Top 5 National Parks

Thailand has 155 national parks and over 1,200 protected areas, covering about 18% of the land area. The entrance fee for foreigners has been uniformly 300 Baht (about 8 €) since 2024 — half for children.

1. Khao Sok (Surat Thani)

The oldest evergreen rainforest in the world — 160 million years old, older than the Amazon. The Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) with its dramatic limestone cliffs rising from emerald green water is one of Thailand's most spectacular landscapes. Overnight stays in floating bungalows on the lake. Here you can find the Rafflesia and, with luck, wild elephants, gibbons, langurs, and over 300 bird species.

2. Erawan (Kanchanaburi)

Famous for its seven-tiered waterfall, whose turquoise pools invite you to swim (yes, you can go in!). The top tier is said to resemble the three-headed elephant Erawan from Hindu mythology. Easily accessible as a day trip from Bangkok (3 hours). Best during the rainy season (June–October) when the waterfall carries the most water.

3. Doi Inthanon (Chiang Mai)

Thailand's highest mountain (2,565 m) with misty forests, waterfalls, and two royal pagodas at the summit. In the morning, it can drop below 5°C here — bring warm clothing! The Hmong and Karen villages on the way to the summit offer insight into the life of the hill tribes. Excellent for bird watching.

4. Mu Ko Similan (Phang Nga)

The Similan Islands are among the best diving areas in the world: Crystal clear water (30 m visibility), healthy coral reefs, manta rays, whale sharks. The park is only open from October to May (monsoon!). There are simple accommodations on two of the nine islands — reserve early. Snorkelers will enjoy Ko Miang and Ko Similan.

5. Khao Yai (Nakhon Ratchasima)

Thailand's oldest national park (1962), UNESCO World Heritage, and only 3 hours from Bangkok. Over 2,000 km² of monsoon forest with elephants, gibbons, hornbills, pythons, and even some tigers. The Haew Narok Waterfall (150 m) is the highest in the park. Night hikes (Night Safari) offer the chance to see nocturnal animals — sambar deer, civet cats, with luck a bear.