The 15 Best National Parks In Thailand For Wildlife

Are you looking for the best national parks in Thailand for wildlife? If so then you’re in the right place! Thailand is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, and the country’s national parks are some of the best places to see it.  Did you know that there are over 100 national parks in Thailand? The country is pretty big and covers a variety of landscapes; meaning each park is home to unique wildlife which can be enjoyed as you explore the parks.  So to make it easier for you we’ve pulled together the best 15 National Parks in Thailand for Wildlife.

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You’ll find many of the national parks located along the coast while others are in the mountainous regions of northern Thailand. Due to this, Thailand is home to a variety of species, including rare primates like gibbons and langurs, and marine animals such as sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks!

Wildlife Focused National Parks

Thailand’s national parks are a significant part of the country’s tourism industry and provide a source of income for local communities. By visiting these parks and engaging in responsible eco-tourism practices, you can support conservation efforts while experiencing the natural beauty of the country.

Thailand’s national parks are a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts and offer a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most rare and exotic wildlife. From the majestic elephants to the elusive tigers, the parks are home to a plethora of animal species that are protected and conserved by the Thai government.

15 Best National Parks in Thailand For Wildlife

Many of the national parks in Thailand offer guided tours and educational programs that promote awareness and respect for the local wildlife and environment. By taking a tour you can learn about the unique ecosystems found within the parks and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation efforts.

1.     Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park, located just a few hours away from the ancient city of Ayutthaya, is one of Thailand’s most impressive national parks. This park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and gibbons, making it a great destination for animal lovers.  In addition to its wildlife, Khao Yai is also famous for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails. You can explore the park’s many trails on foot or by bike, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.  Khao Yai, National Park is a great day trip either from Ayutthaya or from Bangkok, especially if you want some time out of the city.

If you don’t choose to travel independently, then there are some great single-day or multi-day trips available.  We recommend taking a look at what both GetYourGuide and Klook offer as they work with different providers and may have additional availability.

Visit Khao Yai National Park with Get Your Guide

See small group tours of Khao Yai with Klook

2.     Kaeng Krachan National Park

Kaeng Krachan National Park, a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts, is among the largest national parks in Thailand for wildlife seekers. It offers a habitat to a diverse range of animals, including black bears, tigers, and elephants.

If elephants are on your agenda, then I highly recommend heading to the Mondulkiri Elephant Sanctuary in Cambodia. Read more about that here.

This gorgeous Thai National Park also has stunning waterfalls and hiking trails that you can explore on foot or by bike while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.  To tour Kaen Krachan on a day trip you’ll need to be based in Hua Hin and be prepared for a long day, this is a great option to see the park.

The Kaeng Krachan Dam is a must-see attraction of the park, providing you with an opportunity to witness the park’s wildlife up close. A boat tour of the reservoir offers views of a variety of birds and crocodiles.  Kaeng Krachan National Park offers an unforgettable experience, from the incredible wildlife to the natural beauty of the waterfalls and hiking trails.

3.      Hat Chao Mai National Park

Hat Chao Mai National Park, situated in the southern Trang province, is one of the most picturesque national parks in Thailand for wildlife. The park is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, clear waters, and diverse nature.

During your visit to Hat Chao Mai you can take part in activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, while admiring the park’s wide variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and various bird species. 

One of the park’s main attractions is Pak Meng Beach, a stunning beach featuring clear waters and pristine white sand. Hat Chao Mai National Park is the ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, beach lovers, and adventure seekers looking to explore the beauty of Thailand’s natural environment.

4.     Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, located in Surat Thani province. With a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants and tigers, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s no surprise that this park is one of our favorites.

One of the most incredible sights in Khao Sok is Cheow Lan Lake, a beautiful reservoir surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs and rainforests. Take a boat tour to see the park’s amazing wildlife, such as hornbills and monkeys, while soaking up the stunning scenery.

