National Parks of Thailand
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Statistics reveal that there are some one hundred and fourteen National Parks, twenty four National Marine Parks and various other protected sectors across Thailand. As a matter of fact, thirteen percent of the country is now a secure and safe habitat in which endangered species are protected from encroachment and poaching. Somewhat surprising when you consider that the very first wildlife sanctuary was established here less than five decades ago. A fair percentage when you compare that to the United States which has a little over ten percent. Not only does the ecosystem here protect the regions natural resources it helps to create an educational and tranquil recreational facility for visitors. If you have time, you should take a tour of at least one of the parks on your next vacation. In all likelihood, there should be one not far from where you are staying. I shall list the parks I consider to be the most important if not the best ones to visit. Though this may not affect you directly, I would just like to point out that for all the parks environmental benefits, many are a source of controversy. Fishermen, farmers, loggers, poachers and the tourist industry are often pitted against some sections of the government and environmentalists. Even the parks administration had come under criticism when they allowed a film crew to re-landscape portions of
Ko Phi Phi Ley
and
Ko Samet
islands for the movie The Beach. Conservation and commercialism aims and issues are frequently addressed by the government.
Khao Yai National Park
National Parks of ThailandCentral ThailandKhao Yai is the oldest park in Thailand. It encompasses a mixture of broad-leaf evergreen and deciduous tree forest with grasslands and scrub as it's secondary growth. A variety of wildlife roam it's interior including many endangered species such as elephants, tigers, leopards, white-handed gibbons and sambar stags.North ThailandDoi Inthanon encompasses the highest mountain in Thailand and a great retreat for one-day excursions from both Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son in the north. The park has several types of fauna and flora with waterfalls and a wide range of animals such as leopard, pangolin and flying squirrel. Bird watching is also popular as the area has many bird species such as hawk, eagle and Eurasian woodcock.The Eastern SeaboardKhao Chamao and Khao Wong are the names of two mountains that rise above the farming lowlands of Thailand's eastern seaboard on route to Cambodia. The park is a tropical evergreen forest with spectacular waterfalls, valleys and caves. It is also a haven where tigers, elephants and Asiatic black bears can roam free.The Western SeaboardKhao Sam Roi Yot is a small coastal park located on the narrowest part of the Thai peninsular overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. It is a region of vast contrasts with sea, sand, freshwater marshland backed by dramatic limestone pinnacles and caves. The forested interior of the park is home to an array of animals such as the rare dusty langur, monitor lizard and the crab eating macaque, while the wetlands provide a sanctuary for millions of migratory birds from as far as Siberia.Khao Sok National Park
National Parks of ThailandThe Upper Andaman CoastKhao Sok together with the nearby preserves paints a formidable picture of what is unmistakably the largest and most dramatic tract of virgin rain forest in south Thailand. The surrounding peaks rise to spectacular heights while the sheer size of the forest helps protect the enormous population of elephants, bison, several species of jungle cats, wild dogs and many other endangered animals as well as nearly two hundred bird species. The park is also home to world's largest flower.Khao Lak stretches across several long scenic strips of stunning golden sandy beaches along the upper Andaman coastline. The region here is most famous for it's spectacular scenery of steep rain forested ridges that extend down to the winding coast. You can relax on the beach, take an elephant trek to one of the park's many waterfalls or dive among the coral reef at the nearby Similan Islands. The Southern SeaboardKhao Phra Taew National Park is located just four kilometres or two and a half miles east of the town of Thalang on Phuket in southern Thailand. It's the island's last main outpost and primary evergreen rain forest. Within the park are two very delightful waterfalls. Ton Sai waterfall to the west of the park is the prettiest and near Bang Pae waterfall to the east is the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center.
Ang Thong National Park
National Marine Parks of ThailandThe Western SeaboardAng Thong comprises of a group of 42 small islands spread over a portion of the deep blue Gulf of Thailand west of Ko Samui island. The region was once a haven for pirates but now most visitors are tourists who come here for day trips to relax on the soft sandy white beaches or to explore the limestone caves and abundant wildlife in the lush virgin rain forest. Canoeing around the island's jagged coastline as well as snorkeling among the colourful coral reefs is also a major attraction.The Deep SouthKo Tarutao is spread over the mostly uninhabited 51 island archipelago near the Malaysian island of Langkawi in the Andaman Sea. The region is home to a mixed population of Thai and sea gypsies but tourists come here to sample it's superb diving sites, considered to be among the best in the world. Though there may be a rich concentration of tropical fish species, the offshore sightings of sperm and minke whales as well as dugongs and dolphins are also a common site here.
Ko Tarutao National Marine Park
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