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Central Thailand National parks

Our most recommended Central Thailand National parks

Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park & Elephant Sanctuary

1. Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park & Elephant Sanctuary

Discover the beauty of the Doi Inthanon National Park, see the Wachirathan Waterfall, and feed elephants at an elephant sanctuary. Choose from a tour with a centrally-located meeting point in Chiang Mai or a tour with convenient pickup and drop-off directly at your accommodation in Chiang Mai.  Hop aboard a comfortable van or bus and relax the drive to the southwest of Chiang Mai. Stop at one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the country, Wachirathan Waterfall. This waterfall is more than 80 meters high, creating a refreshing mist that nourishes the surrounding vegetation.  Continue your journey to admire the stunning Twin Royal Pagodas. Take in gorgeous panoramic views with a terraced flower garden and the summit of Doi Inthanon Mountain. Walk on an ancient fern forest trail and have a delicious lunch at at local restaurant. Drive through the mountains and hill tribe village to the Elephant Village. Once you arrive, put on a traditional Karen tribe t-shirt and get ready for your jungle adventure. Pickup some fruits to feed the elephants. Learn about Asian elephants and the village's background. Find out how to approach elephants and the correct ways to feed them. Go on a forest hike with the friendly elephants through the lush vegetation and breathtaking mountains. Observe elephants roaming and foraging for food freely in the wild.  Swim with the elephants at the hidden waterfall where you can take some amazing picture. Have free time for a cool shower, to dry off, and to change back into your own clothes. Leave the Elephant Village and travel about 1.5 hours back to Chiang Mai City. 

Koh Chang: Full-Day Reefs or Wreck Sites Snorkeling Trip

2. Koh Chang: Full-Day Reefs or Wreck Sites Snorkeling Trip

Discover the fascinating underwater world around Koh Chang or Koh Rang National Park on this full-day snorkeling tour. After a comfortable hotel pickup, you will be driven to the Bang Bao Pier where you will receive your snorkel equipment, mask and fins. Hop aboard the boat, put on your life jacket and get ready for a marine adventure. Your boat will depart at 9 AM. Visit the beautiful coral sites around Koh Chang on some days, and head to Koh Rang National Park on other days, depending on weather and sea conditions. Both areas are stunning and offer prime snorkeling spots. The Koh Chang sites include a shipwreck, while the National Park sites include a beach stop. Enjoy a total of 3 diverse snorkeling stops. Feel comfortable in the presence of your expert guide, or explore the reefs by yourself if you're an experienced snorkeler. Indulge in a tasty lunch buffet with delicious non-spicy food, and refresh with fresh fruit in the afternoon. Your boat will return between 4 and 5 PM, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of your evening.

From Bangkok: Khao Yai National Park Small-Group Day Trip

3. From Bangkok: Khao Yai National Park Small-Group Day Trip

Start your adventure with an early pickup before beginning the 3-hour journey north-east. You’ll have a quick stop at the famous The Birder’s Lodge to grab some coffee before arriving at Khao Yai National Park. Khao Yai National Park is one of the largest national parks in Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll head down one of the many nature trails, admiring the local flora and fauna. As one of the oldest national parks in the country, you’ll find all kinds of animals living in the area, from mammals and reptiles to birds and insects. If you’re really lucky, you may just spot a herd of wild elephants nearby. After lunch, trek to Haew Suwat Waterfall and Haew Narok Waterfall, two of the park’s most picturesque bodies of water. We’ll marvel at the cool cascades, snap photos of the lush scenery, and take a quick respite before making our way back to Bangkok. For itinerary from April to May (Dry season): After lunch, follow a nature trail and walk along the winding paths, taking in the natural scenery. Look as your guide points out some of the park’s most enchanting features, and if you’re lucky, you can see some friendly creatures. After the hike, get to Nong Phak Chi Observation Tower. Climb to the top and get a bird’s eye view of the landscape below.

From Bangkok: Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi Small-Group Tour

4. From Bangkok: Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi Small-Group Tour

Tour the region of Kanchanaburi in West Thailand and uncover local history on this guided day trip. During this memorable day trip from Bangkok, visit the Death Railway which was put on the map by the 1957 movie, 'Bridge Over the River Kwai.' Begin at one of the country’s best-loved national parks, Erawan National Park. Connect with pristine nature at the Erawan Waterfall which has seven tiers, turquoise pools, and a set of limestone caves at its base.  Continue to the JEATH Museum, dedicated to the Allied Prisoners of War who died building the Burmese railway. This museum is a sad yet important reminder of Thailand’s history. It’s thought that over 100,000 lives were lost during this period.  Finally, visit the historic Bridge over the River Kwai. Have the chance to walk over the bridge, admire the impressive scenery, and take a moment to remember the past, before returning to your accommodations/meeting point in the evening.

