A Guide to National Parks in Thailand

Located just two to three hours from Bangkok by car, Khao Yai is the country’s oldest and perhaps best-known national park. Famous for an abundance of elephants, gibbons, deer and other animals, it’s among our top destinations for wildlife lovers in Thailand.

Many Khao Yai National Park tours include hikes through the mountains and trips to waterfalls like the towering Haew Narok or the smaller Haew Suwat. We also recommend night safaris to spot nocturnal wildlife such as porcupines, civets, owls and bats.

Nearby you’ll find one of Thailand’s first wineries: PB Valley Khao Yai. It’s well worth stopping here for a tour of the lovely vineyards and a tasting of its award-winning wines to complement your adventures within the national park.

Khao Sok is set in the southern part of the country and known primarily for the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake. You can paddle across its shimmering waters in a kayak or canoe, gazing up at staggering limestone karsts and jagged cliffs along the way.

In addition to boating excursions and swimming in Khao Sok’s lake, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on land. Hike through the forest in search of spectacled langurs, Malayan sun bears and perhaps even a rare clouded leopard, if you’re lucky.

Tours of Khao Sok National Park can also be combined with a few days of coastal relaxation in nearby Phuket. Its distinctive combination of water-based adventures, impressive wildlife and ancient rainforest makes it one of our favourite national parks in Asia.

Renowned for its large population of elephants, Kui Buri is one of the best places to go in Thailand to spot these majestic animals in the wild. There are more than 300 of them living within the park’s borders, making sightings exceptionally common.

There are also plenty of other interesting species to see here, such as gaurs (or Indian bison), golden jackals, gibbons and several notable birds. The best time to visit for wildlife sightings is the late afternoon, when guided tours are available from the Huai Luek Ranger Station.

While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the local village to learn about traditional craftsmanship and farming. Kui Buri is less than four hours from Bangkok by car and less than two hours from the seaside town of Hua Hin.

Khao Sam Roi Yot offers an alluring trifecta of beaches, birdlife and the incredible Phraya Nakhon Cave. The latter is an enormous cavern known for its natural skylight and royal pavilion. When the sun hits the ornate structure each morning, the scene is nothing short of cinematic.

Beautiful white sand beaches are within walking distance of Phraya Nakhon and the many other intricate caves that surround it. The park also contains extensive wetlands, marshes and mangrove forests, which you can explore by boat.

Avid birders will appreciate the hundreds of avian species that can be seen in the park, including many migratory waterbirds. You might also spot monkeys, porcupines and dolphins during your visit, along with various other animals.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is close to both Hua Hin and Kui Buri National Park, so you can easily visit all three destinations while you’re in this part of Thailand.

The remote Similan Islands are set off the western coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and encompassed by Mu Ko Similan National Park. The main attraction here is the world beneath the surface: an array of brilliant coral reefs home to tropical fish, sharks, rays, sea turtles and more.

Go snorkelling or scuba diving in the turquoise waters around the islands to spot as many marine species as possible. The best time of year for underwater activities is December through April, and the park is closed from mid-May to mid-October each year.

We also suggest spending some time sunbathing on the islands’ white sand beaches and walking to scenic viewpoints like Sail Rock. 

You can visit Mu Ko Similan on a day trip from Phuket or Khao Lak, or opt for an overnight boat trip if you want even more time to fully enjoy the archipelago.

The best time to visit Thailand’s national parks is generally during the dry season from November to February, although weather conditions can vary across the country.

Some parks or specific attractions within them are closed at certain times of year. For instance, some viewpoints, trails and tourist areas shut down for one or more months during the rainy season. Our team can help you choose when to visit to avoid these annual closures.

Most national parks can be reached by car from major hubs like Bangkok or Phuket. We can arrange private transfers to ensure that each journey is smooth and comfortable. 

We often recommend including national parks on honeymoons, wellness tours and family trips to Thailand, especially if you’re hoping to enjoy the country’s nature and wildlife. Consult with our travel designers to determine which parks are the best match for your interests and itinerary.