National Park Tickets and Tours in Bangkok

Bangkok is a bustling and much visited city, famous for its temples and intense nightlife. But it is also a destination that perfectly combines traditional attractions with nature. That is why visiting the National Parks located in and around the Thai capital is one of the most outstanding alternatives to discover the other side of this place that is also worth knowing.

Among the best activities you can do in Bangkok are to take a guided tour of the Erawan National Park and its surrounding areas, visit the Khao Yai Park, enjoy a private tour of an elephant camp or discover the King Rama IX Park with the assistance of an expert local guide. Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of these experiences.

If you want to visit one of the most popular national parks in Bangkok, you can't miss Erawan National Park, which is located in Kanchanaburi, about two and a half hours from the capital. This park is famous for its seven-level waterfalls and is named after the mythical three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology. Nearby you will find one of the most famous bridges of the Burma Death Railway.

During these tours you can walk along trails surrounded by tropical vegetation and learn about the history of the site, although the best experience is at each level of the waterfall. The guide will explain how the flow of water has shaped the rock formations and created the typical landscape of Kanchanaburi. Besides the waterfalls, the park is home to a great biodiversity, so you can observe monkeys, lizards and exotic birds.

In Erawan you will also find jungle areas, hidden caves and areas for picnics in the middle of nature. On the tour you will learn about the ecological importance of the park, which is the oldest in Thailand, and the conservation measures taken to protect its flora and fauna. Also, the guides will share details about the medicinal plants and endemic species that make Erawan a natural refuge.

Visiting this natural space is a perfect plan if you want to visit a place that has established itself as a sanctuary for wildlife and an escape for visitors seeking to disconnect from the bustling urban life of the capital. This is why this park is often included in the best excursions from Bangkok.

Details of interest

• Price: from 60 euros per person.
• Duration: about 14 hours.

Khao Yai National Park is the third largest national park in Thailand and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity and ecological importance. During the tour of this site, an expert local guide will accompany you through jungles, valleys and waterfalls, while you discover the elephants, gibbons, deer and birds that adorn the site.

The tour includes hiking trails that will take you to the park's famous scenic overlooks and areas where wildlife is most active. In addition, you can explore the Haew Narok and Haew Suwat waterfalls, the latter famous for appearing in the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Some of these tours also include, at extra cost, a vehicle safari through the most remote areas of the park, where guides will help you spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Also, if you plan to visit Bangkok in summer, you can also take a dip in some of the natural pools provided for your use.

However, keep in mind that Khao Yai is not only a natural paradise, but also a place full of history and conservation objectives. The area has been inhabited for centuries by local communities who have lived in harmony with nature, so during the tour you will learn about the legends and traditions surrounding the mountains and forests of the park, as well as the spiritual importance these places have for the Thai people.

Details of interest

• Price: from 160 euros per person.
• Duration: about 10 hours.

The best way to make the most of your visit to Erawan National Park is to opt for a private tour that also takes you to a local elephant camp. This exclusive and personalized experience will take you to the heart of Thai nature, where you can enjoy incredible landscapes and interact with these characteristic animals of Southeast Asia in a respectful way in a designated refuge.

On these excursions, in addition to visiting the same sites included in the itinerary of the group alternative, you will be able to taste a typical local lunch made with local ingredients. During the tour from Bangkok, you will also be able to see some of the best scenery around the Thai capital.

On the other hand, the local elephant camp nearby offers a unique opportunity to meet these animals up close in a non-invasive environment. Note also that in these experiences you will be able to feed the elephants in a sanctuary, making it also one of the best activities to do with kids in Bangkok.

Also, keep in mind that opting for a private tour offers many advantages. Being personalized, it allows you to adapt to your needs and preferences, providing greater flexibility in schedules and activities. In addition, a private guide can offer a closer attention, answering questions and providing detailed information about the history, culture and nature of the place.

Details of interest

• Price: from 196 euros per person.
• Duration: about 12 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will have the opportunity to combine two of the most popular natural activities in Thailand, which is visiting a national park and an elephant sanctuary.

If you prefer an alternative closer to the center of Bangkok, you can choose to visit King Rama IX Park, which is one of the largest and most famous botanical gardens in the city. Inaugurated in 1987 to commemorate the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, nicknamed Rama IX, Thailand's most revered monarch, this park was created as a tribute to his reign and his great love for nature, agriculture and sustainability.

