National Parks In Thailand

For any traveler wishing to explore the wonders of nature, a Thailand National Park is an outstanding destination. There are many forest parks if you long to explore the tropical rainforest or travel deep into the wild jungle to see some of the exotic animals in Thailand. If you prefer scuba diving, snorkeling, or sea kayaking there are a number of national marine parks in the south and east of Thailand that are simply stunning.

In fact, Thailand has over 100 national parks, including more than 20 marine parks; each park in Thailand contains unique flora and fauna as well as basic amenities, including some bungalows with electricity and grounds for camping (even if you don’t bring your own tent.) Most of these parks are easily accessible and admission fees are relatively modest, though booking ahead is often recommended as some parks are very popular with Thai visitors, particular over long holiday weekends.

Eco-oriented activities at a national park in Thailand range from trekking, kayaking, nature photography, camping and snorkeling to spotting exotic birds and other animals in Thailand unlike those found elsewhere in the world.  However, simply relaxing and enjoying the pristine beauty of unspoiled Thai nature may be the most rewarding experience of all.

A few of Thailand’s more popular national parks are:

Khao Yai National Park is perhaps the most popular Thai park as it is just 200 km from Bangkok and the bucolic surrounding area features a variety of accommodation options, a variety of activities, and diverse wildlife that includes wild tigers, elephants, bears, and exotic birds, such as the giant hornbill.

Doi Inthanon National Park in Northern Thailand features Thailand’s highest peak and contains waterfalls and forests containing numerous species of orchid.  The area is also inhabited by indigenous hill tribe villagers.

Sam Roi Yot National Park is a favorite for bird watchers as the coastal region of the park features marshes that are home to a variety of waterfowl and other marine life.

Erawan National Park, located in Kanchanaburi Province in western Thailand, features a renowned seven tiered waterfall and a tropical forest that contains numerous wildlife species.

Marine parks include Koh Samet (conveniently located near Bangkok), Ang Thong Marine National Park (a favorite kayaking and snorkeling day-trip from Koh Samui), Tarutao Marine Park (the most remote and unspoiled of Thailand’s southern islands), and Ao Phang Nga National Park (a popular day-trip from Phuket that features unique limestone islands such as “James Bond Island” from the film The Man with the Golden Gun).

Wiang Kosai National Park

Wiang Kosai National Park

Established in 1981, the first national park of Phrae features rugged mOluuains and lush forest in Amphoe Long and Wang Chin of Phrae and Amphoe Thoen, Sop Prap and JUae Tha of Lampang. Among its 410 sqaure kilometres area, tourist can enjoy many beautiful natural attractions including Mae Koeng Luang and Mae Koeng Noi, Mae Chok Hot Spring. It is the country’s 35^th  national park.

Wiang Kosai National Park Geography

The park feature very steep valleys and rugged mountain whose rotation leans up to 80 degrees on average. Situated on average elevation of 800 metres above sea level, the park has the highest peak towering at 1,267 metres above sea level. Its rugged mountains is blanketed by dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest that originate many rivers namely Mae Koeng, Mae Chok, Mae Sin and Mae Pak.

Wiang Kosai National Park Climate

The park has three seasons. The summer is from March to May. April is the hottest month with the maximum temperature at 39 degrees Celsius. From June to October is rainy season and winter is from November to February. December is the coldest month, may drop to 13 degrees in minimum.

Wiang Kosai National Park Flora and fauna

The northern part of the park is covered by dry evergreen forest, while its southern part is dominated by mixed deciduous forest. Its major plants include Afzelia xylocarpa, Dipterocarpus alatus, Diospyros pubicalyx, Lagerstroemia calyculata, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Xylia xylocarpa, teoone grandis , Bamboos and Calamus spp.. The park once was habitat for Sambar Deer, Tiger, Elephant, but now extinct after heavy hunting. Today, there are only small animals such as Common Muntjak, Common Wild Boar, Squirrel, Treeshrew. Different kinds of bird such as Sooty-headed Bulbul, Coppersmith Barbet, Common Tailorbird, Common Kingfisher and Magpie Robin which occupy the valleys and water sources.

