National Parks Phuket: a guide to the national parks on Phuket Island and nearby

National Parks on Phuket island

The Phi Phi islands are one of Thailand's most popular national parks

Most visitors make a beeline for the beach when they reach Phuket, without realising that the centre of the island is covered in lush, tropical jungle, waterfalls and beautiful wildlife. Additionally, the national park areas just off Phuket island, in Phang Nga, Krabi and Surat Thani provinces, are well worth the short drives.

Here are main national parks within a three hour journey of Phuket.

Khao Prataew (Khao Phra Thaeo) National Park
A beautiful place for some light jungle trekking on the island, Khao Prataew National Park encompasses approximately 2,200 square kilometres of forest and serves as a nature preserve for many species of wild animals. There are two beautiful waterfalls here that draw lots of Thai picnickers on the weekends. Bang Pae is the largest waterfall on the island at approximately 18 metres in height. It’s approximately a 10-minute walk to the waterfall from the parking area. Just next to the parking area is the information desk of the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. Ton Sai waterfall is also located in Khao Prataew. 254 Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Rd., Thalang, 076 311 998, open: daily 08.30 to 16.30,. admission: Thai: free, foreigners (adult/child): 200/100 baht.

Sirinat Marine National Park
On the northern part of Phuket island, Sirinat National Park covers 90 square kilometres, including the popular Nai Yang Beach. The land-based portion is home to many unusual plants and animals. A convenient nature trail guides visitors on a light walk through the park, and even includes signs in English and Thai. The majority of the park area encompasses the sea and mangroves. There are coral reefs approximately a thousand metres offshore in depths of four to seven metres. 89/1 Moo 1, Ban Nai Yang, Sakhu, Thalang, 076 327 152, open: daily 08.30 to 16.30, admission: Thai (adult/child) 40/20 baht, foreigners (adult/child): 200/100 baht.

National Parks in Phang Nga province

Similan Islands National Marine Park

Designated national parks like the Similans are spared any tourist development

The number-one place for scuba diving in Thailand, this national park encompasses 140 square kilometres and is known for its massive granite boulders both on land and under the water. The beautiful collection of 11 islands here offers sparkling sands and clear waters that are sure to impress. Underneath the water is abundant sea life including ghost pipe fish, sharks, mantas and the occasional whale shark; while above are a variety of birds and mammals.

Koh Tachai (Koh Tachi) is the northernmost island in the group, and contrary to popular belief, Richelieu Rock is not part of the park. The Similans are located approximately 70km from Tab Lamu pier near Khao Lak and services are also available from Phuket island. There are bungalows, restaurants and camping facilities on Koh Si (also known as island number 4 or Koh Mieng) and Koh Paed (also known as island number 8 or Koh Similan). The park is only open in the high season (approximately Nov to May) due to the monsoon winds in the low season. Additionally, not all the islands are open each year, so that the reefs have time to recover. There was minimal damage to the Similans as a result of the 26 December 2004 tsunami. 93 Moo 5, Ban Tab Lamu, Petkaseam Rd., 076 453 272, wacharin_num@hotmail.com, open: daily 08.00 to 16.30,plus selected overnight camping, admission: Thai (adult/child) 80/40 baht, foreigners (adult/child) 400/200 baht.

Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park
Often passed over in favour of the beach, Khao Lak Lam Ru should be visited if you are staying in Khao Lak and have a little time to spare. It covers 125 square kilometres and contains some mountainous ranges with a highest peak of just over 1,000m above sea level. Many rivers in Phang Nga province emerge through this park, including Mae Nam Phang Nga and Mae Nam Takua Pa. Inside the park are dense forests and wild animals including tigers, boars, deer, tapirs, gibbons and bears. Most people visiting the park will want to head to Lam ru waterfall, which boasts five levels of water that flow year round. Sign posted on the main road North just before reaching Khao Lak. Moo 7, Khuek Khak, Takua Pa, 076 485 243, open: daily 08.00 to 16.00, admission: Thai (adult/child) 20/10 baht, foreigner (adult/child) 200/100 baht.

