Thailand boasts more than 150 national parks, covering approximately 31% of the country's territory. These parks are home to rich biodiversity, where visitors can encounter rare animal species such as Asian elephants, Indochinese tigers, gibbons, exotic birds, and various types of reptiles.

In addition to fascinating wildlife, the parks offer diverse natural landscapes – dense tropical jungles, majestic mountain ranges, breathtaking viewpoints, crystal-clear lakes, mysterious caves, and impressive waterfalls, which are among the biggest attractions for tourists.

Visiting national parks is also very affordable. Entrance fees range from 200 to 400 baht (approximately 5 to 10 €), making them a great bargain compared to other tourist attractions. Additionally, the parks are easily accessible – many of them have direct bus or train connections from major cities.

We decided to travel by train, which in Thailand is not only incredibly cheap but also provides an authentic local experience. This allowed us to comfortably reach lesser-known parks, where there were fewer tourists, giving us the chance to fully enjoy nature. In this article, we will introduce you to eight national parks we visited during our journey.

1. Kaeng Krachan National Park

Important Information About Entering the Park! We had planned to visit all the highlights of this park, but we ran into a problem – if you only have a scooter, you won't be allowed everywhere. At some entrance gates, access is restricted to cars only. Before our trip, we checked online for information, but opinions varied. The reality? With a scooter, you can reach some parts of the park, but not all of them!

• Khao Pakarang Cave & Phanoen Thung Viewpoint

These two spots are among the highlights of Kaeng Krachan National Park. Unfortunately, you can't reach them with a scooter. We tried to find an alternative entrance to access these locations, but sadly, we were unsuccessful.

• Pha Nam Yot Waterfall – A Hidden (and Dried-Up) Spot

We stumbled upon this waterfall by chance while browsing Google Maps. Since it was on our route, we decided to check it out. Upon arrival, we immediately noticed that the waterfall wasn't well-marked, but luckily, some locals pointed us in the right direction.

When we got there, we were greeted by an abandoned booth and a closed gate—not a promising sign. But our adventurous spirit kicked in, and we decided to continue, even though the path was clearly closed. However, we definitely don't recommend doing this! Here's why:

1. The waterfall was completely dry – Maybe there's some water during the rainy season, but all we found were dry rocks.
2. You risk a fine – Entering a national park without permission can result in a financial penalty.

Overall? Unless you're certain there's actually water flowing, Pha Nam Yot Waterfall isn't worth the visit.

• Pa-La-U Waterfall

Pa-La-U Waterfall has 16 tiers, but only five are accessible to visitors. There are several spots where you can swim, but the best natural pool is located below the third tier. The water is crystal clear, and you'll find plenty of fish swimming around. While they're harmless, they did make us a bit uneasy as they constantly darted around us while we swam.

As with most mountain waterfalls, the water is cold, but if you visit around midday, it's a refreshing escape from the heat. The trail to the waterfall isn't particularly difficult, but it's not the easiest either—expect uneven terrain and slippery rocks.

We encountered a few people here, but overall, the waterfall was almost empty. For most of our time there, we had the place entirely to ourselves, making the experience even more special—just the sounds of the jungle, the rush of water, and the feeling of having this hidden gem all to ourselves.

• Meeting with an Elephant

On our way to Pa La-U Waterfall, we drove through a section of the park known for frequent elephant sightings. On the way there, we pulled over when we spotted an elephant in the jungle beside the road. It was far enough away that we didn't feel threatened, and after a few moments, it disappeared into the dense foliage.

The real thrill came on our way back. A wild elephant stopped in the middle of the road, bringing all traffic to a halt. Both cars and motorcycles kept a safe distance, as it's recommended to stay at least 50 meters away. If an elephant starts approaching, the best thing to do is slowly reverse and give it space.

It's crucial not to take risks or move closer to the elephant. Despite their calm appearance, they can become easily agitated, and their sheer size makes them extremely dangerous. After a while, park rangers arrived and used small firecrackers to gently encourage the elephant to return to the jungle. Moments later, it disappeared into the trees, leaving us with an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

2. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

• Kissing Cave – A Boat Trip Adventure

We started our visit to this national park with a trip to Kissing Cave. To get there, you first need to reach the harbor (HERE!), where a boat ride costs 400 baht (approximately 12.5 euros). The journey takes you along a scenic river, offering breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and the lush jungle of the national park.

In addition to the boat ride, we also paid the national park entrance fee of 200 baht (approximately 5 euros).

