Wildlife in Thailand

            Natural forests cover almost a quarter of Thailand’s entire land area. Rainforests are made up of evergreens, while monsoon forests are made up of hardwood trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Because of this thick vegetation, Thailand has a lot of room for wildlife.

Thailand is home to almost ten percent of the world’s animal species. There are many mammal species in Thailand. That includes elephants, tigers, leopards, Malaysian sun bears, sambars, deer, otters, gibbons, monkeys, macaques, sheep, goats, wild cattle, and wild pigs. Elephants have long been a symbol of Thailand, yet there are only 1,000-2,000 of them.

            With plenty of bird species dwelling in Thailand, it is a birdwatcher’s delight as well. The crested honey-buzzard and the crested serpent eagle are two of the numerous birds of prey found across the nation. In Thailand, there are thirteen species of hornbill, some of which are common and others that are endangered.

            Also, Thailand is home to a diverse range of reptile and amphibian species, including snake species such as cobras, pythons, and vipers. And Thailand is home to three tortoise species, including the Asian giant tortoise, which can live for over a century. There are species of lizards here, including common geckos, tree lizards, monitor lizards, and water dragons.

What are the Best National Parks in Thailand?

            You would surely be curious to know the best National Parks in Thailand for you to visit. Do not worry! We can tell you all about them.

1.     Khao Sok

            This is one of the natural wonders of Southern Thailand. It consists of one of Asia’s oldest rainforests. It is located along a road connecting so many beach resorts as well. So, it is ideal for tourists. Ratchaphrapa Reservoir or Chiew Lan Reservoir, one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful reservoirs of freshwater is one of the main attractions of this park. The green water glistens amid 1,000m high limestone mountains. You can go on a boat excursion that lasts a few hours or all day.

            Caves and waterfalls can be found west of the reservoir. But you will need a guide to accessing them. Khao Sok is rich in birds and reptiles. So, you can get a pretty good view of those species in this national park.

2.     Khao Yai

            This is Thailand’s oldest national park. It consists of 2,168 square kilometers of mountainous rainforest. And this is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage designation. It is a three-hour journey northeast of Bangkok. The name Khao Yai translates to “Big Mountain,” and its summits rise to 1,351 meters. Road access is available to a number of overlooks, including Pha Diao Dai. The 150-meter Haew Narok is the tallest waterfall, accessible by a lengthy, steep slope. Since Leonardo DiCaprio dived over it in the 1999 film The Beach, it has earned some popularity.

            Elephants and wrinkle-lipped bats are among the abundant animals of this national park. Outside the park, you can also visit the various wineries and sunflower fields, and some of the adjacent resorts offer activities like waterslides and go-karting.

3.     Kui Buri

            Kui Buri National Park, which straddles the Tenasserim Mountains bordering Myanmar, is the only area in the nation where you can almost always see wild elephants and wild gaur, the world’s biggest bovine animal. Visitors load into pick-up vehicles that stop along the gravel roads anytime a jumbo appears in the woods for a true safari experience.

4.     Khao Sam Roi Yot

            The mountains of 300 Peaks give the coastal Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park its name. Here, you can take a boat to the white sands of Laem Sala and then climb the half-kilometer to Tham Phraya Nakhon, one of Thailand’s most spectacular caverns. Long ago, a section of the cave’s high limestone ceiling crumbled, enabling sunshine to expose a pavilion erected inside the cave over a century ago.

Other caverns and a mangrove forest may be visited by boat from Bang Pu village, and the largest wetland in Thailand is located on the west side of the mountains, where a path allows visitors to see storks and collared kingfishers foraging in water covered with lotuses and purple water lilies. Back on the mainland, kayak to Ko Kho Ram Island, which is home to a monkey troop.

5.     Kaeng Krachan

            This, the country’s largest national park, spans approximately 3,000 square kilometers of rugged terrain and connects to other protected forest areas in Thailand and Myanmar to form one of Southeast Asia’s final refuges for tigers and other endangered animals. Here exist Asiatic black bears and Siamese crocodiles, but sightings are exceedingly uncommon.

            The park’s main attraction is the birdlife, which has 460 species including the long-tailed broadbill and Oriental pied hornbill. Bird-watching trails near three campgrounds are excellent. And you can hire a guide who is skilled in spotting animals while keeping your family safe.

Conclusion

            This article focused on how delightful the wildlife is in Thailand and its National Parks. Now that you have a good idea about them, you can definitely visit them.

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What are the 10 Best Beaches in Thailand?

            So, what are the 10 Best Beaches in Thailand?

1. Pattaya Beach
2. Railay Beach
3. Maenam Beach
4. Phra Nang Cave Beach
5. Nai Harn Beach
6. Long Beach
7. Maya Beach
8. Freedom Beach
9. Bottle Beach
10. Sunrise Beach

            You would surely like to more about these beaches. Now, it is time for that.

