National Parks in Thailand – A Welcome Contrast to Built up Areas

Established in 1962 this was the country's first national park. Loved by mountain climbers and hikers this beautiful park is located in the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range. Apart for the rugged mountainous terrain, the park is home to lush tropical forests and rolling grasslands. These scenic backgrounds are dotted with stunning waterfalls while the wildlife is nothing short of exotic. Take along the cameras folks for you are bound to come across elephants, gibbons, leopards and yes even the very rare sightings of tigers.

This park is located in West Thailand; within the province of Kanchanaburi. The most iconic attraction there is the seven-tiered waterfall that gets its name from a mythological Hindu elephant. Best of all it is possible to climb up this waterfall and enjoy a dip in the pool. There is, in addition, a number of caves that you will enjoy exploring. Get to the park by taking a bus to Kanchanaburi; an easy to reach a destination that one can enjoy on a day's trip.

This beautiful sanctuary is located along the Burmese border and is considered one of Thailand's best wildlife parks. Elephants are the speciality here with plenty of these gentle mammals sighted around the pools close to the Pa Yang Substation; the place is set up with wildlife viewing platforms for the best experience. Visitors are allowed to drive into the park although there are some protected areas that require you to hire a guided 4X4 tour of the park. May to November are the dry months while June to July sees loads of rain.

Butterfly lovers, insect enthusiasts and ardent photographers will thoroughly enjoy a sojourn into the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Located within the scenic environs of Rot Fai Park this is one of the most famous places to visit in Bangkok. Enjoy being surrounded by thousands of colourful butterflies as you enter the dome encompassing the butterfly garden and get to know all about the colourful insects. Just half an hour from Chatrium Residence Riverside Bangkok this place educates you on the life cycle of the butterfly. Get up close and personal views of the giant silkworm butterfly, the Siam tree nymph and golden birdwing. The entire area is enhanced with beautiful waterfalls and exotic flowers.

This is Thailand's largest national park encompassing an entire area of 950sqmiles; most of which is lush grasslands. The pristine environs are considered one of the country's most beautiful unspoilt areas. A birders paradise the park boasts more bird species within its confines than some countries. In addition, the place is home to over 57 species of mammals. Well worth a visit!