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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.

Bangkok: Khao Yai National Park Full-Day Tour

3. Bangkok: Khao Yai National Park Full-Day Tour

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 Naitional 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, we’ll 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.

Khao Yai National Park Jungle Trekking Day Trip From Bangkok

4. Khao Yai National Park Jungle Trekking Day Trip From Bangkok

After hotel pick-up in the early hours, head to the first stop on the trek at the Kilometer 30 viewing point at Thanarat Road. Capture the scenery of the Northern part of Khao Yai National Park, great for photo opportunities. Trek onward to Kilometer 33, known as Nong Park Chi to the locals. Walk for around 2 hours, passing an observation tower and many different species of wildlife. There is a salt lick close to the tower to attract wildlife, along with a lake, open grassland and forest. Savor a traditional Thai lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, head to the Khao Yai National Park Visitor Center in the park headquarters, a useful starting point for visitors with information and interpretive facilities to enhance your appreciation of the park. See exhibits on the natural environment and wildlife of Khao Yai, and get information about day hiking trails. Finally, stop at the splendid Haew Suwat Waterfall, with plenty of shady tree spots to sit under and many large rocks to lie down on and relax. This stunning waterfall was made famous in The Beach, but is unfortunately off limits to swim in. After your full day trekking in the forest, transfer back to Bangkok at approximately 6:00 PM.

From Bangkok: Erawan National Park & Kanchanaburi Group Tour

5. From Bangkok: Erawan National Park & Kanchanaburi 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. 

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.

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

8. 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.

Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour

9. Bangkok: 2-Day River Kwai & Erawan National Park Tour

Day 1: In the early morning at 7:30AM, your personal guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby in Bangkok. You will begin with a visit to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak. Close to the market you will board a fast long-tail boat, which will bring you through the narrow "khlongs" to the market. At the market you will enjoy watching farmers selling fruit and many kinds of local products in their boats. If you want, you can take one of the paddle boats to cruise through the market (optional). Following this great experience, you will continue your trip to the bridge over the River Kwai, the Allied Forces Cemetery, and the JEATH war museum. You will then travel once more by long-tail boat to the Jungle Raft, a unique, floating hotel in the middle of the jungle, made from wood and bamboo. The resort offers a unique accommodation experience right on the flowing Kwai Noi River. All floating rooms are tucked into a floating bamboo lodge moored along the historic River Kwai Noi and surrounded by lush green mountains and jungle. At this "floatel", the historic River Kwai Noi flows underneath your bed. The walls are weaved from local bamboo decorated with wooden furniture reflecting the Mon living style (hotel subject to availability). Day 2: Following breakfast, your guide will take you by long-tail boat back to your private vehicle. After another 45 minutes to 1 hour of travel will take you to Erawan National Park, where you will find the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand: the Erawan Waterfalls. The waterfall consists of 7 plateaus, and you can hike to the highest level through a small jungle path. After reaching the top, you will still have plenty of time to discover the natural fish spas, see the natural shaped slides, and go for a swim. Following lunch, you will be taken back to your hotel in Bangkok.

Chiang Mai: Customizable Chiang Mai Surrounding Areas Tour

10. 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)

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What people are saying about Central Thailand

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 7 reviews

The tour was really nice. First we went to the waterfall Haew Narok, which was a short hike down and up the stairs. After this hike there was the possibility to grab some local thai lunch, which tasted great! Hereafter we continued the tour around the Haew Su Wat Waterfall, this was a somewhat longer hike of 3.5 km with some small heightdifferences. During this hike there was plenty of time to take pictures and look around this beautiful jungle. Our tourguide Angie, was really wonderull, she told lots of information about Thailand on our way towards the national park. During the trip she provided also many facts about the places and nature of the area. She was also very entertaining and funny, and even made many group pictures on the best spots. She truly made it a fun and enjoyable tour. Surely a experience never to forget!!

This tour was AMAZING!! Our guide Nira and driver Sam were fantastic. Nira took us to extraordinary and scenic areas we didn’t even expect; such as the train market in Bangkok and a flower garden overlooking a large hydroelectric plant/dam. The crown jewel of this epic tour was the floating bungalow resort. I had no idea it was a twenty minute boat ride up river into a remote and gorgeous area. Absolutely stunning!! Highly recommend this tour!!

Our guide Angie at this tour was great. We get many information about Thailand, the people and their culture. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the company. The Pick up and the whole tour was well prepared. Angie did her best to take wonderful pictures of us. We saw a lot of animals and vegetation. We would recommend this tour 100% when you will see a lot of the National Park and have a very good time.

Perfect program for outdoor people. Nature and viev were unique experience. You will get another angle to Thailand. You will find a places like this as you have a local guide. This made our visit in Thailand unforgettable

Na, was a brilliant guide and looked after my husband and I for the whole day. She shared wonderful stories about the area and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great trip.