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National
Parks in Thailand
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For
any traveler wishing to explore the wonders of nature in Thailand,
national parks are the best resources. Several forest parks
exist in Thailand if you long to explore the tropical rainforest
or travel deep into the wild jungle. Or if you prefer diving,
a number of marine national parks in the south and east of
Thailand can fulfill your dreams.
Thailand's
national parks are popular among adventure seekers for many
kinds of eco-activities. The Royal Forest Department is the
central authority, which supervises the management of all
national parks in Thailand for both forest-based and marine
national parks.
 Some
13 percent of Thailand's land area has been set aside for
environmental protection. In total, there are now 79 national
parks, 89 wildlife and non-hunting sanctuaries, and 35 forest
reserves. Of these, 18 parks cover marine resources such as
islands and mangrove coasts. Plans are being made to increase
the number to more than 100 national parks in the next few
years as part of the effort to preserve the natural environment
in Thailand.
Most
of these parks are easily accessible. Admission fees are relatively
modest. Visitors can also book simple and affordable accommodation
from the Royal Forest Department but this organization is
often frustrating due to its slow working procedures. Several
travel agents specialize in eco-tour activities, with professional
guides to explore the dense forests.
The
park system provides visitors with easy access to the full
array of Thailand's wonders, from the northern mountain pine
forests of Doi Inthanon to the dense southern rainforest of
Thale Ban National Park in the border province of Satun. And
from Phu Chong Nayoi forest on the Lao border in the Notheast
to the dazzling coral of Ko Tarutao National Marine Park in
the southwest.
Some
of the most prominent parks in Thailand include:
 North:
Although small, Doi Inthanon National Park, close to Chiang
Mai town, is the most popular park in northern Thailand. At
2,565 metres, Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak and
its 482 sq km area forms one of the best mountain national
parks in Thailand. Home to nearly 400 bird species and hailed
as the Mecca of Thailand's bird watchers, the Inthanon mountain
range is also a sanctuary for such threatened animals as the
Asiatic black bear and the leaf monkey. Luxuriant flora such
as orchids, lichens and mosses flourishes on its slopes.
Thung
Salaeng Luang National Park, 1,262 sq km in area and spanning
the provinces of Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, comprises hills
of limestone, slate and hardpan standing among numerous streams
and meadows. It is home to at least 17 mammal and more than190
bird species.
 Northeast:
Phu Kradung National Park in Loei province is famous for its
pine forests and mountain views. A well-marked trail leads
nine kilometers to the summit of a flat-topped mountain where
tents can be rented for the night. Close by is Chaiyaphum's
Nam Nao National Park. The park is next door to Phu Khieo
sanctuary in Loei. Accommodation is limited and hiking trails
are all but deserted-perfect for off-the-beaten track campers.
Central:
You don't have to travel very far from Bangkok to indulge
yourself in nature. A mere three-hour drive from Bangkok takes
you to Khao Yai National Park, the nearest and most popular
national park in Thailand.
Established
in 1961, the park set the basis for the management of national
parks in Thailand. Recently designated as an Asean National
Heritage Site, Khao Yai is considered one of the best-managed
parks in the world.
 Kaeng
Krachan National Park is Thailand's largest park with 3,000
sq km of evergreen mixed deciduous forests along Phetchaburi's
border with Myanmar.
Few hikers and campers have ventured into the interior where
wildlife is abundant. The thick jungle conceals tigers, elephants,
wild cattle, gibbons and other wild animals.
South:
Thale Ban National Park in Satun province offers 196 sq km
of virgin rainforest along the southern border with Malaysia.
The forest abounds in birds, macaques and gibbons. The 646
sq km Khao Sok National Park in western Surat Thani is home
to several animal species. Three trails lead to scenic caves
and waterfalls. Khao Luang National Park in Nakhon Si Thammarat
is an easily accessible park with much to offer.
Thailand
also has several Marine National Parks, some of which are
world-renowned for their secluded beauty.
 South:
Tarutao Marine National Park is Thailand's first marine park
established in 1974. It encompasses 51 mountainous islands.
Angthong Marine National Park, an archipelago of 40 islands,
is the second marine reserve established in 1980. Situated
in the Gulf of Thailand, the park is most easily reached from
Samui Island or Talad Ban Don Harbor in Surat Thani.
Ao Phang Nga National Park is studded with towering limestone
bluffs, the country's most photogenic natural wonders. Ko
Similan Marine National Park, about 100 km northwest of Phuket,
is one of the world's most popular destinations for divers
and beach-lovers. The best time to visit is December to April.
The nearby archipelago of Ko Surin Marine National Park, 53
km off the coast of Ranong, is a haven for scuba diving and
snorkeling.
 East:
A mere 240 km from Bangkok, Kao Laem Ya - Ko Samet is the
nearest marine national park. Ko Chang in Trat province is
the country's second largest isle but with hardly any visitors.
Its biggest attractions are its coral, waterfalls and secluded
islands.
For
more information about national parks all over Thailand, contact
the Royal Forestry Department, National Park Division, Phahonyothin
Road, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10900
Tel 561-4292-3 ext 724, 725
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