The right blend of 3S- Sun, Sea, and Sand along with lush green tropical rainforests and vibrant city life makes Phuket one of the most favorite holiday destinations in South Asia. The largest Island of Thailand in the Andaman Sea attracts millions of nature lovers and leisure travelers to relax and find a mind-body balance in the lap of nature. This 48 km long and 21 km wide island is 70% mountainous covered with lush green protected national parks. This pristine island is a perfect retreat to spend a few days amidst crystal clear water of the Andaman Sea, spectacular sandy beaches, thrilling diving sites, and vibrant city life. If you want to make it more natural and refreshing away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you must include national parks in Phuket in your itinerary.
5 Best National Parks in Phuket
The diversity and richness of flora and fauna of national parks in Phuket make it a perfect oasis of relaxation. Tropical vegetation, ultra-cool waterfall, the tropical sun will energize your body senses and detoxify your body. Be near the natural parks for a few days and feel the joy of nature in the purest form. Here are some of the most beautiful national parks near Phuket:
1. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park
Situated in the northern part of Phuket Island, this is perfect for nature lovers to spend a day trekking through the lush green rainforest and enjoying the charm of nature. You have an 8 km long trek for a leisurely walk from the majestic Ton Sai waterfall to Bang Pae at one of the best national parks in Phuket. You have to be calm and patient and a little bit lucky to get a glimpse of wild animals like deer, gibbon and other wildlife. The national park is known for the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre.
Location: Approx 20 km from Phuket city and about 10 km northeast from the junction at Heroine’s Monument on route 402.
Time Required: 2 to 4 hours from 8 am to 5 pm visiting hours
Best time to visit: May to October is the rainy season and the rest of the year is either humid or dry, so choose ac per own convenience.
How to reach: Take Route 4027 east from the Heroines’ Monument for about 7 km
Staying Options: No camping grounds or bungalows in the national park
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2. Khao Sok National Park
This marine national park is home to the oldest evergreen rainforest spread over 460 square miles and is one of the best national parks in Phuket. This tropical landscape along with royal blue and turquoise bays is perfect for explorers to rejuvenate naturally. Located perfectly between popular destinations like Krabi, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Khai Lak, Khao Sok National Park is one of the most easily accessible parks in Southern Thailand. Exploring the virgin rainforest on elephant-back will be a lifetime experience.
Location: 62 Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Time Required: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: All time is great except for rainy months
How to reach: The nearest town is approx 130 km from Phuket. Take a bus from Surat Thani, which normally takes 3 hours to reach the national park.
Staying Options: Raft-house, Boutique houses, a jungle house, small resorts
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3. Sirinat National Park
SRC- Backend (Generic Camping Image)This small coastal park with beach forest comprising pine trees species of common ironwood, located on the northwest coast of Phuket Island, is perfect for spending leisurely moments on white sandy beaches and is one of the well known national parks in Phuket. Just 30 km north from Phuket Town this relatively more commercialized national park offers the right blend of nature and comfort. You have mangrove forest and coral reefs about 1000 meters offshore to enjoy the company of marine species.
Location: Thalang District, about 30 km north of Phuket
Time Required: 1-2 days
Best time to visit: Except for the rainy season all the time is great.
How to reach: By local transport
Staying Options: Camping, Bungalows
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4. Khao Lak – Lam Ru National Park
Situated along the coast to the Andaman Sea, this tropical evergreen mountain forest is a paradise for nature lovers. Just 80 km north of central Phuket, this 125 square km, this national parks in Phuket is home to lush green forest, small beaches, Ton Chong Fa Waterfall, and several trails for hiking. You will find Sunda flying lemur, Malayan weasel, Sumatran Serow, and hornbill here.
Location: 7 PhetKasem Rd, Khuekkhak, Takua Pa District, Phang-nga
Time Required: 1-2 days and the park remains open between 8 am to 4:30 pm all year round.
Best time to visit: Avoid the rainy season
How to reach: Minivans from Phuket
Staying Options: Camping and bungalows
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5. Similan Islands National Park
This group of 11 islands, crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and the lush green tropical forest is a fit case to be called dreamland just 84 km northwest of Phuket. Rated amongst the best diving sites in the world, this group of islands in the Andaman Sea is a perfect destination for all nature lovers. Designated as a protected national park in 1982, Mu Koh Similan National Park is home to virgin rainforest comprising ironwood and gum trees along with bamboo where you will find crab-eating monkeys, dusky langurs, and squirrels, and of course several species of birds.
Location: Lam Kaen, Thai Mueang District, Phang-nga
Time Required: 3-4 days, but remains open only between October and May
Best time to visit: Avoid May-July rainy season.
How to reach: Approx 3 hr boat ride from the nearest points Thap Lamu Pier
Staying Options: Camping and small bungalows
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Your sojourn to this pristine island of Phuket, where you find breathtaking untouched beaches, best diving spots to explore the marine world and vibrant city life, remains incomplete if national parks in Phuket aren’t in your list of things to do. Trekking through the tranquil lush green evergreen rainforest of protected national parks of Phuket will calm your senses and help you connect with nature. Be in sync with nature and act responsibly to conserve the forest. Plan a trip to Thailand with TravelTriangle and go explore!
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Frequently Asked Questions About National Parks In Phuket
What are Phuket National parks famous for?
Phuket national parks are a paradise for nature lovers. The rich and highly diversified flora and fauna will mesmerize you. You must visit these parks to visualize the balance of nature. You won’t find any place better than Phuket to understand the coastal and marine ecosystem.
What is the Best time to visit Phuket?
This tropical island offers you consistent weather throughout the year to relax and enjoy. If you are in Thailand to explore national parks in Phuket then it is better to be here during September and March, when you will have relatively dry weather.
What is the cost of visiting national parks in Phuket?
Depending on the location of the park, the cost of your trip will vary. Accommodations are cheap near parks as you have camping options. Almost all parks have an entrance fee of minimum TBH 400.
How long can an individual spend time in one park?
If you are a hardcore ecotourist, then you will feel the urge to remain there forever. But, for a regular tourist, a national park normally takes a day’s time, if you want to trek the landscape.
What are the essential things to be carried?
Most of the national parks are far away from the city space, so arrange your transportation accordingly. You must carry your drinking water, insect repellent, medicines, and of course light snacks.
Is it necessary to hire a travel guide?
You will need one as they understand the terrain and could be of great help in exploring and saving time. He may help you arrange transportation and other necessities.
Where can I stay in Phuket to explore the national parks?
It is advisable to remain within the Phuket city area and explore national parks from there. You have more than 4000 hotels of all types to fit your budget. It is better to book your accommodation in advance to get better deals. You have camping options near national parks to be in the company of nature.
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