentically. Make a trek to one of the villages and spend a few days there. The park is covered by an impenetrable blanket of jungle with fast-flowing water and waterfalls. Doi Inthanon’s stunning nature is especially beautiful from December to mid-February, when the wild Himalayan cherry blossoms are in bloom. The park is also known for its rich bird life and wildlife.
3. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
Along the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan stretches Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand’s first maritime park and a paradise for nature lovers. Khao Sam Roi Yot means “Mountain with three hundred peaks” and refers to the limestone hills along the Gulf of Thailand. The park has a varied landscape, from vast white sand beaches and islands in the sea to cliffs with caves, forest trails, mangrove forests and freshwater marshes that are home to more than 300 species of birds. From the beaches, you can take a boat trip to spot Irrawaddy dolphins. Back on land, you can climb to magnificent caves and stunning viewpoints like Khao Daeng. Hidden deep in the mountains, Kaeo Cave and the slightly more accessible Sai Cave can be reached via trails through rugged jungle full of macaques. For the mystical Phraya Nakhon caverns full of stalactites and stalagmites, sinuous lianas and gnarled trees, you first take a trip by longtail boat, after which a steep wooded path leads you to the entrance.
4. Kui Buri National Park
Kui Burin National Park is one of Thailand’s magnificent large natural parks. The open grasslands and pristine forests are the country’s best place to spot wild elephants. While the majestic giants are used as a means of transportation in many parts of the country, here they still live undisturbed in the wild. By 4WD, you will trek into the rugged countryside with a ranger to the Huai Luek Wildlife Watching Area to quietly observe the intelligent animals. Chances are you will also see gaurs, golden jackals, leopards, deer, bantengs, langurs and many bird species during your safari. The park is rich in waterfalls of which Huay Dong Mai Fai is the largest. This impressive waterfall has 15 different levels, including some perfect for a refreshing swim.
5. Huai Nam Dang National Park
Huai Nam Dang National Park has picturesque ridges, deciduous forests, waterfalls and hot springs. It is one of Thailand’s larger parks, north of Chiang Mai. In the colder months, the sunrises in this remote area are enchantingly beautiful. From the vantage points of Doi Kio Lom and Dong Chang, it is a spectacular sight as the morning sun rises above the soft white sea of mist that stretches across the valleys. Take a jungle trek to the various waterfalls and geysers right through the habitat of elephants, bears, tigers, macaques, sambar deer, mongooses, porcupines, civets, wild boars and many exceptional bird species.
Reasons enough for an unforgettable trip through Thailand. Where the world can’t find you…
