Ko Chang Marine National Park (Photo by Ian Armstrong)
Eastern Thailand has the least amount of National Parks with only eight, but there is no shortage of beauty. Two of the parks are Marine National Parks with coral ecosystems, while the others have a range of vegetation ecosystems. Eastern Thailand is also home to the Dong Phayayen Khao Yai Forest Complex, which was named a World Heritage Site and contains three of the eight National Parks. While fairly easy to visit all eight, the five below stand out most:
1. Ko Chang Marine National Park
Ko Chang Island (Photo by Ian Armstrong)
A heaven, paradise, and retreat, Ko Chang Marine National Park in the Gulf of Thailand is an archipelago of over 50 islands among 650 sq km with Ko Chang being the largest island. Only 330 km east of Bangkok, the park surprisingly remains untouched and well-preserved with a small part dedicated to tourism. Snorkelers and divers are attracted to visit for the beautiful coral reefs below the crystal clear waters, while all others visit for the serene tranquility.
2. Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park
Fairly small, this 131 square kilometer park is comprised of granite formations around the Plet and Laem Ya mountains with 94% of it encompassed by the sea. The popular island of Ko Samet is found here along with 8 or 9 other young sibling islands. The island of Ko Man Nai is home to the Rayong Turtle Conservation Centre, a breeding place for endangered sea turtles, making an interesting visit.
3. Pang Sida National Park
The dense evergreen forest of Pang Sida National Park is diversely abundant with wildlife, especially mammals. From gibbons to macaques, there are around 112 species of mammals lurking in the park. Located near the city of Sa Kaew, the park sizes over 600 square kilometers. A highlighted spot not to be missed is the Pang Sida waterfall, along with the butterfly conservation depending on the season.
4. Khao Chamao Khao Wong National Park
Located in the provinces of Chantaburi and Rayong, this tiny 85 sq kilometer park is famous for famous for limestone mountains, high cliffs, caves, dense forest and waterfalls. There are over 80 caves, but not all are visitable. Avoid this park between the months of May to October when rainfall is extreme. With that being said, the 3000 mm of rain per year results in making Khao Chamao Khao Wong a true tropical rain forest.
5. Khao Khitchakut National Park
This small 58 sq kilometer park is great for hiking, swimming in crystal pools, and feeling Buddha’s presence. At the top of the holy Khao Phra Bat mountain, Buddhist mythologies stand strong, including a footlike print from Buddha himself. It is frequently visited by locals to pay their respects to Buddha. The 13 level Krathing waterfall is another inspiring site to see.
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Article by Lauren
Lauren Vita Sgarlato quit her corporate New York lifestyle in 2009 to explore the world for a few months. Little did she know, a few months would turn into years. Having traveled around 30 countries or so, she decided to settle for love in Brazil, but she’s itching to return to Southeast Asia, especially for the food! Learn more about us
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