Pattaya Beach

            Pattaya Beach, a renowned tourist beach on Thailand’s Gulf coast, is about an hour south of all the attractions in Bangkok. The hilltop temple that rises above the sand is the most remarkable feature. Resorts and shops have been added to the region that was formerly a fishing hamlet. This is an excellent beach for water sports such as parasailing and jet-skiing, which are not available on smaller beaches. Like other beaches around Bangkok, Pattaya Beach can get busy at times. But it is still a great place to wander along the crescent beachfront.

Railay Beach

            Railay Beach, one of Thailand’s top attractions, is only accessible by longtail boat due to its location on a narrow peninsula, but it is well worth the effort. The beach’s silky white sand is merely one thing of the experience. Railay Beach is made up of multiple tiny beaches that are very adjacent to one another. This section of the coast is ideal for mixing typical beach time with island discovery.

Maenam Beach

            Although Maenam Beach is popular with families and travelers, it is still a long way from Samui’s most well-known beaches, making it one of the greatest Thailand beaches. Finding a somewhat secluded stretch of beach is not difficult with more than four miles of silky white sand lapped by gentle waves and a variety of high-end resorts. The tranquil location also offers cloud-capped views of Koh Pha Ngan to the north, all while relaxing under an umbrella or coconut tree.

Phra Nang Cave Beach

            Only accessible by long-tail boat from Ao Nang, Phra Nang Beach is the southernmost portion of Railway Bay along the glistening Andaman Sea. The silky sand is at its finest from May to December, when you can rent a sea kayak to explore the nearby sandstone karsts and limestone caves, go snorkeling amid the shallow water’s coral reefs, or try your hand at rock climbing without having to compete for space.

Nai Harn Beach

            Despite the fact that Nai Harn Beach may get rather busy, it is still one of Thailand’s most popular beaches. The beach, which is located in Phuket, is famed for its crystal blue water, white sand, and gentle waves. The beach is one of the most popular because of its year-round suitability due to its steady climate and weather conditions. It is easy to spend an entire day at the beach thanks to nearby eateries and local food vendors.

Long Beach

            Long Beach’s gradually sloping sand is bordered by tall pine trees. Though there are many guesthouses, bungalows, resorts, bars, and restaurants along the coastline, they are all set back from the sand, keeping the beach unspoiled. Much of Long Beach is also undeveloped, so if you are looking for a quiet location, you would find it with a little digging. The sunsets on Long Beach are spectacular.

Maya Beach

            Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi, one of the world’s most beautiful islands, is encircled nearly entirely by gigantic limestone monoliths. Even though it is likely to be packed with guests and longtail boats when you go, the steep hills that surround the sea make it feel like a secluded sanctuary. Because the bay is surrounded by a vast reef, you can see a lot of tropical species.

Freedom Beach

            Freedom Beach is an extraordinary beach on Phuket’s island, which is noted for its numerous beautiful sandy beaches. There’s a laid-back vibe here, and there’s not much to disturb the peace.

Bottle Beach

            Bottle Beach, like other prominent beaches in Thailand, may get busy during peak tourist seasons. It is gorgeous in its natural state. This beach, on the other hand, maybe practically solitary and serene at times. The majority of guests come for day trips, so staying overnight will allow you to have the beach virtually entirely to yourself in the morning.

Sunrise Beach

            Despite the fact that Koh Lipe in Southern Thailand is becoming more popular, Sunrise Beach still feels like an untouched tropical paradise. A day here is nothing short of magical, with turquoise seas, white dunes, and a laid-back vibe.

Conclusion

            You might have got a good understanding of the amazing beaches of Thailand by now. Enjoy your travels!

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is located next to Huai Kaeo Arboretum. It is a well-managed large zoo, which occupies the lower forested slopes of Doi Suthep Mountain. The zoo contains more than 200 types of Asian and African mammals and birds. The most popular star here is panda, the friendship Chinese ambassador. The zoo provides monorail service within the area of 2 kilometres. Additional, the twilight zoo is open 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. The newly aquarium on its area 10 rai, which housed the longest underwater automatic tunnel of Asia with 133 metres, and will accommodate both sea and river fish and animal from various areas; such as the upper mountain ranges of Northern Region, Khong River Basin, Amazon River Basin, the plain land of mangrove and from the underwater world.

