National Park

Krabi and the surrounding area offer some of the most beautiful and well-maintained National Parks in the country. These parks offer hiking, camping, kayaking, elephant safaris etc., as well as plain old picnicking and swimming.

Parks are open year-round, and cost 400 baht for admittance (guided eco-tours are also available at additional cost). Camping in the parks is by permission only, and most campsites are primitive with some parks offering small bungalows for hire.

The best time to visit the parks is, of course, during high season when the weather is cooler and dryer, but the National Parks are open year-round. Even during the low season (May to November) the parks are accessible, but transportation options in the area may be limited, and some trails may be muddy or closed.

Here is a listing of some of the most popular National Parks and a brief description on what they offer visitors looking to explore all the natural beauties of southern Thailand:

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park

This park boasts the largest waterfall in the area, called Nam Tok, and is a pleasant 10 km hike from Khao Phanom District Headquarters. In addition to the many large waterfalls in the park, it is also known for the largest cave, Tham Khao Ping. This unique cave is filled with many stalactite and stalagmite formations and is a 16 km hike from the main trailhead at district headquarters. Getting to Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is easy, just drive 20 km north of Krabi Town and follow the signs for the Huay Toh waterfall.

Hat Nopparat Thara National Park

This park is what now remains of a prehistoric freshwater swamp formed during the Jurassic Period. The area called Susaan Hoi is a “shell cemetery” where these fossilized shells can be seen in situ, just as they where millions of years before. There are only two other spots in the world where these types of shells can be seen, and a small shell museum in the park has all the details, as well as helpful staff that can answer your questions. To get there, take Road 4203 for about 17km after leaving Krabi Town until you reach a small Chinese temple that identifies the access road to the park.

Bang Kram Wildlife Sanctuary

This park is the best park to see varied species of animals, birds, and tropical vegetation. This national park is located inland next to Khao Noi Churchi, and is the best place for bird watching in Southern Thailand. The sanctuary is also part of the last remaining lowland rainforest in southern Thailand, offering glimpses of indigenous wildlife hard to find elsewhere in the more developed parts of Thailand. Different types of Kingfishers, Gurneys, Hornbills, and Partridges abound, and this area is home to the rare Gurney’s Pitta as well. The park also hosts the famous Emerald Pool, a natural place to go for a refreshing swim. To find the park, drive to south of Khao Noi Churchi, and just opposite Lanta Island on Highway 4 you will see the park entrance.

Klong Thom Hot Springs

Klong Thom Hot Springs is a small and recluse park that hosts many hot springs, as well as other natural beauty. Prehistoric volcanic chambers that produce thermal activity year round form these luxurious natural springs, and give bathers an opportunity to heal many of their ills. For example, these hot springs are thought to cure many ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica and other skin problems. Although modern medical practitioners will point out there is no scientific evidence of the spring’s curative powers, the locals swear by them. This park is located just south of Khlong Thom Nuea, and you may have to ask a local for the precise directions.

Bokkharani National Park

This gemstone of a national park is where most tourists and Thai locals spend a day in the outdoors when one wants to just get away from it all. Bokkharani has a little bit of everything to offer: seaside, thick forests, limestone cliffs, caves and waterfalls, one can find all of that in just one park at Bokkharani. While busy on weekends, during the week this is the perfect park for an outing with the entire family.