For an unforgettable experience, stay at one of the floating bungalows on the lake and wake up to the sound of nature, a truly unique way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.

5.     Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

If you’re looking for the best national parks in Thailand for wildlife, then Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is definitely worth considering. This gorgeous park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province is home to a variety of wildlife, including macaques, langurs, and water monitor lizards.

Aside from its wildlife, Khao Sam Roi Yot is also famous for its stunning limestone hills, beautiful beaches, and the hidden temple inside Phraya Nakhon Cave.

You can go for a refreshing swim, explore the park’s mangrove forests, or take a guided trek through its trails for a chance to spot some of the park’s amazing creatures.

6.     Ko Chang National Park

If you are a wildlife enthusiast and searching for the best national parks in Thailand, then Ko Chang National Park in Trat province is a must-visit destination. This park is famous for its stunning coral reef surrounding the island, providing an incredible underwater experience for snorkelers and divers.  Even if you aren’t qualified, you can explore under the water here – this beginner session is perfect to see the marine park.

On land, the park boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, and several bird species. You can get up close with these amazing creatures by exploring the park’s jungle trails on a guided trek, or you can simply relax on one of the park’s many beaches.

Ko Chang is easy to reach – our guide on how to go from Bangkok to Koh Chang is here.

7.     Ob Khan National Park

Ob Khan National Park in Chiang Mai province is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking to experience Thailand’s beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife. The park’s Mae Khan River is a highlight, offering kayaking opportunities and stunning views of the lush greenery.  You can easily get into the park with this super day tour that’s suitable for most.

While kayaking, you may spot wild boars and barking deer or encounter a variety of bird species such as kingfishers and hornbills. Ob Khan National Park is a great place to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate the beauty of Thailand’s wildlife.

8.     Ao Phang Nga Bay National Park

Ao Phang Nga Bay National Park, located in Phang Nga province, is another must-visit destination for nature lovers in Thailand. This park is renowned for its magnificent limestone cliffs and mangrove forests, which provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.

One of the park’s most famous attractions is James Bond Island, which has gained popularity as a filming location. Visitors can explore the island’s stunning landscapes and take in the breathtaking views from its many lookout points.

For an unforgettable experience, join a guided tour through the park’s mangrove forests. You will encounter various fascinating wildlife species up close and learn about the importance of these unique ecosystems.

9.     Doi Inthanon National Park

If you’re seeking breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife encounters, you can’t miss Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province. The park is named after Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, and offers incredible vistas of the surrounding landscape.

The park is home to an array of wildlife, including rare animals and birds. You can discover the park’s many trails and witness these amazing creatures up close.

Doi Inthanon is also well-known for its waterfalls and picturesque viewpoints, attracting many tourists. No matter your level of fitness, you can find the perfect activity here, whether it’s a challenging hike or a relaxing walk.

10.  Mu Ko Surin National Park

Mu Ko Surin National Park, situated in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Phang Nga province, is undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most breathtaking national parks. Comprising five islands, the park boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with diverse marine life, including sea turtles and vivid coral reefs.

Besides its remarkable marine life, Mu Ko Surin is renowned for its picturesque beaches and hiking trails. Exploring the islands on foot, visitors can relish the stunning landscapes and spot a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.

11.  Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park comprises 42 islands located in the Gulf of Thailand, renowned for their picturesque limestone cliffs, tranquil lagoons, and sandy beaches.

The park features a diverse array of fauna including sea turtles, primates, and a wide range of bird species. Consider embarking on a guided tour to explore the islands and encounter some of the wildlife up close.

12.  Si Lanna National Park

Si Lanna National Park, situated in the northern region of Chiang Mai, is famed for its breathtaking scenery and rare wildlife, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts in Thailand. The park boasts an array of fauna, ranging from elephants and bears to a diverse range of bird species.

There are a variety of activities to engage in at the park, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The park offers multiple trails that provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Stunning views usually mean climbs, and then you have to get down as well. We always travel with a set of hiking poles, specifically for difficult descents.

