Northern Thailand, the largest region with the most National parks, has 59 National Parks and homes the tallest mountains in the country. Some of these parks even include historical Wats (temples). It is hard to narrow 59 to 5, but the five National Parks below each have something special to offer.
1. Doi Inthanon National Park
Boosting its popularity among visitors, Doi Inthanon National Park homes Thailand’s tallest mountain reaching 2,565 meters high. Climbing this mountain isn’t so common anymore since you can drive up, but the adventurous trip is educational as hikers can experience the lives of the Karen villagers.
Not only is this park popular for its peak, but also for its stunning waterfalls, especially the Mae Yah Waterfall. Due to its diversity of altitudes, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s premier bird watching location. The park is best reached from Chiang Mai, not taking more than an hour and a half.
2. Doi Suthep Pui National Park
Two sister peaks, Doi Suthep and Doi Pui combing to 260 sq km, stand right above the city of Chiang Mai forming Doi Suthep Pui National Park. Doi Pui, being the tallest of the two makes a great climb, while Doi Suthep mountain is considered a sacred symbolic landmark.
300 stairs will bring you to the top of Doi Suthep where Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits. This holy temple glitters in gold while Buddhists and tourists lurk on its grounds. Both summits offer amazing views of Chiang Mai below.
3. Nam Nao National Park
Running through the Chaiyaphum and Phetchabun provinces, Nam Nao is magnificently beautiful with a domination of tall pine tree spread out among the landscape.
The park covers an area of around 960 sq km containing many different forest types, including dipterocarp, deciduous, evergreen, hill evergreen and pine forest. Nam Nao National Park is home to over 200 bird species along with wildlife, caves, and waterfalls.
4. Doi Khun Tan National Park
Being one of Thailand’s least visited National Park, Doi Khun Tan National Park made the list for its distinguished feature of Thailand’s longest railroad tunnel, known as the Khun Tan Tunnel. The Khun Tan Station is also the highest in Thailand standing at an elevation of 758 meters above sea level.
The railroad tunnel opened in 1921 after six years of manual labour and extends 1,352 meters in length. It’s a great site for all those train aficionados out there. Among the park, one can find the usual hikes, waterfalls, flora, and viewpoints.
5. Si Satchanalai National Park
Located in the Sukhothai province, reaching the park is only a 50 minute bus ride from the city of Sukhothai. Si Satchanalai National Park contains many historical and cultural sites, such as, Wat Phra Si Mahathat Ratchaworawihan, Wat Nang Phaya, Kaeng Luang and Tao Thuriang.
This park offers a hot spring, deep caves, and gorgeous waterfalls, all surrounded by a flank of mountains. These mountains are the source of many streams and some provide vital protection to nearby villages with their steep slopes.
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