Thailand is renowned for its cities, temples and beaches, yet it also boasts an abundance of places where travellers can immerse themselves in nature.
We’ve uncovered Thailand’s most captivating nature escapes, hidden gems that are easily incorporated into a longer journey.
They are perfect destinations for travelers seeking the chance to slow down, explore and experience a side of the country that often goes unseen.
From tranquil mountain villages to lush jungles and secluded national parks, these authentic corners of Thailand provide a refreshing contrast to the more popular tourist trail.
Read on to discover more about EXO Travel’s favourite Thailand nature escapes.
Khao Sok National Park
Located in Southern Thailand, Khao Sok is known for its limestone mountains, lush forests and diverse wildlife.
It is one of the country’s oldest and most biodiverse ecosystems, setting the stage for incredible nature hikes and jungle safaris. The park is also home to Cheow Lan Lake, a serene expanse of clear waters surrounded by karst peaks.
Visitors can stay in comfortable jungle hotels or opt for a more unique stay such as a treehouse or floating bungalow.
Getting There: Khao Sok is located around 2.5 hours from Phuket and just over 2 hours from Krabi. For Koh Samui, take the ferry to Surat Thani on the mainland followed by a drive of 1 hour 50 minutes.
Chiang Dao & Fang
These serene mountain towns in Thailand’s north offer a wonderful blend of nature, adventure and cultural richness.
The most famous site in the region is the Chiang Dao Caves, a series of sprawling limestone caverns. Beyond the caves, the area is home to Doi Phu Muen mountain with its tea plantations, Lahu villages and endless stretches of dense forest, where tourists are few and the natural beauty is abundant.
Getting there: Chiang Dao and Fang are ideal stops on an overland journey in north Thailand. From Chiang Mai, it’s a scenic 1.5-hour drive north to Chiang Dao. Fang is another 1.5 hours further north and Chiang Rai is an additional 1.5 hours beyond that.
Kui Buri
Kui Buri National Park, located 280km south of Bangkok, is a haven for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.
The park is one of the few places in Thailand to see wild elephants and its forests and grasslands are also home to other endemic wildlife such as guar, gibbons, deer and dozens of bird species. While stays within the park are not permitted, its proximity to the coast- just 1 hour away- offers access to serene beaches and a handful of boutique resorts.
Getting there: Kui Buri and its neighboring beaches provide an excellent off-the-beaten-path escape from Bangkok. The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours by car from Bangkok or just 1.5 hours from Hua Hin. For a more unique experience, travellers can also opt for a train ride to Kui Buri, offering views of changing countryside landscapes along the way.
Mae Hong Son
Mae Hong Son is a picturesque province in northern Thailand, known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, diverse hill tribes and rich cultural heritage. Nestled amid the Shan Hills, the region is an ideal escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
With several distinct ethnic groups, the area offers unique opportunities for immersive cultural experiences, including homestays and workshops. Visitors can also explore waterfalls, hot springs and a seemingly endless array of trekking trails.
Getting there: The drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son is one of Thailand’s most beautiful routes, winding through lush, verdant mountains. While the journey takes about five hours, frequent photo stops- inevitable given the stunning scenery- make it best enjoyed as a full-day adventure. Despite its small size, Mae Hong Son is also home to an airport with daily flights from Lampang.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognized penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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