Thailand is considered a biodiversity country, with lush rainforests, coral reefs, mangroves, mountains, and wildlife. Still, the country is facing over-tourism problem, so we are suggesting that you should try hiking and maybe camping in Thailand for once. To let yourself be one with the beautiful nature of Thailand, it’s an experience you will never forget.
There are many national parks, hills, and hiking trails in Thailand, mostly in the northern of Thailand. This is a good opportunity to share top location for both camping and hiking, get you to know Thailand more, and share tips on how to do both in Thailand properly.
Why camping in Thailand?
As mentioned, Thailand offers many incredible landscapes, while most travelers decide to stay at hotels if you are looking for more adventurous vibe camping in Thailand is a good option. Camping can give you raw access to nature, less crowded, and slower-traveling style.
Where to camp in Thailand?
National parks and private eco-camping grounds are the most visited camping sites, while some resorts also offer you pre-set tents to give a camping vibe while staying with them. Here are the top spots locals and fellow travels choose as their camping location.
1. Doi Inthanon National Park
- The top camping location in Chiang Mai, Thailand highest peak (at 2,565m). In the Doi Inthanon National Park campsites are well-equipped with tents, bathrooms and restaurants, so you will be comfortable camping here. During nighttime the temperature can drop down to lower than 5 °C in Dec–Jan. And the campsite is close to waterfalls, sunrise viewpoints, and cloud forests.
- It’s great for beginners and intermediate campers.
- The entry fee is 300 THB for foreign adults plus extra 30-100 THB for camping gear.
2. Khao Yai National Park
- This National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, located in Nakhon Ratchasima, only 3 hrs from Bangkok. The site has wildlife wandering around all day like elephants, gibbons, deer, and hornbills. In the main site Lam Ta Khong, you can spot elephants roaming at night. The weather is also nice, it’s cold all year round due to the elevation of 600–1000m.
- The campsite is best for wildlife lovers, first-time campers.
- Entry fee is 400 THB
- Book tents and campsite at nps.dnp.go.th
3. Phu Kradueng National Park
- Located in Loei Province, Northeast of Thailand. A Plateau-top camping after a 5.5 km steep hike, this one Is a little more challenging if you are looking for a hike to the campsite.
- With panoramic views, watching sunrise and sunset on cliffs edge.
- Cool weather (0-10°C)
- Trekking trails to waterfalls and cliff edges
- Suitable for hikers and adventurers
- Entry fee 400 THB for foreigners
4. Pang Ung (Mae Hong Son)
- Known as Thailand’s “Switzerland”, unlike other campsites this one is not up hills. It’s a lakeside campsite under pine trees located in Mae Hong Son.
- Cool and cold weather due to the location is in northern of Thailand and the campsite is by the water source. You can expect frost during Dec-Jan.
- It’s great for more romantic vibes or couple campers.
- Entry fee is 100-200 THB
- Make sure to be here early during the high season.
5. Laem Son Marine National Park
- This is a beachfront camping site on Koh Khang Khao island, Ranong.
- You can both bring your own gear or rent here at the park.
- The main activity here changes from hiking to snorkeling.
- Entry: 200 THB
- You must arrange boat and ask the park office for permission first.
What to Bring
If bringing your own gear:
- Tent (lightweight for hiking; waterproof)
- Sleeping bag + mat
- Headlamp / flashlight
- Rain cover or tarp (essential in rainy months)
- First aid kit
- Biodegradable soap + toiletries
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Light cooking gear (if park allows fires/stoves)
What’s usually available to rent (at national parks):
- Tent (฿150–300)
- Sleeping mat / bag / pillow (฿20–100)
- Gas stove (some parks only)
- Locker / storage room
Safety & Rules
- Do not feed wildlife: it can harm animals and cause aggression
- No alcohol allowed in most national parks
- Be careful with fire only using designated cooking spots
- Camp only in designated areas
- Take your trash with you
- Be prepared for wild animals: deer, elephants, wild boars (don’t keep food in tents)
- Some parks have leeches in rainy season so please bring repellent + leech socks
Camping in Thailand is now more accessible, and Thailand’s nature reserves and eco-camps offer safe, scenic, and budget-friendly options for travelers. All you need to do is plan around the seasons, follow basic rules, and choose your adventure level then you can experience and enjoy camping in Thailand more than anywhere else.
