These Thai national parks are now open

Island Watch #2

Been cooped up for a while? Nature beckons. Starting July 1st, the majority of Thailand’s 150+ national parks are reopening after more than three months of closure due to Covid-19. Read on for the status on ALL national parks and a handful of other natural areas that are spread around Thailand.

This post will be helpful if you want to know which national parks are open, which are closed, and what to expect at the parks found in coastal provinces that are only partly open. Of course, you’d need to be in Thailand at the moment to take advantage. Yet even if you’re outside of the country, this article might be worth bookmarking since it lists every national park in Thailand, broken down by region.

For a brief summary of each park, check out this PDF guide produced by the Dept. of National Parks (DNP). It’s a few years old, so the newest handful of parks aren’t included and many of the phone numbers no longer work. But it still comes in handy thanks to the maps and lists of key attractions found in each park.

I don’t go into detail about what is open in the national parks found in non-coastal provinces (this is Thai Island Times and not “Thai Inland Times” after all). However, you will find a list of all the upcountry parks along with the current status of each. Note that all historical parks are now open nationwide as well.

Into the mist of Khao Luang, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

How to visit and what to expect

Start by downloading the QueQ app to a smartphone. Click the DNP logo on the homepage, and you’ll be sent to a list of national parks after selecting your language (English is now available). From there, it should be a simple process of filling out the dates you wish to visit along with a name, contact number, vehicle type, and number of visitors in your group.

Submit the form and you should receive a confirmation to show when you enter the park. There is a cap on the number of daily visitors, which varies by park, and you might get locked out if looking to hit a popular park over a holiday weekend. It may be possible to enter a park without reserving via the app beforehand, but reaching most parks requires a drive so I wouldn’t risk the potential disappointment.

In the app, the upper left icon is the one you want.

When arriving, you’ll need to scan the QR code for the Thai Chana tracking platform, or at least write down your contact info. Expect a temperature check.

Once cleared you’ll have to buy tickets; prices for parks that cost more than 100 baht per foreign adult are shown on this page. For those hitting many of the marine parks, privately run tour companies often cover the ticket as part of a flat fee. Camping and staying in park-provided bungalows is now possible at many parks, but the DNP’s official site with the reservation system is all mucked up at the moment.

Now let’s take a brief look at each park’s situation right now. Note that while this time of year is a great time to photograph waterfalls, a no swimming rule is in effect at them. This rule does not apply to swimming in the sea at the marine parks. Also keep in mind that it’s rainy season in most of Thailand, which means that a lot of marine park islands in the Andaman Sea would be closed regardless of Covid-19.

Ko Rang in Mu Ko Chang Marine Park. Time to dive in.

Eastern Gulf

Khao Chamao - Khao Wong (Inland, Rayong): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 1,853 visitors.

Khao Kitchakut (Inland, Chanthaburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 1,279 visitors.

Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet (Marine / coastal, Rayong): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 2,700 visitors on Ko Samet and 1,300 at Khao Laem Ya on the mainland (note: the cap does not apply to Samet’s village and Ao Noi Na). If you want to head to Ko Samet, make sure to reserve a spot via the QueQ app before you book a hotel so that you don’t get shut out with a non-refundable booking. The small islands to the east of Samet, including Ko Thalu and Ko Kudee, are closed until October.

Khao Sip Ha Chan (Inland, Chanthaburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 410 visitors.

Mu Ko Chang (Marine, Trat): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors (note: the cap does not apply to Ko Chang’s coasts, including privately run resorts). You can now visit Khlong Phlu and Than Mayom waterfalls on Ko Chang. Ko Rang and its surrounding dive and snorkeling sites are also open and accessible by dive boat.

Nam Tok Khlong Kaeo (Inland, Trat): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 100 visitors.

Nam Tok Phlio (Inland, Chanthaburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 1,435 visitors.

Sai Cave in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Watch out for bats.

Central Gulf

Ao Siam (Coastal, Prachuap Khiri Khan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 200.

Hat Wanakon (Marine / coastal, Prachuap Khiri Khan): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors. The beach is open, though facilities are scant.

Kaeng Krachan (Inland, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 1,300 visitors. At Thailand’s largest national park, visitors can cruise the namesake reservoir and camp at park headquarters. Closer to Hua Hin in Prachuap province, Pala-U Waterfall is also open. However, the road from Bang Krang Camp to Khao Phanoen Thung remains closed.

Khao Khiao (Inland, Chonburi): FULLY OPEN. Though not actually a national park, this well-managed open zoo is open.

