Apart from only a few densely populated areas like Bangkok, Thailand's northern capital Chiang Mai, and places like Hua Hin, Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai, Thailand is still very much rural making it a great destination for those wanting to get off the beaten track, hike in pristine jungle and find some adventure.
As a country known for its exotic, natural beauty, Thailand has no less than 102 national and marine national parks, displaying diverse fauna and flora.
On a recent visit to Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai I had the privilege to experience nature's beautiful gifts first hand when a friend invited me along for short hikes in several parks over the course of a few days.
If you are heading out this way and like me, don't just want to laze on a sun drenched beach (well I do that too) but also needs to get out into nature, discover glittering streams and waterfalls, see exotic birds and experience the majesty of a tropical jungle where the quiet is only broken by the sounds of nature, then you will enjoy the following must-see national parks in Thailand, all of which are easy to reach from popular tourist locations within the country.
Khao Sok National Park This is one of the most popular and also most beautiful national parks in Thailand.
It is very close to Phuket and can be visited on a day tour if you do not have the time to sleep over.
Apart from being beguiled by nature's beauty and hordes of wild life like birds and monkeys, a visit include hiking through verdant jungle, elephant trekking through the jungle, exploring caves and kayaking and swimming in the park's beautiful, warm, emerald green lake.
Instead of jut splashing out on the best hotels Phuket can offer with all the modern day conveniences always at hand, get back to nature and spend a few nights in a bamboo hut, lake cabin or bungalow in Khao Sok.
You could even consider splitting your Phuket hotel accommodation booking in half, stay in Phuket a few nights, then head to Khao Sok for a night or two to get in touch with nature and then back to your beach resort.
Huai Nam Dang National Park It is no secret that a visit to the north of Thailand where Chiang Mai is the capital is a completely different to what you would experience during a visit in the south where Bangkok and all the islands are located.
Chiang Mai is the historical epicenter of Thailand and culturally as rich as the country gets.
It is also all about mountains, valleys, jungle, rivers, streams and beautiful waterfalls.
This has given rise to a multitude of national parks in the area and to experience this natural beauty by hiking some of these parks is a must.
Some of these popular with tourists include Huai Nam Dang National Park.
The park covers 1250 square kilometers.
The highest peak is 1960 meters above sea level giving rise to beautiful streams, water falls and view points displaying the most incredible scenery.
Be sure to visit the two hot springs in the park spewing hot water two meters in the air.
Doi Suthep-Pui This park is within very easy driving distance of Chiang Mai city and easy to find, so if you can, rent a car and drive there by your self.
At the top of the Doi Suthep mountain is a beautiful gilded temple which at the same time offer great photo opportunity of the valley below.
You will also be able to visit the famous northern hill tribes of Thailand during a visit here.
The hill tribes are people still living like they have for hundreds of years and still wearing their traditional clothes.
There are six different tribes all of which have migrated to the north of Thailand from Burma, Laos and China of hundreds of years.
The park offer several hiking trails, streams and water falls and even houses a botanical garden.
Khao Phanom Bencha Back to the south again, Krabi is Thailand's scenic wonder in this part of the country and Khao Phanom Bencha is like something from a child's story book.
It is located close to Krabi Town, Krabi province's capital so if you are staying at any hotels in Krabi, the park can be easily reached during a day trip.
The park feauture's two water falls and a cave to explore.
Kayaking through lime stone caverns is amazing.
Wild pigs, panthers, clouded leopards, black bears, mouse deers, and monkeys is some of the wild life you can expect.
Sri Lanna The list of national parks in Chiang Mai go's on and on, but one other that really caught my attention is Sri Lanna.
It is very mountainous and the origin of the famous Ping river that flows through Chiang Mai.
It has been a while since I have experienced nature in such a pristine state.
Once again accommodation is offered in the form of floating cottages with views over mist covered hills, valleys and beautiful lake.
The hiking trail will see you pass rivers and a sic tier waterfall.
Erawan National Park - Kanchanaburi Province The closest location to the park frequented by tourists is Bangkok, approximately two hours drive away.
Kanchanaburi is also the location of the historical bridge over the river Kwai.
Four lime stone caves to explore, a seven tier waterfall and emerald green pool to swim in and an array of wild life makes Erawan very popular with tourists.
Kanchanaburi Province is generally known for it's natural beauty and offers a selection of accommodation options.
