Thailand is known for Magical beaches which attract tens of millions of visitors every year and make it one of the most visited countries in the world and without a doubt the most favorite among "belly-back" vacation enthusiasts, but not many know that in addition to the golden sands and turquoise waters, Thailand also offers its visitors an abundance of national parks that together span Covering over 250 thousand square kilometers! These make it a great vacation destination also for lovers of trips and landscapes looking for an unforgettable vacation in the wild.
If you are among the members of the latter group, here are 10 places you don't want to miss:
Kaeng Krachan
The area of the park covers about 3,000 square kilometers, making it the largest national park in Thailand. During your visit, you can observe wild animals, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Kingdom of Siam near the border with its neighbor Burma, and be impressed by a variety of habitats that are home to thousands of species of animals and plants.
In the park, there are recommended hiking trails of various degrees of difficulty, the easy ones of which can certainly be a pleasant activity with the little ones, during which you can observe (with a little luck, of course) some of the most impressive animals that live in the area. Among others - brown bears, cheetahs, elephants, jackals, winged animals, insects and reptiles.
In addition to the many animals, you can enjoy an abundance of hidden corners throughout the vast park, observation points from which you can see a breathtaking view, beautiful waterfalls, dark caves and magical lakes that turn the place into heaven on earth.
Doi inthanon
In this park is the highest peak in Thailand which makes it one of the favorite places for backpackers. As such, crowds of hikers come to the park every day and if a day with sunny weather and good visibility comes your way - then this is an experience you won't want to miss.
In the park, there are routes that are suitable for fun family trips, along with routes that are more suitable for walkers, and if you do get to the highest point in Thailand, you can testify that it was not in vain - from the top of the mountain you can see a spectacular view that is unparalleled throughout the kingdom, and if you were lucky on a day with good visibility, Go fill the lottery. The reserve is indeed known for its rare and beautiful nature, but also as one where there are quite a few foggy days that make the arrival at the high observation point somewhat disappointing.
What else is in the park? Dense forests, carpets of green grass, beautiful waterfalls and countless species of animals and plants including hundreds of species of birds and butterflies in maddening colors.
A tip from us: at and near the top of the mountain the weather becomes somewhat cool. Take a windbreaker with you.
Khao Yai
The second largest national park in the Kingdom of Siam and if you wanted to see what a real rainforest is without going as far as northern Thailand - this is your chance to do so.
This is a site with magical views that you can visit as part of a day trip or dedicate a few days to it and enjoy the many points of interest scattered along it. In this case, you will want to spend the night in the area and for that you must plan the trip in advance, reserve accommodations and perhaps consider joining a local guide who will guide you through the winding paths of the park along with a fascinating explanation of the local history, animals and plants you will meet.
During the trip in the park, you will pass through wide carpets of grass, lush forests, caves and waterfalls with special plants and many species of animals that are usually hidden from the eyes of travelers, but with a little luck you will be able to meet them - elephants, black bears, monkeys, tigers, wild boars, deer and much more .
Doi Suthep-Pui
Another park that is considered one of the most central in Thailand, which covers over 250 square kilometers including three mountains with high peaks, tropical rainforests and several hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty.
The hiking trails will take you to beautiful spots throughout the park, where you can observe the natural wonders of the exotic country, magical waterfalls and ancient temples, the most famous of which is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which was established in the 14th century AD and is also a recommended observation point.
Other things to see - hundreds of species of birds, monkeys, wild boars, insects and amphibians. The Winter Palace Phu Phing Palace and the beautiful gardens surrounding it, the traditional village of Doi Pui with the opium museum which also presents the local history and a lovely souvenir market where you can buy handmade souvenirs.
Pang sida
Not far from the border of Thailand with Cambodia is one of the most special national parks where wild animals and a huge amount of butterflies fly in it and paint the air in many bright colors - a real feast for the eyes.
