Thailand is renowned not only for its golden temples, vibrant street markets, and serene beaches but also for its incredible biodiversity. With over 100 national parks scattered across the country, it’s a true paradise for wildlife lovers and nature explorers. From lush rainforests and dramatic limestone mountains to thriving marine sanctuaries, these protected areas promise extraordinary encounters with nature.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the top 10 most famous wildlife national parks in Thailand—each offering its own distinct ecosystems, wildlife, and unforgettable adventures.
# Khao Yai National Park
Location: Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi
Best Time to Visit: November to February
As Thailand’s oldest national park and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai is nothing short of legendary. Covering over 2,000 square kilometers, it boasts dense jungles, rolling grasslands, and cascading waterfalls. Wildlife enthusiasts flock here in hopes of spotting wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and even the elusive leopard.
The park is a hiker’s dream, with scenic trails and iconic sites like Haew Suwat Waterfall — famously featured in The Beach. For an extra thrill, night safaris offer a chance to glimpse nocturnal creatures in their element.
# Kui Buri National Park
Location: Prachuap Khiri Khan
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Kui Buri is considered Thailand’s top destination for viewing wild elephants in their natural setting, with a sighting success rate of over 90%.
Unlike most parks, Kui Buri has specially designed wildlife viewing zones and platforms. Visitors are guided through the area in open vehicles by local experts who know where and when to find the animals. Apart from elephants, keep an eye out for gaurs (Indian bison), jackals, and numerous bird species.
# Khao Sok National Park
Location: Surat Thani
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Home to one of the world’s oldest evergreen rainforests, Khao Sok is a breathtaking natural gem. The park is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden caves, roaring waterfalls, and the surreal Cheow Lan Lake — where visitors can stay in floating bungalows.
Khao Sok shelters rare species like the Rafflesia (the world’s largest flower), Malayan sun bears, gibbons, and Asian elephants. Adventure activities include jungle trekking, bamboo rafting, and kayaking through tranquil waters.
# Doi Inthanon National Park
Location: Chiang Mai
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Crowned by Thailand’s highest peak at 2,565 meters, Doi Inthanon offers a cooler climate and unique montane forest ecosystems. It’s a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike.
The park is home to over 360 bird species and is a great place to experience cultural richness through visits to Karen and Hmong hill tribe villages. Don't miss the Royal Twin Pagodas and the stunning Wachirathan and Siriphum waterfalls.
# Erawan National Park
Location: Kanchanaburi
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Famous for its seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, this park enchants visitors with crystal-clear emerald pools nestled in lush greenery. Each level of the falls offers a chance to relax or take a refreshing dip.
Beyond the waterfall, the park has ancient limestone caves waiting to be explored. Native wildlife includes gibbons, elephants, deer, and slow lorises.
# Kaeng Krachan National Park
Location: Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Thailand’s largest national park, Kaeng Krachan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its thick forests and mist-shrouded mountains. It's a biodiversity hotspot, home to clouded leopards, sun bears, elephants, and more than 400 bird species.
The panoramic Panoen Thung viewpoint, especially magical at sunrise, draws in nature lovers and photographers. It's a haven for birdwatchers and adventure seekers alike.
# Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
Location: Gulf of Thailand, near Koh Samui
Best Time to Visit: March to October
This cluster of 42 islands is a marine paradise teeming with rich sea life and dramatic limestone formations. Visitors can snorkel, kayak, or hike across rugged terrains to hidden coves and emerald lakes like the famous Talay Nai.
Though primarily marine, the park also shelters land-based wildlife, including sea eagles and dusky langurs. It’s ideal for island-hopping and ocean adventures.
# Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Location: Prachuap Khiri Khan
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Translated as “Mountain of 300 Peaks,” this park is famed for its limestone mountains, sprawling marshes, and mangrove forests. Its highlight is the ethereal Phraya Nakhon Cave, home to a royal pavilion bathed in sunlight from a natural skylight.
A paradise for birdwatchers, the park also houses fishing cats, civets, and monkeys. After exploring, unwind at the peaceful Laem Sala Beach.
# Mu Ko Similan National Park
Location: Andaman Sea, Phang Nga Province
Best Time to Visit: November to May
An underwater wonderland, the Similan Islands offer world-class diving and snorkeling. The vibrant coral reefs here attract sea turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks.
Though mainly known for marine adventures, the islands also feature jungle trails, massive granite formations, and quiet beaches perfect for nature lovers.
# Sai Yok National Park
Location: Kanchanaburi
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Sai Yok is celebrated for its picturesque waterfalls — Sai Yok Noi and Sai Yok Yai — cascading near the historic River Kwai. The park is steeped in World War II history, with relics of the Death Railway and wartime caves to explore.
It’s also home to rare species like Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, the smallest mammal in the world. Bat caves, bamboo rafting, and riverside scenery make this park a peaceful yet fascinating destination.