Khao Sam Roi Yot (Marine / coastal / inland, Prachuap Khiri Khan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 1,500 visitors. The DNP listed this park of “3,000 peaks” as partly open, but an official told me that no attractions are off limits.

Kui Buri (Inland, Prachuap Khiri Khan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors. The best place in Thailand to spot wild elephants and gaur is ready to go.

Nam Tok Huai Yang (Inland, Prachuap Khiri Khan): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 70 visitors. Only the namesake waterfall is open.

In Khao Sok National Park, the lake is always a crowd pleaser.

Mid Southern Gulf

Hat Khanom - Mu Ko Thale (Marine / coastal, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors. Ko Matsum is open to the south of Ko Samui, as is Hat Khanom and other low-key beaches on the mainland. Some services and smaller islands may be closed, however.

Kaeng Krung (Inland, Surat Thani): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 30 visitors.

Khao Luang (Inland, Nakhon Si Thammarat): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 1,155 visitors.

Khao Sok (Inland, Surat Thani): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 900 visitors. This premier park is almost entirely open — visitors can cruise the marvelous Chiew Lan Lake and stay at the park-run rafthouses. The hiking trails are also open near headquarters further west, but Thalu Cave is closed for rainy season.

Khao Nan (Inland, Nakhon Si Thammarat): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 450 visitors.

Khlong Phanom (Inland, Surat Thani): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 50 visitors. It’s now possible to check out some of the caves and waterfalls in this small park near Khao Sok, but some services remain closed.

Mu Ko Ang Thong (Marine, Surat Thani): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 400 visitors. An official told me that all services are open, including the campground on Ko Wua Talap. However, many boat tour companies based on Ko Samui and Ko Phangan are waiting until more tourists return to resume their operations.

Mu Ko Chumphon (Marine / coastal, Chumphon): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors. The sprinkling of small islands in this underrated park — including Ko Rang Ka Jiew, Ko Samet and Ko Kula — can be reached by longtail boat.

Nam Tok Si Khit (Inland, Nakhon Si Thammarat): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors. It’s now possible to visit the waterfall, but other services may be closed.

Nam Tok Yong (Inland, Nakhon Si Thammarat): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 2,659 visitors. While you can now hit the namesake waterfall at park headquarters, the northern campground and other services may be closed.

Tai Rom Yen (Inland, Surat Thani): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 260 visitors.

Than Sadet - Ko Phangan (Marine, Surat Thani): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 240 visitors. If you’re heading to Phangan, the waterfall is open.

Above the fourth tier at Songkhla’s Ton Nga Chang Waterfall. Three more tiers to go from here.

Deep Southern Gulf

Ao Manao - Khao Tanyong (Inland, Narathiwat): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Bang Lang (Inland, Yala): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Budo Su-Ngai Padi (Inland, Narathiwat): CLOSED.

Khao Nam Khang (Inland, Songkhla): CLOSED.

Khao Pu Khao Ya (Inland, Phatthalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat): CLOSED.

Nam Tok Sai Khao (Inland, Pattani): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors. The namesake waterfall is open but not much else.

Nam Tok Sipo (Inland, Narathiwat): CLOSED.

San Kala Khiri: (Inland, Songkhla and Yala): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 250 visitors.

Thale Noi (Inland, Phatthalung): FULLY OPEN. These wetlands stretching north of Songkhla Lake (Thale Sap) are not officially part of a national park, but they’re absolutely worth a boat ride if you’re into bird watching.

Ton Nga Chang (Inland, Songkhla): PARTLY OPEN. The impressive falls at this wildlife sanctuary outside of Hat Yai are now open.

Tranquility at Ngao Waterfall, Ranong.

Upper Andaman

Khao Lak - Lamru (Coastal / inland, Phang Nga): CLOSED.

Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang (Coastal / inland, Phang Nga): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 500 visitors.

Laem Son (Marine / coastal, Ranong): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 575 visitors. The beach at Laem Son is open but most facilities closed. Islands like Ko Kham and Ko Yipun close annually from May to October.

Lamnan Kraburi (Coastal / inland, Ranong): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Mu Ko Ranong (Marine / coastal, Ranong): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 50 visitors. While the mainland section is open, islands like Ko Fai Mai and Ko Wua Dam normally close during rainy season.

Mu Ko Similan (Marine, Phang Nga): CLOSED as per normal for rainy season.

Mu Ko Surin (Marine, Phang Nga): CLOSED as per normal for rainy season.

Nam Tok Ngao (Coastal / inland, Ranong): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 575 visitors. The namesake waterfall is open near headquarters, but hot springs are closed.