Surin Islands National Marine Park
Covering 135 square kilometres, this park lies just south of Thailand-Myanmar border on Andaman Sea and just 100km north of the Similans. More than three-quarters of the park is in the sea and there are five main islands here that serve as shelter for fishing boats and as home to Moken sea gypsies. There is still relatively little pollution here and the islands are covered in lush jungle. The healthy marine life consists of hard and soft corals, as well as many species of fish and shark, making this a popular place for scuba diving despite its distance from tourist areas. A ferry runs from Kuraburi to the islands, taking about four hours. Bungalows are available but should be booked in advance with the national park office on the mainland. Worth the 400 baht entrance fee for multiples day visit.Khura, Khuraburi, 076 472 145-6, open: daily 08.00 to 16.30, admission: Thai (adult/child) 80/40 baht, foreigners (adult/child) 400/200 baht.

National Parks in Surat Thani province

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok NP is worth the excursion inland

If you are visiting Phuket and you enjoy national parks, you should not miss out on Khao Sok. Just a few hours’ drive north of the island, through beautiful scenery, this park is located just inside Surat Thani province and encompasses 645 square kilometres. The park is mountainous and lush with tropical forests, and home to a variety of interesting plants and animals, as well as caves and a variety of impressive waterfalls. Along with the charming national park accommodation, there are many resorts and bungalows, as well as quaint restaurants and massage shops, catering to visitors. Khao Sok Riverside Cottages is recommended for those who want to be close to nature but also need to have a nice room and good service. Moo 6, Khlong Sok, Phanom, 077 395 154-5, info@khaosok.com, open: daily 08.00 to 18.00, admission: Thai (adult/child) 40/20 baht, foreigner (Adult/child) 200/100 baht.

National Parks in Krabi province

Phi Phi Islands National Park
Often mistaken for being park of Phuket province, the Phi Phi Islands are located about 40km southwest of Krabi town and are included in Krabi province. The two stunning islands of the park, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, are famed for their backpacker charms and scuba diving. Accommodation is located on Phi Phi Don, and Tonsai bay is a popular hang-out for those in search of bars, massage shops and scuba diving lessons. There are no cars or motorbikes on the island, so transport to other parts of the island not within walking distance is made by longtail boat. Maya bay was the location for the filming of The Beach, which starred Leonardo Di Caprio in the 1990s. Although Tonsai bay was hit hard during the 26 December 2004 tsunami, the area is now returned to its original state and tourism is back up. Worth the 400 baht entrance fee but not always charged. 79 Moo 5, Ao Nang, 075 637 200, open: daily 08.00 to 16.30, admission: Thai (adult/child) 40/20 baht, foreigners (adult/child) 400/200 baht.

Than Bok Korani National Park

Than Bok Khorani NP has a fairy-tale appeal to it

If you are driving to Krabi this is a very worthwhile stop just off the main road at Ao Luek in Pha Nga Province and it can also be realistically visited as a pleasant day trip from Krabi. The park is situated among the distinctive and ubiquitous karst mounds scattered all over this region and consists of multiple caves with delightful, fairy tale like ponds of emerald green, flanked by tall cliffs and finished off with steps of gushing water. It’s better to visit during the week when you can have the whole place to yourself and certainly one of the best kept secrets in the area. 2/2 Moo 2, Ao luk-Laem Sak Rd., Ao Luk Tai, 075 682 058, open: daily 08.00 to 16.00, admission: Thai (adult/child) 40/20 baht, foreigner (adult/child) 400/200 baht.

Khao Phanon Bencha National park
Another lovely park near Krabi that few tourist ever get to, this is a 50km² park featuring virgin rainforest set among a range of mountains (at 1350m the highest point in Krabi) with several worthwhile waterfalls to visit and a hiking trail. The park has a wide variety of wild animals and bird life which can sometimes be spotted and offers a camping ground set among pleasant surroundings at the entrance. 170 Moo 4, Tubprik, 075 660 717, open: daily 08.00 to 17.00, admission: Thai (adult/child) 20/10 baht, foreigners (adult/child) 100/50 baht.

Traveller tale: The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project

Saving these fascinating animals is necessary as some entertainment venues still use the gibbon to attract customers...more

Updated and correct: January 2010