As a holiday destination, Thailand has a plethora of aces up its sleeve. From the obviously outstanding beaches in the south to mountainous jungle retreats in the north and futuristic shopping malls juxtaposed with historical temples, there’s something for every type of traveler in the Land of Smiles.
One aspect of Thailand holidays our Bangkok-based Travel Specialists love to arrange when planning travelers’ itineraries is trips to the national parks. Although not always high on the list of places to go or things to do for visitors, the country’s national parks never fail to impress and we receive rave reviews from travelers who, on the whole, adore their time in Thailand’s great outdoors.
Khao Sok National Park is Travel Specialist Pornsurang Siriwandee (aka ‘Khun A’s’) favorite of all the parks in Thailand. Claiming to be the world’s oldest evergreen rainforest, the park has had a checkered history. Were it not for a group of university students, the park may have ceased to exist. In 1975 the group began a 7-year-long stance against the authorities to resist major logging and mining operations – a move that caused the Thai government to realize the value of the area and eventually declare Khao Sok as Thailand’s 22nd National Park.
“Even many Thai people don’t know about the park’s fascinating history and how close we came to losing such a wonderful piece of our heritage,” reflected ‘A’. “I can’t imagine Thailand without parks like Khao Sok – they give me a connection to how my country used to be, a window to the past.
“I love to send travelers there and almost always suggest a visit to one of our National Parks, as I think most people just consider the beach or city when they take a Thailand holiday. I like to offer them something more than that. I love my country and I think people will fall in love with it too if we show them our soul, not just sandy beaches for tourists.”
When asked about the best time of year to visit, Khun A was quick to respond.
“Personally, I love going between December and April,” she offered with a sparkle in her eye. “It’s just after rainy season at this time in Thailand, so the park is lush and green and it’s slightly cooler – but actually any time of year is good!”
The 4th biggest park of its kind in Thailand, the park is home to countless species of wild animals including elephants, deer, bears, gibbons, macaques, wild boar and even tigers to name a few. Guided tours can take travelers on safari to try to spot them in their natural habitat, while the park also offers the chance to take a scenic elephant trek with a local camp.
If you’re planning a Thailand vacation, Khun A and our many Thailand Travel Specialists would be delighted to help you plan an exceptional excursion, so feel free to contact them for their expert advice. Or, take a look at our Thailand islands hopping tour, which includes two days in the stunning parkland.