Si Phang Nga (Marine / coastal / inland, Phang Nga): CLOSED.

Ko Poda, part of Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, is easy to hit from Ao Nang.

Central Andaman

Ao Phang Nga (Marine / coastal, Phang Nga): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 1,600 visitors. However, this does not mean that all islands in Phang Nga Bay are open (see Than Bok Khorani below).

Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi (Marine / coastal, Krabi): PARTLY OPEN. The DNP listed this park as fully closed, but the official we spoke with said that Ko Poda, Ko Gai, Ko Maipai and parts of Ko Phi Phi Leh are accessible. The same goes for Hat Noppharat Thara and the parts of Railay that are overseen by the park. Facilities are closed, and both Maya Bay and Ko Yung remain closed indefinitely.

Khao Ngon Nak (Coastal, Krabi): FULLY OPEN. The “Dragon Crest” mountain hike is now open along with the coastal trail near Khlong Muang.

Khao Phanom Bencha (Inland, Krabi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 800 visitors. Huai Toh Waterfall is open, but facilities are limited.

Mu Ko Lanta (Marine, Krabi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 476 visitors. The beach and lighthouse at Ao Tanote down at Ko Lanta Yai’s southern end are now open, but Ko Rok and Ko Haa close every year for rainy season. It may be possible to visit Ko Talabeng and other islands to the east of Ko Lanta.

Sirinat (Marine, Phuket): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 500 visitors.

Than Bok Khorani (Marine / coastal / inland, Krabi): CLOSED. This includes the Ko Hong group of islands as well as the mainland section.

Hat Chao Mai National Park’s slice of Ko Kradan can be visited despite the facilities being closed.

Lower Andaman

Hat Chao Mai (Marine / coastal, Trang): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 1,600 visitors. Chao Mai Beach and others on the mainland are open, but the Emerald Cave on Ko Mook and park facilities on Ko Kradan are closed until October.

Khao Pra Bang Khram (Inland, Krabi and Trang): PARTLY OPEN. The popular Emerald Pool at this wildlife sanctuary is now open to all.

Mu Ko Phetra (Marine / coastal, Satun and Trang): PARTLY OPEN. Ko Lidi and Ko Khao Yai are open along with Hat Rawai and Ao Nun on the mainland, and camping is possible. Ko Lao Liang and Ko Phetra are closed until October.

Mu Ko Tarutao (Marine, Satun): CLOSED. However, you can visit Ko Lipe and take a longtail boat into the Adang archipelago from there, if the sea is calm.

Thale Ban (Inland, Satun): CLOSED.

Foreigners are allowed to visit Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall in Kanchanaburi after all.

Upcountry: Central

Chaloem Phrakiat Thai Prachan (Ratchaburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 324 visitors.

Chaloem Rattanakosin (Kanchanaburi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 500 visitors.

Erawan (Kanchanaburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 220 visitors. This popular park is often jammed with tourists when Covid-19 isn’t keeping borders shut, making now a great time to explore and photograph it. No swimming allowed, however.

Khao Laem (Kanchanaburi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 130 visitors.

Khao Yai (Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 5,000 visitors.

Khuean Srinagarindra (Kanchanaburi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 450 visitors. The chief of this park, which is home to the stunning Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall, had a change of heart about a “no foreigners allowed” rule that was previously posted on the park’s Facebook page. All are welcome now.

Lam Khlong Ngu (Kanchanaburi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Nam Tok Chet Sao Noi (Saraburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 340 visitors.

Nam Tok Sam Lan (Saraburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Pang Sida (Sa Kaeo): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 400 visitors.

Phu Toei (Suphanburi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 100 visitors.

Sai Yok (Kanchanaburi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 1,583 visitors.

Ta Phraya (Sa Kaeo): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 100 visitors.

Thap Lan (Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 620 visitors.

Thong Pha Phum (Kanchanaburi): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 500 visitors.

Upcountry: Northeast

Kaeng Tana (Ubon Ratchathani): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 60 visitors.

Khao Phra Wihan (Si Saket): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 400 visitors.

Na Yung Nam Som (Udon Thani): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 30 visitors.

Nam Phong (Khon Kaen): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 1,792 visitors.

Pha Hin Ngam (Chaiyaphum): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 500 visitors.

Pha Taem (Ubon Ratchathani): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 1,550 visitors.

Phu Chong Na Yoi (Ubon Ratchathani): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 400 visitors.

Phu Hin Jom Tat - Phu Phra Bat (Udon Thani): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Phu Kao - Phu Phan Kham (Nong Bua Lamphu): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Phu Laen Kha (Chaiyaphum): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 900 visitors.

