Travelling To Thailand's National Parks

There's more to Thailand than its islands and beaches. If you venture further than Ko Samui and Phuket on your Thailand trip, you'll find some stunning National Parks offering all kinds of wildlife adventures.

Erawan National Park The stunning seven-tiered Erawan Falls are located near to both the River Kwai and Kanchanaburi, making them a logical stop if you’re exploring this area. The Falls are very fairytale, with sparking pools set against a chalk background. The park is popular with locals on the weekends, and this is probably the best time to visit, giving you a really interesting insight into local life.

Khao Yai National Park This is Thailand’s oldest rainforest, only 4 hours from Bangkok. It’s probably the best place to spot wildlife in Thailand. During your stay, you might see wild elephants, tigers, bears, porcupines, gibbons, snakes and parrots. One great option is a sunset visit to the eerie bat caves, when thousands upon thousands of bats fly up into the dusk. You can also take a dip in the waterfall that Leonardo DiCaprio dived into during a scene in ‘The Beach’. Read more here: http://www.thailandtravelplan.co.uk/khao-yai-national-park-tour.htm

Khao Sok National Park This beautiful area is a perfect stop if you’re travelling from Bangkok down to the Thai islands. Again, expect enchanting rainforests and clear lakes. If you like, you can even stay in a floating lakehouse with your own personal rubber ring and canoe. You can trek through the jungle, past bamboo groves and giant trees, with monkeys swinging through the vines above. For more information, follow this link: http://www.thailandtravelplan.co.uk/khao-sok-national-park-tour.htm

Pha Ngan Bay National Park This is a true paradise, with tiny tropical islands floating in vast azure seas. You’ll find amazing underwater coral, so it’s perfect for both snorkelling and diving. For a real castaway sensation, stay on Ko Yao Yai, a peaceful island with only a handful of rustic beach bungalows: http://www.thailandtravelplan.co.uk/ko-yao-yai-thailand.htm

Ko Chang National Park Ko Chang is located off the coast of south east Thailand, so it’s great for travellers heading for Cambodia or returning to Bangkok after a Cambodia trip. Much of the island is a mountain wilderness of waterfalls and dense tropical forests which has been relatively untouched by tourists. You can trek through the jungle on elephant back or on foot, and forest canopy tours are also available. Of course, Ko Chang also has beautiful palm-fringed beaches surrounded by colourful coral, so if you’re not feeling active you can simply swing in a hammock with a good book: http://www.thailandtravelplan.co.uk/ko-chang-island.htm

About The Author Khao Yai jungle trails. Island hopping to hidden paradise. Sleep in the Thai countryside and floating huts along the River Kwai. We'll help you build your very own Thailand adventure: http://www.thailandtravelplan.co.uk Stopping in Thailand as part of a bigger trip? We can organise your Round the World flights: http://www.travel-nation.co.uk