National Park Tickets and Tours in Bangkok

Bangkok is a bustling and busy city, famous for its temples and nightlife. But it is also a destination that perfectly combines traditional attractions with nature. This is why visiting the National Parks found 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.

Some of the best things to do in Bangkok include taking a guided tour of Erawan National Park and its surrounding areas, visiting Khao Yai Park, enjoying a private tour of an elephant camp or discovering 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 see one of Bangkok's most popular national parks, 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-tiered waterfalls and is named after the mythical three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology. Nearby is 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, but 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 Kanchanaburi landscape. Apart from the waterfalls, the park is also home to a rich biodiversity and you will see monkeys, lizards and exotic birds.

In Erawan you will also find jungle areas, hidden caves and picnic areas 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 in place to protect its flora and fauna. The guides will also share details about the medicinal plants and endemic species that make Erawan such a natural haven.

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

Details of interest

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

Khao Yai is Thailand's third largest national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity and ecological importance. During your 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 walks along trails that take you to the park's famous scenic viewpoints and areas where wildlife is most active. In addition, you can explore the Haew Narok and Haew Suwat waterfalls, the latter famous for being featured in the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Some of these tours also include, at extra cost, a game drive through the more remote areas of the park, where guides will help you spot wild animals in their natural habitat. If you plan to visit Bangkok in summer, you can also take a dip in some of the natural pools that are available for use.

However, bear in mind that Khao Yai is not only a natural paradise, but also a place steeped in 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 of these places to 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 personalised experience will take you into the heart of the Thai wilderness, where you can enjoy incredible scenery and interact with these characteristic animals of Southeast Asia in a respectful manner at a designated elephant sanctuary.

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. On the way from Bangkok, you will also be able to see some of the best scenery around the Thai capital.

In addition, the local elephant camp nearby offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants in a non-invasive environment. Note that these experiences also include feeding the elephants in a sanctuary, making it one of the best things to do with children in Bangkok

Also, bear in mind that opting for a private tour offers many advantages. Because it is personalised, it can be tailored to your needs and preferences, giving you more flexibility in schedules and activities. In addition, a private guide can offer 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 Thailand's most popular natural activities, which is a visit to a national park and an elephant sanctuary.

If you prefer an alternative closer to the centre 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. Opened 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 of 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 particularly famous for its Thai plant garden, where you can see endangered and protected native species. The conservation of local flora is a priority here, making it a natural sanctuary in the midst of 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 expertly guided tours you can enjoy boat rides on the central lake or simply observe the marine life from the surrounding bridges and walkways.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 18 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will have the opportunity to visit one of Thailand's most beautiful green spaces 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 you arrive.

You should also bear in mind that if you plan to visit Bangkok in March or during the summer months, which are part of the city's peak season, the best alternative is to book tours in advance. This way, you'll be able to freeze rates and get better prices, as well as secure your spot 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 tidy itinerary, which will allow you to discover the city more effectively and get the most out of your tour. This is ideal when you plan to visit remote parks, as will be the case if you decide to book a tour to Erawan National Park.

In Thailand's national parks you can discover the natural side of this destination, as in addition to beautiful scenery and tumultuous waterfalls you'll also have the opportunity to see the local flora and fauna, which is very varied. You will 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 stops in between, to take pictures of the landscape or to buy typical products at the stalls that you will often find along the side of the road.

These tours also show that the Thai capital offers much more than the Grand Palace or some of Southeast Asia's best and tallest skyscrapers. 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're planning a trip to the National Parks around Bangkok, bear in mind that the best time to visit these sites is between November and March, when the weather is cooler and drier.
• Pack the right things. Remember to always wear comfortable clothes and don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent and hiking shoes. This way, your experience will be satisfactory and you won't suffer from nature's mishaps.
• Keep an eye out for transport. Some parks, such as Khao Yai, are a few hours' drive from the city, so it may be useful to hire a car if your chosen tour does not include transport.
• Optimise your time. If you plan to be in Bangkok for 3 days or even less, make a proper itinerary so you don't waste time on transfers. For short stays, the best alternative is usually to opt for an organised tour.
• Choose the best times. If you're interested in wildlife watching, it's best to arrive early in the morning or stay until dusk, when the animals are most active.

Exploring the National Parks around Bangkok is a great 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 variety of birds, making it a paradise for wildlife and photography enthusiasts. These areas also offer opportunities for activities such as trekking and visiting pachyderm sanctuaries.

A trip to Bangkok's 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 climate is mild almost all year round, these tours also offer a good alternative if you plan to stay 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 usually include transportation from your hotel or a central location in the city, making it easy to reach parks that may be several hours away, such as Khao Yai or Erawan. In addition, guides often take care of the logistics, easing the organisational burden.

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