Thailand, also known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, is a country that is full of life, flavour, and sand. But there, between concrete jungle and sandy beaches, exists an abundance of stunning natural wonders. Some of the places in Thailand that may be interesting are mountainous regions, tropical rainforests, and even clear water lakes.
Here’s a deeper dive into 10 of Thailand’s most captivating natural wonders:
- Similan Islands: This group of islands situated in the Andaman Sea is famous for its white sand beaches, clean blue-green water, and colorful coral gardens. Ideal for snorkeling, diving, or to sunbathe on a beautiful island. Dive into the deep waters and meet fishes of many types, dolphins, and manta rays. A rather calm and leisurely activity is kayaking that allows getting a closer view of the islands, whereas for the lovers of thrill, there is granite cliffs’ rock climbing.
- Khao Sok National Park: Explore in the arms of Khao Sok, Thailand’s oldest rainforest. Trek through thick forests with an abundance of fauna, such as gibbons, hornbills, and other elusive wild cats. Visit caves with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites or watch the sunset while drifting on the boat through Cheow Lan Lake, enclosed by cliffs. Get in the canoe and travel through the flooded forest observing a number of creatures that inhabit it.
- Erawan National Park: Erawan National Park is well known for its cascading emerald pools and numerous tiers of waterfalls. This park has easy to moderate trails through the rainforest, passing by tall trees and vivid plants. Swim in the waters of the falls; they are all uniquely different from one another. Erawan National Park allows people to embrace the beauty of nature and spend some time away from the noise and stress of daily life.
- Phang Nga Bay: Take a boat ride through Phang Nga Bay and marvel at the formations of large limestone cliffs rising from the water. Discover secret lagoons and other isolated areas that can only be found with a boat. Paddle through these secluded coves and learn about the different species of flora and fauna in the bay area. Visit the famous James Bond Island, a beautiful limestone pinnacle turning into a symbol of the bay.
- Doi Inthanon National Park: Climb up the “Roof of Thailand” at Doi Inthanon National Park, the country’s highest point. Take a trek in mountain areas with conquered trails featuring various plants and animals found in the region based on altitude. If you have never seen a sunrise above a sea of clouds, this would be one trip that you will not want to miss. Visit picturesque hill tribe villages which are located around the mountains and discover their way of life. Stop at the Royal Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a spotless temple at the top of a mountain with stunning views of the city and countryside.
- Thi Lo Su Waterfall: Thi Lo Su waterfall is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand and is situated in the jungles of Tak Province. The trek involves passing by various features such as teak plantations and local villages and finally arriving at the base of the waterfall. Watch the raw energy and grandeur of this natural phenomenon, where water cascades down steep cliffs. Enjoy a swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall or hike through the jungle area to discover more waterfalls and vantage points.
- Tham Lod Cave: Join an exciting cave trekking with a competent tour guide to Tham Lod Cave that hosted the dramatic soccer team rescue in 2018. Take a tour of the gigantic caves with sparkling formations of stalactites and stalagmites that are very large. Find out more about the features of the cave and what is being done to preserve this habitat.
- Khao Yai National Park: Khao Yai is the first national park in Thailand that is perfect for wildlife lovers. Get to see elephants, majestic tigers on a lucky chance, gibbons in the trees, the hornbills with their large and impressive casques, and a host of other creatures as you go through the evergreen forests, grasslands, and other landscapes of the park. You can walk around the park on concrete trails or take an organized safari trip to spot them in the wild.
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: Visit Ang Thong National Marine Park, a collection of 42 islands featuring beautiful blue waters. Tal Sap, an Emerald Lake, is located deep into the island with steep cliffs on all sides of the lake. See some of the world’s most remote locations that can only be accessed by boat and marvel at the underwater world. Try snorkeling or scuba diving on the colorful reefs and meet a variety of fish and sea animals.
- Mu Ko Chang National Park:Avoid the tourist throng in the Mu Ko Chang island; they are famous for their tranquil atmosphere and striking sceneries. Sunbathe on sandy shores that are pristine, powdery, and lined with palm trees, clear blue water, and white sand. Visit the beautiful coral gardens full of marine life through snorkeling or scuba diving. Go trekking through the thick forests of the main island and explore the trails that lead to the secluded waterfalls and cliffs with stunning views of the nearby islands. Mu Ko Chang has it all, from sunbathing on sandy beaches perfect for a photo shoot to wildlife exploration in the center of a park.
Therefore, grab your traveling gear, put your hiking shoes on, and prepare for an amazing journey unveiling the enchanting beauty of Thailand’s nature. From the pristine sandy beaches fringed by warm, blue waters to lush rainforest and majestic mountains, Thailand can accommodate any nature lover. From mountain trails to abandoned beaches just waiting to be discovered, Thailand offers something for those who want to turn the clocks back and remember what it is to be mesmerized by the beauty of the ‘Land of Smiles’.