Why is it called Kissing Cave? Honestly, we have no idea. The cave itself isn't particularly remarkable, but the boat trip to get there is absolutely worth it. Upon entering the cave, the boat stops at a small wooden pier, where you can step out, take some photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

Aside from the cave, we also visited a nearby temple, which added a peaceful and spiritual touch to our trip.

Overall, we highly recommend this experience—stunning nature, beautiful scenery, and a relaxing boat ride make for an unforgettable adventure away from crowded tourist spots.

As we walked along the wooden pathways, we had the chance to observe various bird species, amphibians, and aquatic plants. The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful, and to our surprise, there were very few tourists, allowing us to fully enjoy the serenity of the place.

If you love nature, photography, or simply want to experience something different from beaches, we highly recommend adding Bueng Bua Marsh to your itinerary!

• Phraya Nakhon Cave

Phraya Nakhon Cave is the most famous cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It is best known for the golden Kuha Karuhas Pavilion, which stands in the center of the cave and is illuminated by sunlight streaming through an opening in the ceiling. Built in the 19th century to honor a Thai king, this cave is one of Thailand's most iconic attractions, offering a breathtaking mix of natural beauty and historical significance.

You can easily reach Phraya Nakhon Cave by car or scooter. At the entrance to the area, there is a parking fee of (add price) baht for scooters.

There are two ways to get to the cave:

Travel Tip: Halfway through the trail, you'll find a few local restaurants and a beautiful beach. If you have enough time, bring your swimsuit and take a break here. It's a perfect spot to relax before continuing the climb to the cave!

3. Kui Buri National Park

• Kui Buri National Park – A Mixed Experience

At the first observation point, we waited for about 20 minutes. Just as we were about to give up, our guide suddenly ran over excitedly and pointed to the opposite hill. Through the trees, we could see splashes of water, suggesting that elephants were bathing. However, the distance was so great that we could only make out vague shapes.

We asked for binoculars, but unfortunately, they only had a pile of broken ones. The park claims a 95% success rate for elephant sightings, but honestly, I can see why—their definition of a "sighting" seems to include barely visible glimpses like ours.

Later, at the second observation point, we got lucky and spotted an elephant from about 200 meters away. This time, we could see it more clearly, but as soon as our guide radioed the sighting, more vehicles arrived, and the elephant disappeared. Aside from elephants, we also spotted wild buffalo roaming the area.

• Final Thoughts?

Kui Buri National Park was a bit disappointing. The tour price was high, and the elephant sightings weren't as satisfying as we had hoped. However, at the end of the day, this is wild elephant watching—there are no guarantees, and that's part of the experience!

4. Mu Ko Chumphon

The park also features a large bridge over the river, offering a beautiful view of where the river flows into the sea. Nearby, there is a small viewpoint—not very high, but it still provides a nice panoramic view of the surroundings.

At the entrance, we were told that kayaks were available for rent, but when we visited, there was no one at the rental station, and the kayaks looked poorly maintained, so we decided to skip this activity.

5. Thai Rom Yen National Park

In Thai Rom Yen National Park, we visited three beautiful waterfalls, each with its own unique character. This national park is about a 45-minute drive from Surat Thani. If you're visiting this park, be sure not to miss these places:

6. Khao Luang National Park

Khao Luang National Park is truly a picturesque place and one of our favorite national parks in Thailand. The park is easily accessible by scooter from the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The road is comfortable, and the park is only a few hours' drive away. The entrance fee is 200 baht (approximately €6), which is a very reasonable price considering the stunning nature you can experience here. 

• The first place you should definitely visit in this park is Ai Khiao Waterfall. This stunning waterfall has multiple levels where you can comfortably swim. We chose to take a dip at the highest level, which offered the best view of the waterfall itself. The entry into the water was easy and refreshing. The surroundings were breathtaking, covered in lush nature, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and unwinding. 

Krung Ching Waterfall is the largest waterfall we have seen in Thailand, and it truly impressed us with its sheer power. It stands at approximately 100 meters (328 feet) tall and cascades down multiple tiers, creating a breathtaking sight. The waterfall is part of Khao Luang National Park and is one of the most famous waterfalls in southern Thailand.

Getting there is not the easiest task. The trail leads through dense jungle, but it is well-maintained, so the hike wasn't too difficult. By the way, this was the densest jungle we had ever experienced. Along the way, we came across several informational boards that introduced us to the local wildlife, flora, and the history of the park.

