Did you know that Thailand has some INCREDIBLE national parks? I never thought much about it until I moved to Chiang Mai two years ago. The best national parks in Thailand reveal so much raw beauty, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience three of the best: Doi Inthanon in the north, Khao Sok in the south, and the coastal islands of Ang Thong. Each one is a unique paradise, where you feel like you’re on another planet. Thailand has some of the best natural beauty in the world, & these three national parks are worth it to check out — as approved by me! So, let’s get into it.
The 3 best national parks in thailand
Doi Inthanon national park: Thailand’s highest peak
I’ve visited Doi Inthanon twice, and every trip has been a mix of discovery and spirituality. Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” Doi Inthanon is the country’s highest peak, and both times I’ve been here, I was captivated by its massive waterfalls and lush lush (did I say LUSH?) green mountains.
Planning Your Trip: Getting There and Best Time to Visit
Doi Inthanon is about a two-hour drive from Chiang Mai. While many tourists opt for guided tours, I’ve found that exploring at your own pace offers more freedom to savor each location. Whether you rent a car or motorbike, the route is scenic and worth it to do it yourself!
For the best experience, aim to visit between October and January. My first visit in December was timed perfectly, with clear skies, green lush landscapes, and crisp air. On my second visit in early November, I saw the same beauty with fewer tourists—perfect for a more relaxed vibe right after rainy season.
If you can, spend a night in one of the surrounding villages. I stayed at Chadaporn Rentroom in Mae Chaem, a cozy homestay surrounded by rice fields, which gave me a peaceful, immersive experience. At around $30 per night, it’s super duper affordable, and the sunrise views over the fields are a magical way to start the day.
Doi Inthanon’s Must-See Spots
The park has a million and one waterfalls, scenic spots off the road, sacred temples, and more. Get off the beaten path and explore on your own. Here are a few guidelines to get you started:
Wachirathan Waterfall
Wachirathan Waterfall is a showstopper and one of my favorites! The falls are huge, with perpetual rainbows shimmering in the mist. It’s the kind of place where you feel the power of nature—it’s stunning though quite popular, so getting there early for a quiet moment is worth it.
Mae Pan Waterfall
Hidden deep in the park, Mae Pan Waterfall is a lesser known HIDDEN GEM of Doi Inthanon. Reaching it requires a 30-minute hike, but once there, I felt like I’d stumbled upon a fairytale. This spot has two distinct levels, and we had it all to ourselves—a peaceful experience that felt intimate. See what I mean about a spiritual air to this park?
Doi Inthanon Summit
Standing at Thailand’s highest point brings a calm, spiritual feeling. Doi Inthanon summit has a moss-covered path leading to a nature trail where Thai native plants thrive. Both times I visited, the air was cold and misty which was so refreshing after the heat in the city. I recommend taking time here to soak in the tranquility and let time stop for a moment.
The King & Queen Pagodas
King & Queen Pagodas are stunning monuments that feel like they’re floating in the clouds. While the complex can get super duper crowded, we lucked out and arrived just after a rain shower, finding it beautifully empty. These were built for the king and queen and honor Thai culture with beautiful mosaics and artistry. Also, these temples are sacred, so dressing modestly is required.
Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail
Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail was an unexpected highlight! You don’t need to pay the main park fee for access here (PSA!) which was a pleasant surprise. Our local guide took us through two hours of pristine nature, pointing out native Thai wildlife like camouflaged snakes, massive spiders, and lush banana leaves –creepy, but your guide knows the way!
Our journey ended at a local Karen village, where we enjoyed fresh coffee and locally made goods. This experience felt authentic and sustainable (more than some other ‘local tribes’)—a great way to support the community.
Khao Sok national park: Limestone cliffs and floating bungalows
Located in southern Thailand, Khao Sok is an ancient rainforest that is known for towering limestone cliffs and the magical Cheow Lan Lake. When I arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. It absolutely deserves to be on the list for best national parks in Thailand.
Getting to Khao Sok and Best Time to Visit
December to April is the ideal season for clear skies and calm lake waters. From Surat Thani, you can reach the park by bus or private transport, and I highly recommend staying on the lake itself in a floating bungalow. The one I stayed in offered complete tranquility—no phone signal, just the sounds of nature. Take an adventurous friend and go vibe on the bungalows … it’s the experience of a lifetime.
Cheow Lan Lake
Kayaking and swimming on Cheow Lan Lake are surreal experiences. You’re surrounded by HUGE limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters that stretch endlessly. We took a boat tour, which allowed us to explore secluded spots far into the waters and see unique Thai wildlife along the lake’s edge.
Coral Cave
This adventure took us deep into the forest to a hidden coral cave. I’m not going to lie—seeing bats, spiders, and even a snake freaked me out a bit (okay a lot), but it was thrilling. In some areas, we had to wade through waist-deep water, which added to the freakiness!
One thing to keep in mind is that guides may not provide extensive safety warnings (unlike the USA). In fact, ours spent a good part of the tour casually playing games on his phone, which had us both laughing and feeling very much in “true Thailand” mode lol!
Ang Thong national marine park: A slice of paradise in the gulf
Located near Koh Samui, Ang Thong Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 islands, each with stunning beaches, coral reefs, and scenic trails. It’s an ideal day trip if you’re seeking a beach escape mixed with adventure. It is maybe (?) the most beautiful and absolutely one of the best national parks in Thailand.
Getting There and When to Visit
From Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, you can take a speedboat tour to the park. I recommend visiting from February to October when seas are calm, making it easier to enjoy with clear skies.
Emerald Lake (Thale Nai)
This saltwater lake on Ko Mae Ko is a short climb up, and the views are totally worth it. The water is a brilliant emerald color, and the surrounding cliffs frame it beautifully. A must-see to the top!
Snorkeling and Diving
The waters around Ang Thong are filled to the brim with colorful coral and marine life. I snorkeled among schools of fish and coral formations, which made me appreciate the preservation efforts in this area !!
Panoramic Viewpoint on Ko Wua Talap
For the ultimate Ang Thong experience, hike to the viewpoint on Ko Wua Talap. It’s a steep climb, but you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views I’ve ever seen. The sight of the turquoise water dotted with untouched islands was something I’ll never forget — I mean, just look at the photo above. Sometimes, words don’t do nature justice. Neither do cameras, you must see it for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Thailand’s national parks provide experiences that range from tranquil to thrilling — just like Thailand itself! Doi Inthanon has majestic mountains and serene pagodas, Khao Sok gives a sense of raw, ancient nature, and Ang Thong reveals the pristine beauty of Thailand’s islands. My trips to these parks left me with a deeper appreciation of Thailand’s natural wonders. I hope my guide gives you major inspo you to explore them too. These are the 3 best national parks in Thailand, in my humble opinion.
Have you visited any of these parks? I’d love to hear about your experiences about the best national parks in Thailand!
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