Joanna James
Whether it is whitewater rafting or a calming stroll by the beach that you desire, Thailand's national parks provide an incredible range of adventurous experiences.
The third largest national park in the country, it has everything from mountains to grass plains that are home to over 300 species of birds. The sprawling 2000mm2 park also accommodates over 70 types of mammals such as black bears, tigers and of course the majestic elephants that Thailand is famed for. It is even possible to camp in the park at the designated camping sites. The Khao Yai National Park is only a couple of hours from Bangkok and hotels such as the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas.
Located on the north west of Phuket, the highlight of this park is its pristine pine fringed beaches. The beaches are home to nesting turtles such as the leatherback turtle and the hawksbill turtle while the warm waters hide magical coral clusters beneath the surface. Stepping away from the beaches, one can find mangrove forests that shelter many rare birds. If you are planning to stay in the area, it is not hard to find a luxury hotel that offers world class amenities in the vicinity.
The name roughly translates to "mountain of three hundred peaks", but rest assured you will be treated to so much more than expected. The national park has an array of caves worth exploring while the eerie marshes and salt flats deserve a mention too. The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park even has islands in the midst of it. On the accommodation front, one can either seek the large bungalows present while a campsite awaits the more adventure savvy crowd.
Home to the tallest mountain in the country, the national park is sometimes referred to as the "Roof of Thailand" and encompasses a section of the Himalayan mountain range. An idyllic park that presents the usual hiking trails and rivers, it also has a couple of Buddhist temples scattered over the area. The Doi Inthanon National Park is said to have the most diverse population of birds in the whole of Thailand with over three hundred and fifty species present in the park. It is recommended that you drop by during the months of January and February to view the blossoming of the Siamese sakura flowers.
The largest of Thailand's national parks, Kaeng Krachan National Park is approximately two hours away from the capital. A sprawling and virtually untouched area of 2900km2, the park has a reservoir and a lush rainforest with a diverse ecosystem that consists of gibbons, macaques, elephants and a wide variety of snakes. It borders the country of Myanmar and is also very famous for the mist that creates a blanket over the park giving a spectacular sight to the viewers. Two major rivers originate from within the park and the salt lick located in close proximity to the camp site regularly attracts herds of elephants.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
