Important: National park
Closed seasons 2026!
17.3.26 Thailand’s 156 national parks are among its greatest natural treasures.
I recommend that everyone visiting the country spend at least one day at one of its fascinating parks, in addition to a beach holiday. Most are not far from popular resorts.
Some parks close for a few months each year to give the flora and fauna time to recover, and for safety reasons during the rainy season.
Be sure to factor this into your holiday plans! You can find the current list here!
Wildlife - Moments in Pictures
Thailand has so many dream beaches to offer for a holiday. But inland lies a hidden paradise: a nature experience unlike anything we know, waiting to be discovered in one of the country’s 127 national parks.
In early 1993, I learned to dive on Phi Phi Island, a marine national park in the Andaman Sea. A few years later, I discovered the unique magic of the jungle in Khao Sok National Park, not far from Phuket. Since then, I’ve taken many tours in a wide range of parks. Each one was an unforgettable experience!
Huai Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
Long-tailed macaque
Cheeky;)
Dry forests make wildlife easier to spot
The Green Peacock
Ko Phi Phi Marine National Park
When I learned to dive here in 1993, the island was a sleepy paradise. Since the Hollywood blockbuster "The Beach", Phi Phi has been overwhelmed by tourists. But there’s still plenty to discover for divers, and you can still find relatively quiet spots on the island.
1993 wonderful beach walks
Leopard shark
Shark Point
1994 - Beach Cabanas
The port in 2009
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai is my favorite park, even though it’s packed with tourists on weekends. During the week, it’s peaceful. And nowhere else can you see more wildlife!
White-handed Gibbon
The famous Khao Yai crocodile
Watch out for the elephant family
A beauty—and harmless!
Khao Sok National Park
In 2001, fellow divers in Phuket recommended a visit to Khao Sok, just three hours away. Back then, it was only a tip for backpackers. Since I had my own boat with me, paddling on the reservoir and its inlets stretching deep into the jungle was an unforgettable experience.
Overnight stay in the jungle
Cooking in the jungle
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Kaeng Krachan is the country’s largest national park, located on the border with Myanmar. It’s difficult to reach compared with other parks, but boasts a spectacular mountain landscape. A true paradise for birdwatchers. The park was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Similan Islands Marine National Park
This marine national park is especially popular with snorkelers. For divers, it remains one of the best diving areas in the world. Day trips by speedboat are offered mainly from Khao Lak. There are also worthwhile multi-day liveaboards departing from Phuket and Khao Lak.
