10 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries In Thailand - Updated 2024

Nina
Nina 
Updated
| 4 min read

Thailand may be famous for relaxing massages and epic nightlife, but the country has more great offers that must be included on your list. Thailand is also blessed with natural landscapes and wildlife sanctuaries. Tropical beaches, ancient ruins, royal palaces, to name a few, perhaps are your reason for visiting Thailand. Exploring wildlife sanctuaries that come in all shapes and sizes may not be included on your list, but can be an unexpected highlight of your escapade. Why not try it for yourself? It’s now time to connect to nature and see the country’s wildlife up close. Check out this article and discover the best wildlife sanctuaries in Thailand.

1. Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary

Waterfall
Source: Pxhere

With an area of 186.5 sq km (72 sq mi) in the districts of Bung Khla and Seka, Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Isan’s biggest and best wildlife reserves. By the execution of the royal decree in 1975, Phu Wua was established as a wildlife sanctuary. It is home to more than 40 elephants and numerous huge waterfalls that come to life when the rainy season comes in. Hills, Obtusa trees, and other wildlife (gibbons, pheasants, and bears) can be seen within the area. It’s always recommended to hike with a knowledgeable tour guide.

Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Ban Tong, Seka District, Bueng Kan 38220, Thailand

Website: Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary

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2. Sirinat National Park

Sirinat National Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Lung Manu used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Another beauty to behold is Sirinat National Park, which is nestled on Phuket Island’s northwestern coast. It is home to several beautiful beaches, including the popular Mai Kaho Beach - the home to plenty of rich marine animals like hawksbills and leatherbacks. Situated just 1 km (0.62 mi) away from Phuket Airport, it covers a total area of 90 sq km (34.75 sq mi). Natural sea pine forest, outstanding white-sand beaches with awesome coral reefs, marine life - all contributed to making this park an exciting place.

Sirinat National Park

Address: 89/1 Village No. 1 Sakhu, Thalang District, Phuket, Thailand

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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3. Pha Daeng National Park

ChiangDao Mountains
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jpatokal used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the green treasures in Chiang Mai Province is Pha Daeng National Park (previously known as Chiang Dao National Park). Opened in the year 2000, this wonderful park covers 1,123 sq km (433.59 sq mi) of the Daen Lao Range. If you want to be close to nature, this is a great spot to visit. It features plenty of hot springs, caves, and a beautiful river. This means that an exciting adventure is possible; activities like hiking, plus breathtaking sceneries are waiting.

Pha Daeng National Park

Address: 273 Moo 5 Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

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4. Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

Asian elephant - Huai Kha Khaeng
Source: Photo by Flickr user Rushen used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is a green gem in the Dawna Range in the northwestern part of Thailand. In 1991, it was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Thung Yai. It covers 2,780 sq km (1073.36 sq mi) of three provinces: Tak, Uthai Thani, and Kanchanaburi. The sanctuary is composed of lush green forest, semi-evergreen, and bamboo forests. The sanctuary is home to the largest population of tigers in town, and it is also known as one of the best bird-watching destinations in Thailand.

Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Rabam, Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani 61160, Thailand

Website: Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

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5. Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary

Erawan Waterfall, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand - June 2004
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are interested in nature and hiking, you should consider Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary. Lush greenery, fresh air, waterfalls, small mountains - that’s what you get at this sanctuary. This is also one of the most in-demand summer tourist destinations and it’s great for children. There is a nice restaurant on the premises, so you don’t have to worry if you feel hungry.

Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Thung Tam Sao, Hat Yai District, Songkhla 90110, Thailand

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

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6. Erawan National Park (from USD 74.7)

wildlife sanctuaries in thailand | erawan national park

In the northwest of Bangkok, you will find another gem called Erawan National Park. The draw of this park is the Erawan Falls. It features plenty of caves like Ta Duang Cave and Phartat Cave. If you want to save time and hassle, joining this 12-hour tour to Kanchanaburi, which includes a visit to Erawan National Park, is a great idea. During the tour, you will able to learn the history of Kanchanaburi, a tour to JEATH Museum, and Bridge Over the River Kwai.

Tip from tour guide

Erawan Waterfall

Make sure you take your time to go through the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall at Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi Province. The waterfall is actually named after a three-headed white elephant in Hindu mythology. It's the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand, and taking a picture with it in the backdrop is a must. 

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From Bangkok: Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi Small-Group Tour

Duration: 14.0 hour

539 reviews

7. Kaeng Krachan National Park (from USD 53.59)

wildlife sanctuaries in thailand | kaeng krachan national park
Source: www.klook.com

Set on the premises of Burma, Kaeng Krachan National Park is Thailand’s largest national park. In the year 1981, it became the 28th national park of the country, which covers four provinces: Hua Hin of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Tha Yang, Kaeng Krachan, and Nong Ya Plong. Joining this magnificent tour, you’ll be able to explore the full beauty of the park where you can also visit Kaeng Krachan Reservoir and enjoy outstanding views. Fauna, wildlife, and lush rainforest are waiting for you.

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Kaeng Krachan National Park & Boat Tour - Klook

8. Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary

1003 Rafting on the river Khek - Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Piith.hant used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Situated in Tak Province, within the premises of Sam Ngao District and Mae Ramat District, Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary has a size of 1,173 sq km (452.90 sq mi). It has different forests and a beautiful small cave that has stalactites and stalagmites. Visiting the sanctuary, you will see plenty of wild animals like bats and barking deer. What’s more? Release your adventurous side by rafting on Lam Nam Mae Tuen.

Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Ban Na, Sam Ngao District, Tak 63130, Thailand

Website: Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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9. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (11028642394)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nik Cyclist used under CC BY 2.0

In Kui Buri District, you will find a beautiful marine national park, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Established in 1966, Khao Sam is the first coastal national park of Thailand. The name means, “The mountain with three hundred peaks,” which alludes to the Gulf of Thailand’s chains of limestone hills. If you want to visit the park in no time, joining this tour is a great deal that includes a visit to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Experience nature at its finest, with greenery and vast lotus fields. A visit to Phayanakorn Cave is also included. Included in the package is a sumptuous Thai lunch, and transportation.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Address: Kui Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand

Website: Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Opening hours: 8am - 3:30pm (daily)

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10. Khao Sok National Park (from USD 27.28)

wildlife sanctuaries in thailand | khao sok national park

Situated in southern Thailand, a magnificent nature reserve, Khao Sok National Park is a great place to be. Virgin jungle, rock formations, and the splendid Cheow Lan Lake - all contribute to making Khao Sok a splendid spot to start your nature trip. Meanwhile, this awesome two-hour boat tour’s itinerary includes a visit to Khao Sok National Park, where you can see one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Enjoy the serene ambiance and the beauty of Chiew Larn Lake, plus the lush greenery is great for a photo op.

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Surat Thani: Khao Sok National Park Chiew Larn Lake Cruise

Duration: 3.0 hour

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The best wildlife sanctuaries in Thailand

Perhaps you may be thinking of a water adventure and a relaxing massage in Thailand. This country has a lot to offer. The country boasts the best wildlife sanctuaries that are worth your time and money. Start planning your trip and refer to our list above for ideas of where to visit.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nina aspires to live life to its fullest and yearns to journey abroad with her loved ones. She believes in her inherent artistic nature and embraces the motto that "God is good all the time" as her...Read more

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