One interesting fact about Krung Ching Waterfall is that it was once featured on the 1,000 Baht banknote of Thailand, which shows just how iconic this natural wonder is.

Right before reaching the waterfall, there are about 480 steep steps, making the final stretch quite challenging, but it was absolutely worth it. Once we reached the top, the view of the waterfall was simply breathtaking. The sheer force of the water created a refreshing mist, and the sound of the roaring cascade was mesmerizing.

• Tip: Near the national park, you can find hot springs marked on Google Maps as Krungching Onsen Therapy. According to the information we found, there is usually an entrance fee for these baths, but when we visited, no one was there, and they were accessible for free. This place is not very touristy, which has its advantages – you can bathe in peace and solitude, which is quite enjoyable. On the other hand, the baths were not very well maintained, which could be a downside. However, if you're looking for a quiet and less commercialized experience, it's definitely worth a visit. The water is truly warm and soothing!

All the national parks we visited were part of our train journey from Bangkok to the south. As we explored different cities, we moved around by scooter, which gave us great freedom to discover the surrounding areas. Our journey culminated in the city of Trang, from where we traveled to Ko Mook—a true tropical paradise that we'll definitely cover in a separate article. From Ko Mook, we took trips to nearby islands, which are part of Thailand's national parks, offering stunning nature, crystal-clear waters, and amazing snorkeling opportunities.

7. Hat Chao Mai National Park

From Ko Mook, we set out for Ko Kradan, which is part of Hat Chao Mai National Park. We reached this island by longboat as part of an organized tour, which cost 3,000 baht (approximately €80) per boat. If you're traveling in a group, the cost can be split, making the trip much more affordable.

Besides the boat ride to Ko Kradan, the tour also included a visit to the famous Emerald Cave, but here we'll focus mainly on the island and the national park itself.

Ko Kradan is truly a paradise on Earth. This island sees fewer tourists, which adds to its peaceful atmosphere. The water is crystal clear, and the beaches are covered in soft white sand. It feels like a hidden gem, perfect for relaxation, snorkeling, and immersing in nature. Overall, it was one of the most beautiful islands we had the chance to visit.

Around Ko Kradan, you'll find plenty of excellent snorkeling spots. If you're a fan of Finding Nemo, you'll be excited to know that we actually spotted clownfish here! The coral reefs are teeming with colorful fish, creating a stunning underwater world. Snorkeling in these waters feels like stepping into a completely different realm—the vibrant colors, the movements, and the sounds beneath the surface are truly mesmerizing.

In 2023, Ko Kradan was voted the most beautiful beach in the world, and after visiting, we can definitely understand why!

8. Mu Ko Lanta 

Ko Rok is part of Mu Ko Lanta National Park and offers an unforgettable experience. The boat ride took about two hours, and we traveled on a traditional longtail boat, which added to the adventure. The trip cost 3,500 baht per boat, making it an excellent option if you're traveling in a group.

Being far from civilization, Ko Rok felt like a true escape. There were only a handful of other visitors, making it a peaceful and secluded spot. The island is actually divided into two separate parts, with a shallow water passage in between, allowing you to walk from one side to the other.

Snorkeling here was just as breathtaking as on Ko Kradan, with crystal-clear waters and a vibrant underwater world full of corals and colorful fish.

On the way, we stopped at a spot teeming with starfish. Observing these fascinating creatures up close was a unique and mesmerizing experience. Ko Rok is the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of marine life in a peaceful, untouched setting. 

9. Phi Phi Islands National Park 

Phi Phi Islands National Park is one of the most famous and visited national parks in Thailand, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a top destination for snorkeling and diving. The most iconic spots in the park include Maya Bay and the islands Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh.

The best way to visit these islands is through an organized tour. Tours to Phi Phi Islands typically depart from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or Phuket, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 baht per person, depending on the type of boat (longtail, catamaran, or speedboat).

We embarked on our Phi Phi Islands adventure from Ao Nang, close to Krabi Town, and booked the Meka Catamaran Tour. This luxurious, two-story open catamaran was designed for 120 passengers, but with only 52 people on board, it felt incredibly spacious. We had our own comfortable seating booth, and our guide shared insights about the islands as we cruised past them. The journey to Phi Phi took around 1.5 hours, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the Andaman Sea.

During the trip, we made two stops for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Of course, we also visited the world-famous Maya Bay. The tour included lunch and dinner on board, and in the evening, we enjoyed a fun boat party with a bar, where we treated ourselves to a few drinks.

You can book this tour HERE!