Phu Langka (Nakhon Phanom): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 100 visitors.

Phu Kradueng (Loei): CLOSED.

Phu Pha Lek (Sakhon Nakhon): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 50 visitors.

Phu Pha Man (Khon Kaen): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 528 visitors.

Phu Pha Toep (Mukdahan): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 100 visitors.

Phu Pha Yon (Sakhon Nakhon): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 250 visitors.

Phu Phan (Sakhon Nakhon): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 210 visitors.

Phu Ruea (Loei): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 2,678 visitors.

Phu Sa Dok Bua (Mukdahan): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 100 visitors.

Phu Wiang (Khon Kaen): CLOSED.

Tat Ton (Chaiyaphum): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 1,000 visitors.

Upcountry: North

Chae Son (Lampang): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 900 visitors.

Doi Chong (Lampang): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 500 visitors.

Doi Inthanon (Chiang Mai): CLOSED.

Doi Khun Tan (Lamphun and Lampang): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 450 visitors.

Doi Luang (Chiang Rai): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 600 visitors.

Doi Pha Hom Pok (Chiang Mai): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 870 visitors.

Doi Pha Khlong (Phrae): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 350 visitors.

Doi Phu Kha (Nan): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors.

Doi Phu Nang (Phayao): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 400 visitors.

Doi Soi Malai (Tak): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 1,132 visitors.

Doi Suthep - Doi Pui (Chiang Mai): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 400 visitors.

Doi Wiang Pha (Chiang Mai): CLOSED.

Huai Nam Dang (Chiang Mai): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Khao Kho (Phetchabun): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 750 visitors.

Khlong Lan (Kamphaeng Phet): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 450 visitors.

Khlong Wang Chao (Kamphaeng Phet): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 250 visitors.

Khun Chae (Chiang Rai): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 100 visitors.

Khun Khan (Chiang Mai): CLOSED.

Khun Nan (Nan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 30 visitors.

Khun Pha Wo (Tak): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 500 visitors.

Khun Sathan (Nan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 280 visitors.

Lam Nam Kok (Chiang Rai): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 600 visitors.

Lam Nam Nan (Uttaradit): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Lan Sang (Tak): CLOSED.

Mae Charim (Nan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Mae Moei (Tak): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 40 visitors.

Mae Ngao (Mae Hong Son): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Mae Ping (Lamphun): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Mae Puem (Phayao): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Mae Sariang (Mae Hong Son): CLOSED.

Mae Takhrai (Chiang Mai): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Mae Wa (Lampang and Tak): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors.

Mae Wang (Chiang Mai): CLOSED.

Mae Wong (Kamphaeng Phet): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 270 visitors.

Mae Yom: (Phrae): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 50 visitors.

Nam Nao: (Phetchabun): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 480 visitors.

Nam Tok Chat Trakan (Phitsanulok): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Nam Tok Mae Surin (Mae Hong Son): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 350 visitors.

Nam Tok Pha Charoen (Tak): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 950 visitors.

Nanthaburi (Nan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 60 visitors.

Op Khan (Chiang Mai): CLOSED.

Op Luang: (Chiang Mai): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 400 visitors.

Pha Daeng (Chiang Mai): CLOSED.

Phu Chee Fah (Chiang Rai): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Phu Sang (Phayao): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors.

Phu Hin Rong Kla (Phitsanulok): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 2,920 visitors.

Phu Soi Dao (Uttaradit): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 850 visitors.

Ramkamhaeng (Sukhothai): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 200 visitors.

Salawin (Mae Hong Son): CLOSED.

Si Lanna (Chiang Mai): CLOSED.

Si Nan (Nan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 600 visitors.

Si Satchanalai (Sukhothai): CLOSED.

Taksin Maharat (Tak): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 400 visitors.

Tat Mok (Phetchabun): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 150 visitors.

Tham Luang - Khun Nam Nang Non (Chiang Rai): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 600 visitors. This park covers the famous cave where 12 boys and their soccer coach were rescued in July 2018. So, yeah, the cave is closed now but the museum is open.

Tham Pha Thai (Lampang): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 750 visitors.

Tham Pla - Nam Tok Pha Suea (Mae Hong Son): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors.

Tham Sa Koen (Nan): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 100 visitors.

Thung Salaeng Luang (Phitsanulok and Phetchabun): PARTLY OPEN with a cap of 640 visitors.

Ton Sak Yai (Uttaradit): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 50 visitors.

Wiang Kosai (Phrae): FULLY OPEN with a cap of 300 visitors. 🌴