Thailand National Parks

Thailand has 96 national parks, 100 wildlife and non-hunting sanctuaries and 65 forest parks, which together make up a full 13 percent of land area.

The park system, managed by the Royal Forestry Department, provides the visitor with easy access to the country's natural treasure, from the mountain pine forests of the North to the southern rainforests to the spectacular coral and marine life off both coasts.

Some of the wildlife and non-hunting sanctuaries adjoin one another, making conservation efforts easier. Most of the parks are accessible by road, offer simple accommodation and charge a small admission fee. In the larger ones such as Khao Yai, rangers can be hired as guides for long treks. Wildlife sanctuaries are not tourism areas, however, so visitors must bring food and camping gear and observe the no-disturbance rules set up to protect the animals.

National parks and wildlife sanctuaries have rules for visitors that are made to ensure environmental protection as well as your own safety. You can contribute to the preservation of Thailand's natural heritage by observing the simple rules of leaving nothing behind, taking nothing with you, and respecting the residents of the place you visit, human or otherwise.