5 national parks to discover in Thailand

Thailand has many national parks for nature lovers and hikers, here are 5 parks to discover and some practical advice.

1. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park is located in the province of Chiang MaiThe site is located a few kilometres north-west of the city of Chiang Mai in the north of the country.

It has an area of 265 km² and is full of hiking trails.

There are almost 2000 species of ferns and flowering plants, almost 300 species of birds and 50 species of mammals.

This is a high altitude park, with average temperatures of 20-23°C which can drop to 6°C on winter nights around February, so warm clothing is required.

See our article on Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

2. Khao Yai National Park

Asian Elephant in Khao Yai

It is located north of Bangkok less than 3 hours away.

Khao Yai Park has an area of 2,168 km² and is one of the largest in the country.

The park has nearly 70 species of mammals including 250 wild elephants, leopards, deer, bears, tigers, wild pigs and macaque monkeys, gibbons and rare bat species.

You can do a lot of walking on your own, but for longer trips it is better to have a guide who can lead you to the most beautiful places and who knows the jungle and its dangers well.

See our article : Visit Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, complete guide

3. Khao Sok National Park

It is a park of 739 km² covered by the oldest rainforest in the world, with huge limestone mountains, deep valleys, lakes, caves, wildlife...

It is located in the south of the country in the province of Surat Thani.

Khao Sok National Park is home to many animals: 48 species of mammals, 311 different bird species, over 30 species of bats and countless reptiles and insects.

See our article : Khao Sok, discovering an extraordinary national park

4. Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park is located in the province of KanchanaburiIt has an area of 550 square kilometres and is just 2 hours drive from BangkokIt is one of the most visited parks in the country.

It is famous for its waterfalls and caves.

See our article : Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi

5. Lam Klong Ngu National Park

Lam Klong Ngu National Park Waterfall

This is the least known of the list, located next to Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province.

To visit the caves in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, it is necessary to plan the route, equipment and be in good physical condition in advance.

It is best to go with a local guide.

See : Lam Klong Ngu, national park in Kanchanaburi

Advice on how to prepare your trekking in Thailand

1. Don't leave without a good supply of water

This is obvious advice, but many people forget it.

Even for a short walk, it is best to bring a large bottle of water.

You are in a hot country, and you can get lost, so even if it adds a little weight to carry, think about it.

2. Choose a hike according to your ability

If you haven't done any sport for a long time, start by taking short walks for a few hours to get back into shape.

3. Check the weather

During the rainy season, between May and October, many parks are closed as the paths are dangerous.

It can be very cold in the north in winter, from November to February.

See : When to go to Thailand: by region

4. Be well equipped

Before you leave, you should choose your hiking equipment carefully, including good walking shoes, protection from the rain and a warm, light garment if you plan to visit the north of the country.

5. Do not take single-use plastic bags with you

As of 6 April 2022, plastic bags smaller than 36 microns, plastic food containers, cups, straws and cutlery are banned in Thailand's national parks.

Violators are liable to a fine of up to 100,000 baht (€2,734).

See : Thailand's national parks ban single-use plastics

Source: thainationalparks.com