This is one of those places maybe not so much frequented by tourists, but those who do come here does not leave disappointed.
As a country known for its exotic, natural beauty, Thailand has no less than 102 national and marine national parks, displaying diverse fauna and flora.
On a recent visit to Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai I had the privilege to experience nature's beautiful gifts first hand when a friend invited me along for short hikes in several parks over the course of a few days.
If you are heading out this way and like me, don't just want to laze on a sun drenched beach (well I do that too) but also needs to get out into nature, discover glittering streams and waterfalls, see exotic birds and experience the majesty of a tropical jungle where the quiet is only broken by the sounds of nature, then you will enjoy the following must-see national parks in Thailand, all of which are easy to reach from popular tourist locations within the country.
Khao Sok National Park This is one of the most popular and also most beautiful national parks in Thailand.
It is very close to Phuket and can be visited on a day tour if you do not have the time to sleep over.
Apart from being beguiled by nature's beauty and hordes of wild life like birds and monkeys, a visit include hiking through verdant jungle, elephant trekking through the jungle, exploring caves and kayaking and swimming in the park's beautiful, warm, emerald green lake.
Instead of jut splashing out on the best hotels Phuket can offer with all the modern day conveniences always at hand, get back to nature and spend a few nights in a bamboo hut, lake cabin or bungalow in Khao Sok.
You could even consider splitting your Phuket hotel accommodation booking in half, stay in Phuket a few nights, then head to Khao Sok for a night or two to get in touch with nature and then back to your beach resort.
Huai Nam Dang National Park It is no secret that a visit to the north of Thailand where Chiang Mai is the capital is a completely different to what you would experience during a visit in the south where Bangkok and all the islands are located.
Chiang Mai is the historical epicenter of Thailand and culturally as rich as the country gets.
It is also all about mountains, valleys, jungle, rivers, streams and beautiful waterfalls.
This has given rise to a multitude of national parks in the area and to experience this natural beauty by hiking some of these parks is a must.
Some of these popular with tourists include Huai Nam Dang National Park.
The park covers 1250 square kilometers.
The highest peak is 1960 meters above sea level giving rise to beautiful streams, water falls and view points displaying the most incredible scenery.
Be sure to visit the two hot springs in the park spewing hot water two meters in the air.
Doi Suthep-Pui This park is within very easy driving distance of Chiang Mai city and easy to find, so if you can, rent a car and drive there by your self.
At the top of the Doi Suthep mountain is a beautiful gilded temple which at the same time offer great photo opportunity of the valley below.
You will also be able to visit the famous northern hill tribes of Thailand during a visit here.
The hill tribes are people still living like they have for hundreds of years and still wearing their traditional clothes.
There are six different tribes all of which have migrated to the north of Thailand from Burma, Laos and China of hundreds of years.
The park offer several hiking trails, streams and water falls and even houses a botanical garden.
Khao Phanom Bencha Back to the south again, Krabi is Thailand's scenic wonder in this part of the country and Khao Phanom Bencha is like something from a child's story book.
It is located close to Krabi Town, Krabi province's capital so if you are staying at any hotels in Krabi, the park can be easily reached during a day trip.
The park feauture's two water falls and a cave to explore.
Kayaking through lime stone caverns is amazing.
Wild pigs, panthers, clouded leopards, black bears, mouse deers, and monkeys is some of the wild life you can expect.
Sri Lanna The list of national parks in Chiang Mai go's on and on, but one other that really caught my attention is Sri Lanna.
It is very mountainous and the origin of the famous Ping river that flows through Chiang Mai.
It has been a while since I have experienced nature in such a pristine state.
Once again accommodation is offered in the form of floating cottages with views over mist covered hills, valleys and beautiful lake.
The hiking trail will see you pass rivers and a sic tier waterfall.
Erawan National Park - Kanchanaburi Province The closest location to the park frequented by tourists is Bangkok, approximately two hours drive away.
Kanchanaburi is also the location of the historical bridge over the river Kwai.
Four lime stone caves to explore, a seven tier waterfall and emerald green pool to swim in and an array of wild life makes Erawan very popular with tourists.
Kanchanaburi Province is generally known for it's natural beauty and offers a selection of accommodation options.
This is one of those places maybe not so much frequented by tourists, but those who do come here does not leave disappointed.