Northeast Thailand, also referred to as Isaan is home to 25 national parks. Many of these parks are located in mountainous water catchment areas and shelter vegetation and wildlife. Therefore, they were selected as conservation areas. Unlike the other regions, several of these parks in the Northeast house artifacts of past civilizations. The top five to visit are listed below:
1. Khao Yai National Park
The second largest and first national park in Thailand, Khao Yai is located somewhat close to Bangkok in the Provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok. Covering an area of 2,168 square kilometers, there is a wide array of flora/fauna and wildlife. Bears, deers, elephants, tigers, hornbills, monkeys and many more call this park their home. Khao Yai’s size and abundance make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Phu Kradueng National Park
Located in the Loei province, this 348.12 sq km park is famous for its 1,316m summit with spectacular views that tens of thousands climb per year. Once at the flat top of the mountain consisting of pine trees and grassland, hikers have the option to trek 60km of trails offering amazing cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows.
3. Phu Wiang National Park
Probably one of the most interesting parks, oddly shaped Phu Wiang is known for its evidence of ancient civilization, not for its beauty. It was here where miners and paleontologists discovered proof of the existence of dinosaurs with fossils and footprints. Phu Wiang National Park wasn’t established until after the discovery to help in the preservation of this rare and astonishing discovery that is now available to the public.
4. Phu Rua National Park
If you can’t make it to neighboring country, Laos, Phu Rua National Park allows you to at least see the beauty of it. Therefore, you should not miss the 1,365 meter climb, which takes around two to two and a half hours. The peak offers a splendid view of Laos’ countryside as well as the Heang and Mekong Rivers. Another great site is the Huai Phai Waterfall dropping 30meters. The park may be scarce with wildlife, but there is an abundance of unusual flora scattered around.
5. Pha Taem National Park
Another park offering special views of the Mekong River and Laos, Pha Taem is important for its collection of prehistoric paintings. These 300 or so works of art aging 3,000 years are stretched along 180 meters of rock. The red and ochre colored subjects include, animals, human hands, human figures, hunting and fish. They can be seen on Taem cliff and Kham cliff, while the park is located in the province of Ubon Ratchathani.
Photos by Willy_G91 and thomaswanhoff