As for hiking you may wonder why should you hike in Thailand? The answer is almost the same as camping, it’s because of the diverse landscapes. Plus, Thailand also offers some seriously underrated trekking adventures. Unlike some countries with fixed long-distance trails, hiking in Thailand often involves:
- Local guides (especially for multi-day or jungle hikes)
- Community-based trekking
- National Park trails with permits or ranger access
Best Hiking spots in Thailand
1. Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai
The norther of Thailand is said to be the best hiking spot for those who love to adventure. The north is a perfect mixture of nature and culture. Some trail you may walk across hill tribe village after a long walk through the jungle. Here are the must do trails for northern area hiking.
- Monk’s Trail to Wat Pha Lat and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: This trail is a one-way trail from Wat Pha Lat to Doi Suthep, it’s an easy trail with only 4-5 kilometers walk which takes only 2-3 hours. The trail is a peaceful jungle, and it’s called Monk’s trail because of the starting point, and the ending point are both temples.
- Chiang Dao Mountain Trail
Also known as Thailand’s 3rd highest mountain. The hike offers breathtaking views and mist surrounding you. Chiang Dao Mountain is also UNESCO biosphere reserve (2021), which means it’s still beautiful and full of nature. It’s true heaven for those who love birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. The trail starts at Chiang Dao wildlife sanctuary entrance and finishes at Doi Chiang Dao summit. The hike is around 6-8 kilometers and should take between 5-7 hours to finish, which could be challenging for beginners.
- Doi Inthanon National Park
The roof of Thailand, Doi Inthanon is the country’s highest peak at2,565 meters above sea level. This location offers mixes of 3 different atmospheres during the hike from cool mountains to waterfalls and cloud forests. People’s favorite trail is the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail; the trail provides panoramic views and along your way there is a chance you may see hill tribe village with tons of flowers and wildlife. The starting point is Kew Mae Pan check point, and you walk in circular loop until you are back at the check point. It’s a short hike only 3 kilometers loop and takes around 2-3 hours.
2. Phu Kradueng National Park
Located in northeast of Thailand (Loei province), this is a famous location, known for its plateau landscape, pine forest, and the scenic view. This is one of the most challenging trails for hiking, if you are a beginner, you should prepare yourself for it. The hike is long and steep, but once you reach the top all your fatigue will be eased by cool weather, waterfall, and a beautiful sunset waiting for you.
- This trail is 9 kilometers up hills plus additional trail for your liking and takes 5-6 hours to finish. The starting point is Park headquarters and finishes at Plateau campsite up top. The hiking season is around October-May.
3. Khao Luang National Park
This one located in the southern of Thailand and it’s the southern highest peak (1,835 meters) the most popular spot in the national park is the waterfall and the trail is suitable for those who try to escape tourists. It starts at Ban Khiriwong village and ends at Khoa Luang summit. It’s a round trip approximately 15 kilometers walk, if you are looking for a long overnight and challenging hike this one is for you.
4. Erawan National Park
Best known for emerald seven-tiered waterfall, Erawan National Park also offers short hikes through caves, natural pools, and forest. This is one of the easiest and most relaxing trails you can go for.
- The trail starts at Erawan National Park visitor center and takes 2 hours hike to reach the ending spot at 7th waterfall tier, the trail is only 2 kilometers for a one-way hike, so it’s easy and relaxing to hike. You can stop to explore the cave and have a nice rest at the pools to make it more memorable.
5. Khao Sok National Park
Considered one of the oldest rainforests in world, Khao Sok is in Surat Thani (southern of Thailand) and it offers an outstanding experience of hiking. Throughout the trail you can spot limestone cliffs, wildlife, and thick jungle. Here often includes overnight stays in floating bungalows.
- The trail is Jungle trail + Cheow Lan Lake Trek and starts at Khao Sok National Park headquarters until you reach Cheow Lan Lake camping site, which is roughly 8-12 kilometers depending on the route you choose. It should take around half day or you can do multiple days’ hike to explore it all.
Hiking and Camping in Thailand is worth the try, it’s a chance to allow yourself to emerge with the beauty of Thai nature and to see the unforgettable view. Throughout Thailand many trails are waiting for you to explore, and the national parks are more than welcome you to stay. If you love adventure activity, the green forest and stunning mountain, Thailand is your destination to hike and camp.