4-Hour Doi Suthep & Hmong Hill Tribe Village from Chiang Mai

5. 4-Hour Doi Suthep & Hmong Hill Tribe Village from Chiang Mai

Depart Chiang Mai and travel to the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on Doi Suthep mountain. Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who climb up 309 steps to the stupa on the hilltop. Get spectacular views of Chiang Mai city and its surroundings. Then, visit a village and museum of the ethnic Hmong hill tribe, located inside the boundaries of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Learn more about the life of the tribe, known for their colorful costumes and handicraft traditions. Return to Chiang Mai and get dropped off at your hotel.

Bangkok: Elephant Sanctuary & Erawan Waterfall Tour

6. Bangkok: Elephant Sanctuary & Erawan Waterfall Tour

You’ll start your adventure with an early pickup before heading to the elephant sanctuary. ElephantsWorld is a conservation organization dedicated to helping these intelligent and proud creatures. Once there, you’ll listen to an introduction and safety briefing before preparing food for the elephants. Get down and dirty and give the elephants a mud bath before heading to the river to rinse them off. There will be some time to shower before you tuck in to a delicious buffet lunch. After helping yourself to delicious Thai dishes, feed the elephants the food you prepared earlier. At Erawan National Park, you’ll trek through the lush forests and caves before arriving at Erawan Waterfall. This famous seven-tiered beauty with its emerald pools is a great place to take a dip or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

From Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trip & Hike

7. From Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon National Park Day Trip & Hike

Explore the Thai jungle and embark on a guided hike on this day trip from Chiang Mai. Marvel at Thailand's highest mountain, visit pagodas and the rainforest, and feast on a delicious lunch as you go. Begin your experience in Chiang Mai and meet our guide for the drive to Doi Inthanon National Park. The park is home to Thailand's largest mountain which rises 2,565 meters above sea level, and has air that is cool year-round. Upon arrival, take a walk around the Angka Nature Trail. Experience an authentic rainforest environment filled with rare flora, animals, and birds. Continue on to visit 2 pagodas, built in honor of the King and Queen of Thailand for their 60th birthdays. There, take a stroll through the Hmong Market, and shop for local products like vegetables and seasonal fruits. Next, head to the Royal Project restaurant for lunch. Load up on energy to get ready for your afternoon hike. Have peace of mind knowing that free drinking water is also available during your experience. Begin your hike along the scenic Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail. Trek through shady forests and authentic jungle. Absorb a panoramic view of the rice terrace, and learn all about rice paddies. Conclude your hike at the Karen Hill Tribe Village, and find out about the villagers' way of life. Savor some freshly ground and brewed coffee before your return journey back to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai: Customizable Chiang Mai Surrounding Areas Tour

8. Chiang Mai: Customizable Chiang Mai Surrounding Areas Tour

See what's outside Chiang Mai on this customizable guided tour. Visit the roaring Wachirathan Waterfall, relax in the calming San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, or see indigenous Thai plants at the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. Enjoy pickup from your downtown Chiang Mai accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver. Meet your guide in the car and head out. You can opt for a guide who speaks English, German, or Spanish. When you checkout, choose 3 to 4 sights or attractions that you must see, with a few additional optional sites so that your guide has several options to craft the best schedule for you based on geography and diversity. Nature-loving customers might enjoy the Doi Inthanon route, with a hike in the Doi Inthanon National Park, and a visit to Wachirathan Waterfall. If you’re thinking of taking the Mae Rim or Mae Taeng route, visit Mon Jam Highlands and Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. Adventure and relaxation enthusiasts will love San Kamphaeng Hot Springs and Ban Mae Kampong Village. To help keep your travel time down, consider sights within 3 different routes. Doi Inthanon Route: • Doi Inthanon National Park (Doi Inthanon summit and Angka Nature Trail)• Wachirathan Waterfall• Twin Royal Pagodas (Napamatanee Don and Napaphon Bhumisiri)• Inthanon Royal Agricultural Station (Royal Project)• Mae Klang Luang Village (Hill Tribe Village, Pha Chor Canyon, Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong) Mae Rim and Mae Taeng Route: • Mon Jam Highlands• Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden conservation center for indigenous Thai plants with a canopy walkway)• Pongyang Zipline and Jungle Coaster• Mae Sa Waterfall, Wat Pa Dara Phirom Temple• Nong Hoi Royal Project Development Center• Plai Fa Strawberry Farm, Mae Taman Elephant Camp• Baan Tong Luang Hill Tribes Village (long-necked Karen village)• Wat Ban Den• Bua Tong Waterfalls (Sticky Waterfalls)• Nam Phu Chet Si Spring• Chiang Dao Cave San Kamphaeng and Ban Mae Kampong Route: • San Kamphaeng Hot Springs• Ban Mae Kampong Village (ziplining activity and cafes)• Mae Kampong Waterfall• Wat Mae Kampong (hidden temple)• MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum• Muang On Cave, Baan Jang Nak (Museum of Elephant Wood Carvings)• Bo-Sang Handicrafts Centre• San Kamphaeng Saturday Walking Street (Saturdays only)

From Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall & Kanchanaburi Private Tour

9. From Bangkok: Erawan Waterfall & Kanchanaburi Private Tour

Enjoy your full-day private tour from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi with your personal tour guide. Start with pickup from your hotel in Bangkok in the early morning. Visit the top destinations in Kanchanaburi by a private air-conditioned car. Begin your trip by visiting Bridge Over the River Kwai, the famous attraction of Kanchanaburi which was made famous by the movie of the same name. Continue to Erawan Waterfall National Park, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand with an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. Walk from the national park office to the waterfall. Relax at the waterfall or take an optional trek up to the top of the waterfall on the 7th tier (about 1,500 meters). After the waterfall, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Krasae Buddha cave and board the train to ride along the former railway for about 30 minutes. Then return to your hotel in Bangkok.

Khao Yai National Park: 2-Day Private Tour from Bangkok

10. Khao Yai National Park: 2-Day Private Tour from Bangkok

DAY 1: Around 9:00 AM on day 1 your private driver will meet you at your hotel in Bangkok and take you to Khao Yai National Park. The first stop that you're heading to is Eco Valley Lodge. The transfer takes about 3 hours. Once there, it's time to meet and greet your guide, then continue for the afternoon tour. You will be visiting a Buddhist cave temple, see million wrinkle-lipped bats flying and forming a snake-like stream in the sky and visit a viewpoint overlooking the National Park. This tour will be joined by a small group (max 10 people). After today's tour a transfer to your hotel. DAY 2: Get up at 7 AM, enjoy breakfast, then pick up for the tour will be at 8 AM. The first stop in Khao Yai National park is a stop at the Viewpoint to stretch your legs. You will be joining a guide in a small group party. Then, the guide will take you hiking through the dry evergreen forest where gibbons, monkeys, and hornbills are often seen. After that you will drive up to Haew Suwat waterfall, followed by lunch near the waterfalls and swimming in a natural pool. In the afternoon, you will see the second-highest mountain in the park and relax from a superb viewpoint. Your most favorite part of the day could be the evening when you are going to be checking out the wild elephants that might come to the salt licks. This join tour finishes at 7:30 PM in Khao Yai. Your private driver will take you back to Bangkok. The expected return time in Bangkok is 10:30 PM.

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Frequently asked questions about Central Thailand National parks

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What people are saying about Central Thailand

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 7 reviews

We booked the private tour. They picked us up at our hotel in a roomy, comfortable fan. The guide was outstanding, providing us with a great deal of information about Chiang Mai and Thailand in general. The Hmong village is interesting, and our guide really brought it to life. The village gardens are amazing. It’s mostly a fantastic shopping experience. We came back down a little ways on the mountain to finish the tour at the Temple, and, again, our guide really brought it to life. It is truly glorious. The driver also did a first rate job keeping us comfortable as he navigated the windy mountain road. Definitely recommend this tour.

We enjoyed the excursion and the whole schedule. The Jungle Rafts were a great experience. The no electricity was a great way to have my whole family disconnect from the world for a couple days. The food was a little disappointing since we were expecting authentic Thai food. But the Jungle Raft served good that suite Europeans (eggs, sausage. Toast). The floating markets were really cool. We actually bought things from vendors on boats. The tour guide was a little dry and didn’t talk too much, but I definitely have had worse. He was nice and well mannered.

Our tour guide Tony was awesome! Only advice if you are going on this trip is to bring swim attire if you want to swim in waterfalls! I didn’t bring anything since the tour didn’t mention anything about possible swimming. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes! The hike up to the 7th tier at the waterfall is no joke and a challenging hike. Other then that, great tour and do appreciate the assistance!

Absolutely stunning strip! Would definitely recommend. It was so well planned. The taxi driver and tour guide were so lovely and friendly. They stopped enough times for snacks and toilet breaks. Our guide was super helpful sharing knowledge about the sites we were seeing and the culture of Thailand and its people. We really enjoyed this.

Très belle découverte et très bon moment

Small group, fun & friendly tour guide (I had Jackie!) and well planned itinerary :)