Thailand has a diverse range of national parks that serve as camping sites. And just because you’re going camping in Thailand doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up in the tent all day. You also do things like mountain biking, hiking up the mountains, climbing up the trees, going swimming in the river, catching the sunrise in the morning or sunset in the evening, and so much more.
We’ve complied a list of camping destinations the Land of Smiles has to offer in this article. So, if you’re looking to take a breather from the big city, read on to find out all about Thailand camping and how to relax, unwind, and have an enjoyable camping experience that you’ll remember. You will also be learning Thai phrases and vocabulary related to camping!
Camping In Thailand
Let’s dive straight away into the list of popular camping sites in Thailand that would no doubt enrich your outdoor experience!
#1 Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่) is Thailand’s first-ever national park and the country’s third largest national park. It’s home to Khao Rom (เขาร่ม), the highest peak of Sankamphaeng Range, which it’s located in.
This park is probably best known for its sunflower field, but did you know that isn’t all Khao Yai has to offer? Its seasonal forests and grasslands are also home to more than 3,000 species of plants, more than 300 species of birds, as well as more than 60 species of mammals! It also has waterfalls, Heo Narok (เหวนรก), and Heo Suwat (หวสุวัต).
#2 Kaeng Krachan National Park
Kaeng Krachan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแก่งกระจา) is the largest national park in Thailand. It’s all the way to the east of Thailand, so much so that it borders Myanmar and is contiguous with Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Nature Reserve!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a highest peak of more than 1,500 meters, comprised of a joint area of Thailand and Myanmar. It also has two rivers, the Pranburi River and the Phetchaburi River. Not only does it over some Thai districts, it also consists mainly of rain forests that serve as home to more than 400 species of birds and more than 90 species of mammals.
#3 Khuean Srinagarindra National Park
Khuean Srinagarindra National Pak (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขื่อนศรีนครินทร์) is not only a campsite but also one of the most popular in Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี) province, Western Thailand’s largest province. It’s a little more than 100km away from Kanchanaburi town, so you can expect some hours on the road.
There’s a reservoir in the middle of the park called the Srinagarind Reservoir. It was formed after the damming of the Khwae Yai river by the Srinagarind Dam. But water bodies aren’t all the park has to offer. Its caves, especially Tham Phra Pang, are especially exceptional too! Thai soldiers used them as a hiding place in the past, during the Thai-Burmese wars of the 18th century.
#4 Khao Laem National Park
Khao Laem National Park is another great campsite in Kanchanaburi province. But unlike Khuean Srinagarinda National Park, it’s located in the northern area of the Tenasserim Hills (ทิวเขาตะนาวศรี). a long mountain chain that’s part of the Indo-Malayan mountain system.
It surrounds Khao Laem Reservoir and is lush with a dry evergreen, hill evergreen, and mixed deciduous forest. It’s also really near Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary (เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าทุ่งใหญ่นเรศวร), which probably explains why it’s home to lots of wildlife, such as deers, elephants, wild boars, and tigers! Do keep this in mind if you ever decide to visit.
#5 Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติดอยอินทนนท์) is home of Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์) mountain, the highest point in Thailand! It’s only two hours away from Chiang Mai city, so it isn’t that hard to get there. You can opt for either renting a car or a motorcycle to get there, or booking a tour.
The park has not one, not two, but a whopping total of four waterfalls! These include Mae Klang Falls, Wachiratan Falls, Siriphum Falls, and Mae Ya Falls. It’s even home to multiple rivers, such as Mae Klang River, Maw Ya River, Mae Hoi River, and more. So, if you’re getting to get a good splash in Northern Thailand during your camping trip, Doi Inthanon National Park is perfect for you!
Camping In Thailand: Tips And Tricks
- Whether it’s your packed pad krapao or can of Pringles, be sure not to leave food outside your tent. You don’t want to attract wild animals near your tent, as things could get dangerous.
- Obey all rules and regulations. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask the park officials in the area for assistance. Thai people are really friendly, so they’d be more than willing to help.
- Wondering what you should do if you need to go to the bathroom? Don’t worry, there’s usually toilet facilities at campsites. They have toilet paper, hoses, and everything else you may need.
- If possible, go camping when there’s cool weather, so you wouldn’t have to sweat under the sweltering heat. But don’t go when it’s rainy season either, or else your tent will get soaked!
- Northern Thailand offers some of the best camping destinations in Thailand, especially during the cool season or ฤดูหนาว (rʉ́duunǎaw) from November to February. Go during this period if you can!
- If you want to enjoy camping, especially during the cool season, you should definitely use sleeping bags. Otherwise, it might get really cold, and you might feel like you’re gonna freeze to death!
- If you want to do some water activities, there are usually surfboards and kayaks for rent at campsites. They’re not expensive at all either, so you should totally consider renting them.
Easy Thai Words And Phrases For Camping In Thailand
Ready To Go Camping In Thailand?
There, you’re all ready to pack your camping bags and set off on your little adventure. Whether you’re planning on splashing around the waterfalls, going on a hike in the mountains, or enjoying the sound of birds singing, camping in Thailand is definitely an experience to remember.
And if you’re looking to connect to Thailand beyond just going camping in the country, you should totally consider learning Thai with the Ling app. Other than the camping vocabulary such as “tents,” “campsite,” and “adventure,” you’d learn more vocabulary as well as Thai grammar. They’d definitely come in handy if you ever find yourself needing to ask for help from a local. So, don’t hesitate and download the Ling app from the Play Store or App Store today!
