10 best camping spots in Thailand for an unforgettable outdoor adventure
Thailand offers diverse camping experiences, from misty mountains to dense jungle retreats. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife spotting, or relaxing under the stars, these top 10 camping spots provide the perfect outdoor escape.
1. Doi Inthanon National Park: Thailand’s Highest Peak
Address: 119 Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai 50160
Opening hours: Opens daily, 5am – 6pm
Doi Inthanon is home to Thailand’s highest mountain, standing at 2,565 meters above sea level. The park features several waterfalls, including Wachirathan, Mae Klang, and Siriphum Waterfalls, as well as the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, which offers stunning panoramic views and is one of the most scenic treks in Thailand. The Royal Twin Pagodas, built in honour of the King and Queen, are another major attraction. Birdwatching is also popular, with over 300 bird species recorded in the park.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Flight: Bangkok to Chiang Mai (~1 hr 15 min), then rent a car or take a minivan to the park (~2 hrs).
- By Train: Overnight train to Chiang Mai (~13 hrs), then a local minivan.
- By Bus: Direct buses to Chiang Mai (~10 hrs), followed by a taxi or minivan.
Entry Fees:
- Foreign adults: 300 Baht | Foreign children: 150 Baht
- Thai adults: 60 Baht | Thai children: 30 Baht
Key Activities: Hiking, waterfall visits, bird watching, photography, sunrise viewing, camping
Read our full guide to Doi Inthanon.
2. Khao Yai National Park: Thailand’s Oldest National Park
Address: Nakhon Ratchasima
Opening hours: Opens daily 6am – 6pm
Khao Yai National Park is Thailand’s first national park and a UNESCO-listed site covering over 2,000 square kilometres. The park is home to wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, deer, porcupines, and even wild tigers. Popular hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints like Pha Diew Dai, while the Haew Suwat Waterfall, made famous by the movie The Beach, is a must-see attraction. The park also offers night safaris, where visitors can see nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Car: ~3 hr drive via Route 305
- By Bus: Bus from Mo Chit to Pak Chong (~3 hrs), then a songthaew to the park.
Entry Fees:
- Foreign adults: 200 Baht | Foreign children: 100 Baht
- Thai adults: 40 Baht | Thai children: 20 Baht
Key Activities: Hiking, wildlife spotting, waterfall visits, night safari, camping
3. Kaeng Krachan National Park: Thailand’s Largest National Park
Address: Kaeng Krachan, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi 76170
Opening hours: Opens daily, 5am to 10pm
Kaeng Krachan covers over 2,900 square kilometres and is Thailand’s largest national park. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and home to over 400 bird species, as well as rare mammals like leopards, Malayan tapirs, and elephants. The Phanoen Thung viewpoint is known for its breathtaking sunrise views over a sea of mist. The park also features dense tropical forests, waterfalls, and extensive cave systems, making it a great destination for adventurous campers.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Car: ~3 hr drive via Phetkasem Road (Route 4)
- By Bus: Minivan from Bangkok to Phetchaburi (~3 hrs), then a local taxi to the park.
Entry Fees:
- Foreign adults: 300 Baht | Foreign children: 150 Baht
- Thai adults: 60 Baht | Thai children: 30 Baht
Key Activities: Birdwatching, jungle trekking, wildlife photography, waterfall visits, cave exploration
4. Phu Tub Berk: Breathtaking Mountain Views
Address: Kok Sathon, Dan Sai District, Loei 42120
Opening hours: daily 24 hours
Phu Tub Berk, located in Phetchabun Province, is one of Thailand’s highest points at 1,768 meters above sea level. It is known for its cool climate, rolling cabbage fields, and breathtaking “sea of clouds”, especially during early mornings. The area is home to Hmong villages, where visitors can experience local culture and purchase fresh produce directly from farmers.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Car: ~6 hr drive via Route 21 and Route 203
- By Bus: Bus to Lom Sak (~5 hrs), then a local songthaew.
Key Activities: Cloudwatching, hiking, cultural exploration, photography
5. Khao Laem National Park
Address: 339 Prang Phe, Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi 71240
Opening hours: Opens daily, 9am to 5pm
Khao Laem National Park features Pom Pee viewpoint, offering stunning sunset views over Khao Laem Lake. The park also has floating raft houses, where visitors can stay overnight while enjoying the tranquil waters. The park is home to lush rainforests, caves, and waterfalls, including the Kroeng Krawia Waterfall.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Car: ~5 hr drive via Route 323
- By Bus: Bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (~3 hrs), then a local bus to Sangkhla Buri (~3 hrs).
