Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
National Parks
National parks in Thailand are a huge draw for beach visitors. The popular island get-
aways of Ko Chang and Ko Samet sit just off the mainland along the eastern gulf coast.
Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is remote and undeveloped for real back-to-nature vaca-
tions. Ao Phang-Nga, north of Phuket, is endlessly photogenic with its limestone cliffs jut-
ting out of the aquamarine water while knotted mangrove roots cling to thick mudflats.
Meanwhile the Similan Islands and Surin Islands Marine National Parks, in the waters of
the Andaman Sea, have some of the world's best diving.
Approximately 13% of Thailand is covered by 112 national parks and 44 wildlife sanc-
tuaries, which is a very respectable rate by international standards. Of Thailand's protected
areas, 18 parks protect islands and mangrove environments. Thailand's parks and sanctu-
aries contain more than 850 resident and migratory species of birds and dwindling num-
bers of tigers, clouded leopards, koupreys, elephants, tapirs, gibbons and Asiatic black
bears, among other species.
Students at Dulwich International College in Phuket collected 5000kg of garbage from the beach in a
single day; help them out by picking up rubbish whenever you can.
Despite promises, official designation as a national park or sanctuary does not always
guarantee protection for habitats and wildlife. Local farmers, well-moneyed developers
and other business interests will often prevail, either legally or illegally, over environment-
al protection in Thailand's national parks. Islands that are technically exempt from devel-
opment often don't adhere to the law and there is little government muscle to enforce reg-
ulations. Ko Chang, Ko Samet and Ko Phi-Phi are all curious examples of national parks
with development problems.
For foreigners, parks charge entry fees of 100B to 400B per adult and 50B to 200B for
children. In recent years these rates were doubled, then rescinded on a case-by-case basis,
so what you pay may differ from park to park. In some cases the Royal Forestry Department (
0 2561 4293, 0 2561 4292; 61 Th Phahonyothin, Chatuchak) rents out accommodation; make reserva-
tions in advance as this is a popular option for locals. All parks are best visited in the dry
season, particularly marine national parks, which can have reduced visibility in the water
during the monsoon.
 
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