There are thirteen National or Marine parks easily accessible from Bangkok since they reside in the Central region of the country. From mountain reserves to wildlife sanctuaries, each corner of this region has a park to amaze all. Several of the parks in this region belong to the Western Forest Complex, which is one of nine Biodiversity Conservation Landscapes executed by Asian Development Bank. The top five of the thirteen are listed below:
1. Erawan National Park
Located in the Tenasserim Hills of the Kanchanaburi Province, Erawan National Park is one of the most popular of Thailand taking up 550 square kilometers. The main reason for its popularity is its seven-tiered waterfall partially resembling Erawan, the three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology. The magnificent waterfalls cascade down numerous ledges forming turquoise colored pools, some available to swim in. The 2km trail to the top pool can be quite steep.
2. Khao Sam Roi Yot Marine National Park
The name of Khao Sam Roi Yot signifies ‘mountains with 300 peaks’, which makes sense after seeing this park. Only 98 sq km in size, the park includes a series of spectacular grey limestone mountains rising from the Gulf of Thailand to a maximum height of 605 meters. Also included in the park are many swamps, marsh lands, white sand beaches, open seas, and islands. With so much in compactness, Khao Sam Roi Yot is a tourist attraction. Boat excursions are a great way to get the most of this stunning park.
3. Sai Yok National Park
Not as developed as other parks, Sai Yok National Park is true wilderness in Kanchanaburi. It is famous for its karst pinnacles, soaring cliffs, and astonishing caves. The Daowadueng Cave, which includes a river trip and trek, is one of the most beautiful in Thailand for its white color, size, and interesting lime formations. Other sites not to miss are the Lawa Cave and the Sai Yok Yai Waterfall.
4. Kaeng Krachan National Park
Kaeng Krachan National Park is Thailand’s largest park sizing to 3,000 square kilometers in the Kaeng Krachan, Petchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces. Most of this area remains untouched. To explore Kaeng Krachan, it is best to have your own transport, but will be worth it considering the magnificent grounds see very few tourists. The stunning Pala U Waterfall should not be missed.
5. Thungyai Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries
Although not a National or Marine Park, this Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a World Heritage Site for its unbelievable size and diverse array of animals. Stretching over 500,000 hectares along the Myanmar border in the Tak and Kanchanaburi Provinces, it is the grandest legal protected forest in South East Asia. With a 12,000 square kilometer or more conservation area, species and habitats have the best protection to confirm long life spans. Of these species, 77% are mammals, 50% are birds and 33% are land vertebrates.
Photo by lindz graham
