The month of June is National Camping Month, and we can’t think of a better time to highlight the incredible camping destinations in Thailand! From adventurous hikes to serene mountain views, camping in Thailand is well worth adding to your travel wish list. Camping and outdoor activities enable safe social distancing while allowing you to discover off the beaten path spots for an extraordinary trip like no other.
Thailand is home to more than 100 national parks, all with extraordinary sights to see and endless possibilities for adventure. Birdwatch and discover over 500 bird species in Doi Inthanon National Park, go for a hike in Thailand’s largest national park, Kaeng Krachan, chase waterfalls and connect with nature in Khao Yai, and wake up to misty morning fog in Phu Tub Berk.
Adventure is limitless in Thailand. Let’s take a look at some of Thailand’s most sought-after camping destinations.
Doi Inthanon National Park
After setting up camp amid the tall pine trees, relax and unwind for an unforgettable camping experience. Exquisite animals, gorgeous twin pagodas, and panoramic mountain views are just a few of the many exciting attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park. Go birdwatching and discover over 500 species of birds, including the scaly-sided merganser, black-throated thrush, common blackbird, dark-breasted rosefinch, and collared grosbeak. You can also venture to the park’s twin pagodas, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon and Nophamethanidon. The culture and history surrounding these pagodas will leave you in awe.
Camping in Doi Inthanon National Park is both comfortable and uncomplicated. All you need is a light jacket, camping gear if you have it, toiletries, a towel, comfortable hiking shoes, and money for park fees and food. If you don’t have camping gear, you can purchase or rent many items at the camp’s headquarters.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
As the largest national park in Thailand, Kaeng Krachan National Park is abundant in wildlife, panoramic views, and adventurous hiking trails. The park is home to 400 species of birds, 300 species of butterflies, and 50 species of mammals. Amongst the most commonly seen animals are dusky langurs, stump-tailed macaques, white-handed gibbons, and black giant squirrels. One of the best viewpoints is only a few hundred meters west of the camping grounds, where you can find seas of mist looking out towards Tanaosri Range on the border of Myanmar.
There are four camping sites to choose from in Kaeng Krachan National Park. One site is next to the camp’s headquarters, two are more central within the park, and one is beside Pala-U Waterfall. Prices may vary depending on whether or not you are renting camping gear.
Khao Yai National Park
Founded in 1962, Khao Yai National Park is the second-largest park in Thailand, with a beautiful campsite on the river. Take a guided 2-hour hike to Nong Pak Chi Wildlife Tower, where you can spot gibbons, tigers, elephants, and more diverse wildlife. Upon reaching the tower, you’ll find marvelous views of the landscape. For the adventurous campers, climb 199 steep stairs to find a colossal waterfall with a 150-meter drop, Haew Narok Waterfall.
Camping in Khao Yai National Park is at Lumtakong Campsite, where you can rent whatever you may need, such as camping gear, pillows, blankets, and sleeping mats. Nearby you’ll find a beautiful bridge that starts the park trail for hiking or simply walking amongst nature.
Phu Tub Berk
From the ride to the campsite to the misty morning fog, Phu Tub Berk is filled with incredible experiences. A curvy road will take you up to a viewpoint where you may stop and take a photo of the mountains and views of the city before heading to your campsite. Phu Tub Berk is known for the sea of mist that rolls amongst the hills, creating unobstructed views miles into the sky. The best time to witness the fog is during green season when there is higher visibility of the clouds. For the milky way fanatics, when the sky is clear at night lay back and gaze at the shining stars.
Nearby the campgrounds is a cabbage farm with rows of fresh cabbage, vibrant in hues of green that shine during sunset. Prices will vary for camping gear rentals.
Thailand Insider Tips for Best Camping Experiences
Naliwan Kuvanant, founder of Trucker Daughter and Suka, is an avid camper, surfer, and adventurer based in Bangkok. Thailand Insider talked to Naliwan about her camping experience in Thailand and included a few of her tips below that we think will be of great help for you when you go camping in Thailand!
Insider Tip #1:
It’s best to find a guide or request a ranger to go with you on explorations because the hiking paths in Thailand are pretty hard to navigate since there are usually no signs like in the U.S. Also, because we share the area with neighboring countries like Myanmar some areas are restricted. However, park guides will help you navigate the park and stay out of those restricted areas. They will also give you information on the park’s history and additional insider tips for trails.
Insider Tip #2:
Camping is cheap compared to the U.S. You don’t really have to book or reserve a campsite in advance. You can just go up there, pay your fees and the admission is less than $10. Be wary of booking travel during major Thai holidays, as there may be more traffic during these times.
Insider Tip #3:
Her favorite place to camp is Kanchanaburi. It’s not that far from Bangkok, about a 3-hour drive. The weather is nice, the jungle is ecologically reserved, and there are tons of waterfalls. She went to Erawan Falls recently, which is blue and crystal clear. It’s the equivalent of Havasupai Falls in Arizona.
Insider Tip #4:
There are a lot of “gear junkies” here in Thailand. It’s definitely a growing community that resulted in opening up a whole new realm of possibilities for camping. You would see glamping setups everywhere in malls and exhibits. It’s like fashion now.
Start Planning Your Camping Adventure in Thailand!
Now that you are an expert in camping in Thailand, it’s time you start planning your adventure! Many more camping destinations in Thailand are worth visiting, including Ang Thong National Marine Park, Doi Suthep Pui National Park, Khao Laem National Park, and more. We can’t wait for you to experience the nature, wildlife, and serene landscapes of Thailand!