Wiang Kosai National Park Attractions

• Mae Koeng Luang and Mae Koeng Noi Waterfall

The Wiang Kosai National Park is about 70 kilometres from the provincial town in Wang Chin district. It can be reached by taking Highway No. 11 (Phrae-Lampang). Then take a left turn toward Wang Chin district and continue for a further 13 kilometres to reach the turn to the park headquarters. A further 1.5 kilometres onwards are two waterfalls, the Mae Koeng Luang, one kilometer from the headquarters, and the Mae Koeng Noi, 2 kilometres on foot further on. Streams from the falls flow into the Yom River.

 Remark : Mae Keng Luang Waterfall close on 1 July – 31 October

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park acquires va st area of 1,262.40 square kilometres in Amphoe Wang Thong, Nakhon Thai and Noen Maprang of Phitsanulok and Amphoe Khao Kho and Wang Pong of Phetchabun, It features beautiful natural attractions namely caves, grassland,Waterfalls and various flora and fauna. The country’s 3^rd national park was established on January 29, 1963.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Geography

Rolling hills cover most area of the park leaving the western edge to rugged limestone range lies in  north-south direction . Khao Khae is the highest peak with 1,028 metres elevation above sea level. The watershed forest fills up many streams namely Huai Khek Yai, Huai Khek Noi, Lam Nam Thurn, Khlong Chomphu and Khlong Wang Thong.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Climate

From March to June is the hottest period with maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius. Rainy season is from July to October with annual rainfall of 1,700 millimetres on average. Winter, from November to February, is the perfect time to enjoy the nature in chilling temperature .

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Flora and fauna

The park comprises evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, coniferous forest and mixed deciduous forest. Interrupted with vast grassland and flower field, the forest of Thung Salaeng Luang has various significant plants include Pinus merkusii, Lithocarpus spp., Dipterocarpus alatus, Hopea odorata, Mangifera spp., Pometia pinnata, Afzelia sp., Teetona grandis and Pterocarpus macrocarpus. Wildlife found in the park includes Asian Elephant, Tiger, Sambar Deer, Common Muntjak, Macaque, Langur, Civet, Wild Boar and great variety of birds such as Drongo, Partridge, Kingfisher, Dove and Bulbul.

Tat Mok National Park

Tat Mok National Park

The National Park covers the area of 290 square kilometres in Phetohabun: It has been declared as the Thailand‘s national park since 1998. Tat Mok National Park has a huge waterfall  fed by streams flowing down cracks and crevices of the mountains creating a beautiful waterfall.

Tat Mok National Park

Tat Mok National Park Geography

The National Park features rugged mountain range. It also gave birth to the main tributaries of the Mae Nam Pa Sak and Mae Nam Chi.

Tat Mok National Park Flora and fauna

Mixed deciduous forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest and dry evergreen forest blankets the National Park with various plants such as Hopea odorata, Dipteroearpus alatus, Xylia xylocarpa, Teetona grandis, Lithocarpus spp ., Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Lagerstroemia ealyeulata and Bamboos. The National Park is home to wildlife such as Macaque, Serow, Wild Boar, Common Muntjak and different kinds of birds such as Orongo and Nightjar.

Tat Mok National Park Attractions

• Tat Mok Waterfall. Very beautiful waterfall originates from Tat Mok Mountain. It has only one level with its 200-300 metres high from the ground.

• Song Nang Waterfall . The Waterfall, a border of the Tat Mok National Park to Nam Nao National Park flows to meet Mae Nam Pa Sak. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and various kinds of trees.

Getting there

Tat Mok National Park,To access there, drive from Phetchabun’s town to the east for 12 kilometres to Ban Chaliang Lap, then take a right turn onto Highway No. 2275 (Ban Nam Ron). After just 200 metres is a left fork leading to an access to Ban Chaliang Lap route for a distance 19 kilometres to car park., then walk for a distance of 2 kilometres to access the waterfall.

Taksin Maharat National Park

Taksin Maharat National Park

Amidst the lush jungle and abundant wildlife, the park has unique landscape of stone arch and the country’s largest tree. Historian assumed that ancient army once roamed this area during the war time. Established in 1981, the park was initially named “Ton Krabak Yai National Park” to show the park’s landmark which is a huge Krabak tree or great Anisoptera costata. It was renamed into Taksin lUaharat National Park in 1986 to honour King Taksin the Great who once ruled Tak province. The national park acquires total area of 149 square kilometres.

Taksin Maharat National Park

Taksin Maharat National Park Geography

Situated on Thanon Thongchai Range, the park features rugged mountainous landscape with tiny plain. At its middle region, its highest peak towers at 1,027 metres elevation above sea level and slopes down to all direction.