A particular attraction of Si Lanna is the Mae Ngat Dam, a stunning reservoir that is surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains.

13.  Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park, located in the Kanchanaburi province, offers a refreshing escape from the heat with its stunning waterfalls and pristine forests. Visitors can explore seven tiers of waterfalls, each with its unique character and beauty.  Most visitors to this park base themselves in Kanchanaburi for the trip – here’s our guide to what else to see and do in Kanchanaburi.

The park also offers activities such as hiking and wildlife watching. The hiking trails provide breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and mountains while allowing visitors to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.  In Erawan National Park, you may also have the chance to see elephants, the gentle giants that roam the forests and graze in the meadows.

14.  Thung Salaeng Luang National Park

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is a breathtaking park situated in the Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces of Thailand. This park offers an idyllic getaway for nature lovers, boasting unique wildlife and picturesque landscapes.

The park is most famous for its vast fields of wildflowers, which bloom from November to February. However, visitors can also explore the park’s verdant forests and trek to several waterfalls, including the awe-inspiring Namtok Chet Sao Noi waterfall.

Thung Salaeng Luang is home to various wildlife, including sambar deer, wild boar, barking deer, and macaques. Bird enthusiasts can also spot several bird species, such as the crested kingfisher, grey-headed fish eagle, and blue-bearded bee-eater.

15.  Thap Lan National Park

And, finally, if you’re looking for a breathtaking park that will leave you in awe look no further than Thap Lan National Park, located in the provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Prachinburi in Thailand.

This park is a popular destination among wildlife enthusiasts due to its diverse range of wildlife, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls.

Thap Lan National Park boasts an impressive collection of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and macaques, making it a wildlife lover’s paradise. The park also houses over 300 bird species, with birdwatchers able to spot the great hornbill, blue pitta, and silver-breasted broadbill.

There are numerous hiking trails, which you can take through dense forests, past stunning waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints. And for those who want to fully immerse themselves in nature, the park offers several camping sites where you can spend the night under the stars.

Map of National Parks in Thailand

You can see the live map of The 15 Best National Parks in Thailand for wildlife here.

Safety In Thailand

Thailand is a pretty safe place to travel to.  Follow all the usual precautions that you would when traveling.

• Keep valuables out of sight
• Always lock your valuables away when they’re not with you (read how we use a portable travel safe here)

• Use a VPN when utilizing public WiFi networks in hotels, hostels, and guesthouses (read about VPNs here)
• Tap water is NOT potable in Thailand. Consider taking a refillable filter water bottle to reduce the use of single-use plastic.  We always travel with a filter water bottle, which I wrote about here.

Travel Insurance for Thailand

Thailand is a pretty safe location to travel to, but accidents can happen. Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.

Travel Tips for Exploring Thailand

• Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.
• Get online immediately with an eSIM for Thailand
• Read our Thailand Transport Guide here.
• Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Thailand > discount coupon here
• Arriving by air? Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
• Book the best Thailand tours and guides on Klook or Get YourGuide
• Save money in Thailand with a Wise debit card
• Book Ferries, and Buses in Thailand with 12goAsia
• Book accommodation in Thailand with Booking

Final Words on the Best National Parks in Thailand For Wildlife

Thailand has an abundance of stunning national parks that house a diverse range of unique and rare wildlife species. These parks offer you the chance to explore dense forests, hike through breathtaking landscapes, and witness stunning waterfalls. For all you wildlife enthusiasts out there, Thailand is a superb place to spot animals such as tigers, elephants, leopards, and macaques, as well as bird species such as the great hornbill, blue pitta, and silver-breasted broadbill.   With a variety of outdoor activities available, including hiking, camping, and mountain biking, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had in Thailand’s national parks! By visiting these parks, you can connect with nature and appreciate the country’s natural beauty.

Stock images in this article are courtesy Deposit Photos.

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