Key Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, waterfall visits, lake camping, boating
6. Doi Khun Tan National Park: A Quiet Escape
Address: Tha Pla Duk, Mae Tha District, Lamphun 51140
Opening hours: Opens daily, 7.45am to 6pm
Doi Khun Tan is one of Thailand’s least crowded national parks, featuring well-marked hiking trails leading to stunning summit views. The park is also home to Thailand’s longest railway tunnel, the 1.3-kilometre-long Khun Tan Tunnel, which is a significant historical site.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
By Train: Train to Lamphun (~12 hrs), then a songthaew to the park.
Key Activities: Summit hikes, birdwatching, forest exploration, railway history
7. Doi Suthep Pui National Park
Address: RW48+RC4, Sriwichai Alley, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Opening hours: Opens daily, 8.30am – 4.30pm
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, is marked one of the top outdoor activities in Chiang Mai and has two main camping areas for visitors who want to explore nature up close.
- Doi Pui Camping Area: Located north of Doi Pui Hmong Village, this site offers stunning views of Chiang Mai and accommodates up to 300 campers. Facilities include a visitor centre, restaurant, public toilets with showers, and campfire areas. Tent rentals start at 225 Baht per night for a two-person tent.
- Mon Tha Than Waterfall Campsite: A quieter camping option near the waterfall, closer to the park entrance.
Facilities include accommodation options ranging from 400 to 3,000 Baht, as well as restaurants along the roads, particularly near Doi Suthep Temple and Doi Pui Village.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Flight: Fly to Chiang Mai (~1 hr 15 min), then a 45-minute drive to the park.
- By Train: Take an overnight train to Chiang Mai (~13 hrs), then a taxi or songthaew to the park.
- By Car: ~8 hr drive via Route 1 and Route 11.
Key Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, waterfall visits, cultural exploration at Doi Pui Hmong Village
Best Time to Visit:
- November to February: Cool temperatures and clear skies, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
- March to May: Hot and dry, but good for cultural visits.
- May to October: Green landscapes with occasional rain, best for waterfall visits.
8. Ob Luang National Park
Address: 266 Hang Dong, Hot District, Chiang Mai 50240
Opening hours: Opens daily, 8.00am – 4.30pm
Ob Luang National Park offers a peaceful camping experience surrounded by dramatic rock formations, lush forests, and historical sites. Visitors can camp near the river with tents available for rent or stay in bungalows equipped with bathrooms, fans, and hot showers, accommodating up to 10 people.
The park’s main attractions include Mae Bua Kham Waterfall, prehistoric cave paintings at Doi Pha Chang, and Thep Phanom Hot Spring. Well-marked hiking trails lead to stunning viewpoints, and visitors can swim in designated river sections.
Facilities include basic restrooms and shower facilities near the camping area. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Flight: Fly to Chiang Mai (~1 hr 15 min), then a 2.5-hour drive to the park.
- By Train: Take an overnight train to Chiang Mai (~13 hrs), followed by a local bus or car rental.
- By Car: ~8 hr drive via Route 1 and Route 106.
Key Activities: Hiking, waterfall visits, prehistoric cave exploration, wildlife watching, river swimming
Best Time to Visit:
- November to February: Cool and dry season, best for outdoor activities and clear skies.
- May to October: Rainy season enhances greenery but makes trails slippery.
- March to May: Least favorable due to smoke from agricultural practices.
- Weekdays: Less crowded, offering a quieter and more peaceful experience.
9. Mae Ping National Park
Address: 81 Mae Lan, Li District, Lamphun 51110
Opening hours: Opens daily, 8.30am- 4.30pm
Mae Ping National Park offers several camping options surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The main campsite near Kaeng Ko Reservoir provides scenic views of the water and surrounding mountains. Thung Kik, a grassy plateau, is ideal for wildlife spotting, while floating raft houses at Kaeng Kor Lake ranger station offer a unique overnight experience.
Facilities include restrooms, cold showers, and a small store for essentials. Campfires may be restricted, so visitors should confirm with park rangers beforehand.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Train: Train to Lamphun (~12 hrs), then a minivan or local transport to the park.
- By Car: ~7 hr drive via Route 1 and Route 106.
Key Activities: Camping, wildlife spotting, waterfall visits, cave exploration, boating
10. Erawan National Park – Waterfall Paradise Camping
Location: Kanchanaburi
Opening Hours: Daily, 8am – 4:30pm
Erawan National Park is famous for its seven-tiered waterfall, which features turquoise pools ideal for swimming. The park also has several caves, including Phartat Cave and Mee Cave, which contain ancient rock formations. Camping areas are available near the falls, allowing visitors to experience the park’s beauty overnight.
How to Get There from Bangkok:
- By Car: ~3 hr drive via Route 323
- By Bus: Direct buses from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi (~3 hrs), then a songthaew.
Key Activities: Waterfall trekking, cave exploration, wildlife spotting, swimming
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