Taksin Maharat National Park Climate

The park has quite comfortable weather all the year round with mean temperature at 22 degrees Celsius. It rains heavily in August till October. The temperature could drop to 6 degrees during the winter, from November to January.

Taksin Maharat National Park Flora and fauna

Dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest and deciduous dipterocap forest covers around Great Krabak tree and natural stone arch. Its major plants include Anisoptera costata, Baccaurea ramiflora and Toona ciliata for instance. Coniferous forest occupied the land at the elevation above 700 metres. Wildlife found in the park include mammals, birds and insects such as Common Muntjak, Sambar Deer, Civet, Palm Civet, Wild Boar, Squirrel, Mongoose, Treeshrew, Green Pigeon, Ashy Drongo, Scarlet Minivet, Sooty-headed Bulbul, Black-naped Oriole, Great Barbet , Plaintive Cuckoo, Barn Swallow, Spotted Dove, Greater Coucal, Collared Scops-Owl, Olive-backed Sunbird, Oriental Whiteeye, Paris Peacock and Common Birdwing.

Si Satchanalai National Park

Si Satchanalai National Park

Si Satchanalai National Park acquires 213.20 square kilometres area in Amphoe Si Satchanalai and Thung Saliam of historyrich province of Sukhothai. The country’s 26^th  national park ltlaS established in 1981.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park. Located in Tambon Nong Satchanalai District of portraying Oh, and Ta Chai. District Satchanalai. Sukhothai.

Si Satchanalai National Park Geography

Rugged mountains and rock cliffs dot around the area. The high mountains such as Doi Mae Wang Chang and Doi Mae Mok lie from the north to the south on its western edge at the elevation range between 300-1,200 metres above sea level, leaving the plain at by Yom River. The forest is watershed of many streams such as Huai Sai Khao, Huai Mae Tha Phae, Huai Mae San, Huai Pha Cho and Huai Manao. Climate The climate in the park does not different from the nearby area. It has hot summer and wet rainy season. In winter, the coldest month is between December and February.

Si Satchanalai National Park Flora and fauna

Mixed deciduous forest acquires 93.4 percent of the total area, covering steep valleys, slopes and by the creek. The remaining area belongs to the deciduous dipterocarp forest which houses of Shorea obtusa, S.siamensis, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Lagerstroemia calyculata, Schleichera oleose and hill evergreen forest where Castanopsis acuminatissima, Dipterocarpus turbinatus and Helicia sp. are found. Lush forest, rugged mountain and crisscrossing streams make the park a perfect place for wildlife. Often found wildlife includes Northern Treeshrew, Common Wild Boar, Variable Squirrel, Macaque, Asian Golden Cat, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Hawk and Bat. The rare species animal in the park include Serow, Common Muntjak, Sambar Deer, Porcupine, Big-headed Turtle, Tiger, Great Hornbill, Langur and white-handed Gibbon. Number of endangered species such as Asian Elephant and Guar are declining

Si Satchanalai National Park Attractions

• Tat Dao Waterfall. The beautiful is originated from Huai Mae Tha Phae Stream that falls 30 metres, through 3 steps, to the deep pool below. It is 3 kilometres from the park’s headquarters.

• Tat Duean Waterfall. The small waterfall is some 10 metres high. The stream snakes into deep pool where people can enjoy swimming. It is only 300 metres from the park’s headquarters.

• Huai Sai Khao Waterfall . The 7 steps waterfall is situated tranquil valley, 3 kilometres from the headquarters.

• Tara Wasan Cave. Situated only 1.5 kiometres from the headquarters, the cave has beautiful formation of stalagmit es and stalactites. Plenty of flora and fauna, such as Chan Pha and Southern Serow are found around the area.

• Khang Khao Cave. The beautiful cave is home to hundred thousands of bat. It is 20 kilometres from the headquarters. Moreover, the park features many natural attractions such as Huai Pha Cho Waterfall, Viewpoint from Doi Mae Wang Chang.

Getting there

From Sukhothai, motorist can use highway 12, bypassing the provincial town for 15 kilometres, then turn right in to highway 1113 and then 1294. The park is 100 kilometres from downtown Sukhothai.

Or the motorist can use highway 101 to Si Satchanalai, turn left at Si Satchanalai Hospital to the highway 1035 and get on highway 1294 to the park. This route is 122 kilometres.