It is open everyday from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Admission fee for adult is 100 Baht, and children fee is 20 Baht. Restaurants and a camping site are available. For more details or advance booking contact Tel. 0 5322 1179, 0 5322 2283 www. chiangmaizoo.com

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (วัดพระธาตุดอยสุเทพ)

is the most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. This temple is 15 kilometres from town, 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple is approached on foot by climbing a steep Naga staircase comprising 290 steps. The less energetic may ascend by railcars. The temple’s pagoda contains holy Buddha relics, and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. The temple compound offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside. or take a cable car up to Doi Suthep, which operates between 5.30 a.m.-8.00 p.m. Tourists without a car can travel by Song Thaeo mini bus from in front of Chiang Mai University (on Huai Kaeo Road side) operating during 5.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m., Contact Tel. 0 5329 5001-2

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยสุเทพ – ปุย)

the superb landscaped national park covers an area of 262 square kilometres of Amphoe Mae Rim, Amphoe Hang Dong, and Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai. The park consists of verdant forests and mountain ranges. Major mountains include Doi Suthep, Doi Buak Ha, and Doi Pui. This is a main source of tributaries and streams in Chiang Mai. Sacred places, religious attractions and historical sites are located in the park complex.

To get there: To the park office, drive from Chiang Mai town for 5 kilometres on the Huai Kaeo-Chiang Mai University-Chiang Mai Zoo route to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep en route to the intersection on the right, the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park road sign will be seen. Contact Tel. 0 5321 0244-6, 0 5329 5117-8

Attractions in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

Huai Kaeo Waterfall (น้ำตกห้วยแก้ว)

is located 6 kilometres from Chiang Mai town. The 10-metre cascade provides a delightful ambiance of scenic views and various plants.

Khru Ba Siwichai Monument (อนุสาวรีย์ครูบาศรีวิชัย)

is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain. The monument honours the devoted Buddhist monk whose followers built the first 10 kilometres road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in 1935.

Bhubing Palace พระตำหนักภูพิงคราชนิเวศน์

is located on the same road, 4 kilometres beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on Doi Buak Ha. The royal winter palace was built in 1961. The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent State visitors from abroad. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public everyday from 8.30 a.m.-3.30 p.m. Tickets are sold until 3.30 p.m. The palace is closed when the Royal Family is in residence, January to early March. Contact Tel. 0 5321 9932, 0 5321 9915 www.bhubingpalace.org

Doi Pui Tribal Village (หมู่บ้านชาวเขาเผ่าม้ง)

is a Hmong tribal village some 3 kilometres on an asphalt road from Bhubing Palace. The village presents the typical lifestyle of the Hmong as well as a scenic view of Doi Inthanon, the highest peak of Thailand. The trip takes only an hour from Chiang Mai town and the village is easily accessible.

Royal Park Ratchapruek (อุทยานหลวงราชพฤกษ์)

After the success of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek, a world-class horticulture expo to celebrate the auspicious occasions of HM King Bhumibol’s 60th anniversary of his accession to the throne and his 80th birthday in 2006-2007, Thai Cabinet decided to maintain the condition of the park as the newest travel destination of Chiang Mai.

The Royal Park Ratchaphruek sits in Mae Hia sub-district and covers an area of 240,000 square metres, divided into different zones you need to spend the whole day here. Perched at the center is an authentic Lanna architecture of Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion where a painting exhibition about the life and works King Bhumibol is displayed inside. Visitors should not miss to visit the Orchid Garden to see rare orchids and International Gardens to hop into different styles of gardens curated by different participating countries, such as South Korea, China, Japan and Bhutan, to represent their cultures. Other zones include the World of Insects, Rare Plants and Corporate Zone. Trams are provided and do bring an umbrella as it can be really hot during the day. Opens daily from, 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Tickets for adults are 100 Baht and 50 Baht for children.

Contact Tel. 0 5311 4110-5, www.royalparkrajapruek.org

Chiang Mai Night Safari (เชียงใหม่ ไนท์ ซาฟารี)

is located in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Tambon Mae Hia and Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai and Tambon Nong Khwai, Amphoe Hang Dong, covering an overall area of approximately 819 rai. This is an abundant night safari. Visitors can see various kinds of animals such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, Asiatic black bears, tigers, hyenas, crocodiles, etc. by open-air tram. There is also a trekking route to see the wild animals surrounded by a beautiful atmosphere on the lake’s bank that is full of various trees.

To get there: It is 10 kilometres from Chiang Mai. Go along Huai Kaeo Road, turn left into Highway No. 121 toward Amphoe Hang Dong for around 10 kilometres, then turn right and continue for 2 kilometres.

Operation hours: day time from Mon.-Fri. between 1.00 p.m.-4.00 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. between 10.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m., night time daily between 6.00 p.m.-11.30 p.m. Tickets for adults are 500 Baht and 300 Baht for children. For information, contact Tel. 0 5399 9050, 0 5399 9000 For accommodation, Contact Tel. 0 5399 9015, 0 5399 9079

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