This is undoubtedly one of the most special places for the nature lovers in the group who travel with small children and want to win a reasonable chance of meeting animals during the trip and at the very least enjoy diverse vegetation that will help you take some especially photogenic pictures.
Among the animals that roam the park area - Asian elephants, monkeys of various species and without stressing, but also crocodiles roam nearby. Besides these there are quite a few species of birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Erawan National Park
This national park is known for the waterfalls in it that end in cool pools of water that will easily make you confused and think that you have arrived in a piece of paradise - this is the kind of places that star in cartoon postcards and look unreal, but they are real and how.
The famous waterfalls are actually a series of seven cascading waterfalls at the end of which is a pool where you can take a dip (don't forget to bring a towel!) and if you come across a typical Thai day (meaning: extremely hot and humid) then this is a welcome end to the walking route leading to this natural wonder.
If you intend to come to the area with small children or those who are not in the best shape, it is recommended to take into account that the walking paths are particularly slippery and if we take into account that they are not very short (about three kilometers of walking in the rain forests) - it is advisable to prepare accordingly and at least take appropriate walking shoes .
Chet Sao Noi
In free translation, the name of this park is "Seven Little Girls" and although in today's age it may be a little disturbing, it is actually seven small waterfalls that you will pass if you want to climb to the top of the mountain located within the park.
This is one of the most popular tourist centers among those traveling in the area Bangkok, fed up with the busy city and wants to enjoy some nature. In this case, the park, which is a total of about two hours' drive from the city, is a worthy retreat with fresh air and spectacular views.
In the park you can enjoy comfortable hiking trails, the magical waterfalls, natural pools where you can wade and also some beautiful observation points.
Tip from us: Listen to the local signage especially near the pools. Although some of the pools are shallow and allow relatively safe bathing, others are quite deep. Either way, keep an eye on the little ones and don't take your eyes off them, and of course, take a towel, a change of clothes, comfortable walking shoes, water and sunscreen from the sun and mosquitoes.
Nam Nao
A beautiful park with a spectacular combination of landscapes that are completely different from each other and allow travelers in the area to enjoy unique rock formations, rare animals and spectacular tropical vegetation.
During the trip in the park you can observe (and also climb) high mountains, enjoy the walking paths passing between impressive trees and tangled vegetation, pass rushing rivers, waterfalls and caves and meet wild animals.
Among the animals that travel, they have been reported throughout the park (the chance of meeting some of them is quite low) - Asian elephants, tigers and bears, but it is more likely to come across different species of monkeys, deer, winged animals and insects.
Khao sok
This nature reserve, although it is not the largest or the most visited, is the most beautiful in the Kingdom of Siam so if you like nature walks, this is one of the most recommended destinations to visit.
Among the animals you will meet in the park are monkeys, winged animals, butterflies and, according to rumors, even tigers, although it is hard to believe that the latter, which are considered quite rare, will roam the areas where the walking paths of the travelers pass.
You can also combine the trip to the reserve with an overnight stay in nature and turn the visit to the place into a special family bonding experience. Among the accommodations you can find in the area are also floating houses on the water that allow you to enjoy a 100% wild experience with a surround system courtesy of nature that never rests for a moment.
Tip from us: This is an area subject to heavy rains outside of the tourist season, so it is recommended to be updated before the visit.
Khao Sam Roi Yot
Last and definitely favorite on the list of recommended parks, is Khao Sam Roi Yut Park which is considered one of the smallest but nevertheless offers diverse habitats, magical landscapes and also some great beaches to spend time with your loved ones.
The name of the park in free translation is "the mountain with 300 peaks" and when you arrive in the area you will immediately understand why - you will be surrounded by green mountains with jagged cliffs and next to them white beaches with clear turquoise waters from which limestone rocks age.
In addition to the "300 peaks" and the beaches at their foot, you can walk between wetlands, water pools, caves and observation points as well as special man-made corners where mangrove ponds are also used for local cultivation of shrimp and much more.
The animals you are likely to see are mainly monkeys of various types, mongooses, birds and porcupines.
