Thailand has a large number of beautiful national parks. If you search online or ask your AI tool, you will get a variety of answers. According to the list that you can download from the website of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation there are (data from 2024):
- 133 national parks
- 91 forest parks
- 62 wildlife sanctuaries
- 88 non-hunting areas
- 16 botanical gardens
- 52 arboretums
The oldest national park is Khao Yai, which can be visited even in a day trip from Bangkok. During national holidays or other popular weekends it can get busy here. The largest national park is Kaeng Krachan. This national park is famous for its wildlife and many birders from around the world visit this park. The large tourist groups usually don’t come here, so it is much more quiet. Kaeng Krachan is in the west and borders to Myanmar. It covers part of the Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces.
Another interesting national park is the Doi Inthanon National Park which includes the highest point of Thailand on top of the Doi Inthanon mountain.
National Park passport
The Passport to Thailand National Parks is a souvenir booklet for visitors to collect stamps from the country’s national parks. For a small fee of about 100 baht, it serves as a memory keeper for each park visit. Travellers who collect stamps from all parks can earn rewards, including unlimited free entry for a year, a one-year waiver of vehicle entrance fees, and two free two-night stays for up to four people at selected national park accommodations.
How it works
- Purchase: The passport can be purchased at most national park visitor centers or online for 100 baht.
- Collect stamps: As you visit each national park, you get a unique stamp in your passport, along with the date and location.
- At many parks various rangers will also add their signature and own little piece of art. Below examples from Doi Inthanon National Park were collected at various stations in the park.
- Complete the challenge: The ultimate goal is to collect all stamps from every national park in Thailand.
- Receive rewards: Upon completion, you will receive a “Ultimate National Park Explorer” stamp and a special welcome package that includes a one-year waiver for park entrance fees (for one person and one vehicle) and two free two-night stays at national park accommodations for up to four people.
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation
The organisation that manages Thailand’s national parks is the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), which is an agency within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The DNP is responsible for the protection, management, and operation of all national parks, including the terrestrial and marine parks. The organisation’s mission includes the protection of flora, fauna, landscapes, and natural resources, though it faces challenges from issues like development and poaching.
The list of national park areas as published by the DNP in 2024 includes
| National Parks |
| Khlong Lan Khlong Wang Chao Mae Wong Khun Chae Phu Sang Mae Puem Doi Luang Doi Phu Nang Doi Inthanon Doi Suthep – Pui Si Lanna Ob Luang Doi Phahompok Pha Daeng Mae Wang Khun Khan Huai Nam Dang Mae Takhrai Mae Ping Lan Sang Taksin Maharat Mae Moei Khun Pha War Doi Phu Kha Si Nan Mae Charim Khun Nan Tham Sa Koen Khun Sathan Namtok Chat Trakan Thung Salaeng Luang Phu Hin Rong Kla Phu Soi Dao Khao Kho Tat Mok Nam Nao Doi Pha Klong Wiang Kosai Mae Yom Lam Nam Nan Namtok Mae Surin Salawin Tham Pla – Namtok Pha Suea Chae Son Mae Wa Doi Khun Tan Doi Chong Ramkhamhaeng Si Satchanalai Ton Sak Yai North Phu Wiang Nam Phong Phu Pha Man Tat Ton Sai Thong Pa Hin Ngam Phu Laen Kha Thap Lan Khao Yai Phu Pha Thep Phu Kradueng Phu Ruea Phu Suan Sai Phu Phan Phu Pha Yon Phu Pha Lek Phu Langka Phu Kao – Phu Phan Kham Phu Sa Dok Bua Kaeng Tana Phu Chong – Na Yoi Pha Taem Khao Phra Wihan North-east Erawan Chaloem Rattanakosin Sai Yok Khuean Srinagarindra Khao Laem Thong Pha Phum Lam Khlong Ngu Namtok Huai Yang Hat Wanakon Khao Sam Roi Yot Kui Buri Chaloem Phra Kiat Thai Prachan Kaeng Krachan Namtok Sam Lun Namtok Chet Sao Noi Phu Toei Central Namtok Phlew Khao Khitchakut Khao Sip Ha Chan Mu Ko Chang Namtok Khlong Kaeo Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet Khao Chamao – Khao Wong Ta Phraya Pang Sida East Khao Phanom Bencha Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi Mu Ko Lanta Than Bok Khorani Mu Ko Chumphon Hat Chao Mai Khao Pu – Khao Ya Mu Ko Phetra Khao Luang Namtok Yong Khao Nun Namtok Si Khit Budo – Su-ngai Padi Namtok Sai Khao Ao Phang-nga Mu Ko Surin Mu Ko Similan Khao Lampi – Hat Thai Mueang Si Phang-nga Khao Lak – Lam Ru Sirinat Bang Lang Lam Nam Kra Buri Mu Ko Ranong Namtok Ngao Laem Son Khao Nam Khang Tarutao Thale Ban Mu Ko Ang Thong Khao Sok Kaeng Krung Tai Rom Yen Khlong Phanom Than Sadet-Ko Pha-Ngan South |