Although King Rama IX Park itself is not a national park, it is considered a protected site due to its rich biodiversity. Today, the park encompasses more than 200 hectares of meticulously tended grounds, including themed gardens with plant species from around the world, lakes and a variety of exotic flowers and trees.

The park is especially famous for its Thai plant garden, where you can see endangered and protected native species. The conservation of local flora is a priority in this space, making it a natural sanctuary amidst Bangkok's attractions and floating markets, which abound around this green space.

In addition to its vegetation, the park is home to diverse marine life in its man-made lakes and canals, which are designed to mimic Thailand's natural aquatic ecosystems. As a visitor, on these tours with an expert local guide you can enjoy boat rides on the central lake or simply observe the marine life from the surrounding bridges and trails.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 18 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful green spaces in Thailand without the need to travel to the outskirts of the city.

You can book a Bangkok National Parks tour in advance online or book any of these experiences once you are in the city. The decision will depend on your travel plan and the strategies you have in mind for your tour. If you want to save money and secure your place on the tour, you should book before your arrival.

You should also keep in mind that if you plan to visit Bangkok in March or during the summer months, which are part of the city's high season, the best alternative is to book your tours in advance. This way, you will be able to freeze the rates and get better prices, as well as secure your place on the date and time of your choice.

Finally, you should also consider that if you book in advance you will be able to design a more detailed and neat itinerary, which will allow you to discover the city in a more effective way to get the most out of your tour. This will be ideal when you plan to visit remote parks, as will be the case if you decide to book an excursion to Erawan National Park.

In Thailand's national parks you will be able to discover the natural side of this destination, as in addition to beautiful landscapes and tumultuous waterfalls you will also have the opportunity to meet the local flora and fauna, which is very varied. You can also find places to relax, trails to walk and quiet and peaceful places to have a picnic or rest.

Also, keep in mind that if you decide to opt for a private tour, in addition to the attractions of the natural parks you can also enjoy the tour around the city and include some intermediate stops to take pictures of the landscape or to buy typical products in the stalls that you will often find along the side of the road.

These excursions also show that the Thai capital offers much more than the Grand Palace or some of the best and tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia. In the national parks you can learn about the legacy of local communities and their influence on the country's development as a regional powerhouse.

• Choose the right season. If you are planning an excursion to the National Parks around Bangkok you should keep in mind that the best time to visit these sites is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and drier.
• Carry the appropriate items. Remember to always wear comfortable clothes and don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent and hiking shoes. In this way, your experience will be satisfactory and you will not suffer the setbacks of nature.
• Keep an eye out for transportation. Some parks, such as Khao Yai, are a few hours' drive from the city, so it may be useful to rent a vehicle if your chosen tour does not include transportation.
• Optimize time. If you plan to stay 3 days in Bangkok or even less time, put together a suitable itinerary so as not to waste time on transfers. When stays are short, the best alternative is usually to opt for an organized tour.
• Choose the best schedules. If you are interested in wildlife watching, it is best to arrive early in the morning or stay until sunset, when the animals are usually more active.

Exploring the National Parks around Bangkok is an excellent way to discover Thailand's natural wealth, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although Bangkok is known for its vibrant city life, nearby parks such as Khao Yai and Erawan offer an immersion in nature that contrasts with the fast pace of the metropolis.

In addition, the National Parks are havens of biodiversity where it is possible to observe species of flora and fauna unique to the region. Khao Yai, for example, is home to elephants, tigers and a great variety of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife and photography lovers. These areas also offer the opportunity for activities such as trekking or visiting pachyderm refuges.

Taking a trip to Bangkok National Parks not only allows you to enjoy Thailand's natural beauty, but also to contribute to the conservation of these environments, as entrance fees and responsible tourism help to protect these areas. In addition, because the Thai weather is mild almost all year round, these tours also offer a good alternative if you plan to be in Bangkok in winter.

One of the main advantages of taking a guided tour of Bangkok National Parks is the convenience and advance planning. Tours generally include transportation from your hotel or a central point in the city, making it easy to get to parks that may be several hours away, such as Khao Yai or Erawan. In addition, guides often take care of the logistical aspects, easing the burden of organization.

On the other hand, local guides also provide in-depth knowledge of the park's ecosystem, fauna and flora. Being experts in the area, they can offer you a more enriching experience by pointing out details that you might overlook if you go on your own, such as the best places to observe animals or exotic plants. This way, all you have to do is enjoy the tour and take the best pictures!