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National parks

If you want to enjoy Thailand without visiting the beach, head to one of its inland national parks. You’ll have the chance to discover the pristine landscapes. Visit Erawan National Park and enjoy its natural beauty and unspoiled wilderness. Climb up the Erawan Falls, explore the caves and bathe in the natural pools. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is notable for its limestone hills, 300 species of birds and the Phaya Nakhon Cave, that has a Buddhist temple inside.

Located near the Burmese border, Kaeng Krachan National Park and Kui Buri National Park are recognized as being the best destinations in Thailand for wildlife viewing. Khao Yai National Park, in the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range (central Thailand), is appealing to hikers, mountain climbers and wildlife lovers. The park is known for its grasslands, tropical forests and waterfalls, the largest being Haew Narok. Some of the animals you’re likely to see here include elephants, gibbons, monkeys and leopards. It's even possible to spot a tiger!

Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi & the Similan Islands

Phuket, the largest Thai island, is very developed but it's a good base for plenty of beaches and islands of the Andaman Coast. It offers a rich variety of experiences – culture and fabulous food in Phuket City and intense nightlife in Patong. It also includes nice limestone karst formations of the Phang Nga Bay. Explore many hidden temples scattered around the island. Big Buddha, a 45 meter tall white marble statue on the peak of mount Nagakerd, is visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket. Bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers a new home for rescued elephants that have suffered from working long hours in the tourism industry. This ethical sanctuary gives them a chance to enjoy as natural and peaceful environment as possible.

Take a ferry to Krabi and spend some time on Ao Nang Beach. Then head to the Railay Beach (Rai Leh) to admire rows of colourful longtail boats and jagged limestone cliffs. The islands on this part of the Thai coast are spread farther apart and you’ll have to allocate time to move around. You can go to the Phi Phi Islands to experience sleeping in Maya Bay, that was made famous by the film "The Beach" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio. Take a snorkelling speedboat trip to the picture-perfect Similan Islands, set 70km off the Thai coast at Andaman Sea. This national park offers idyllic, paradise beaches with fine white sand sloping gently into the crystal clear water. You can spend the night in a tent or bungalow on the island, or on the boat anchored just off the beach.

Photo credit: DR Travel Photo and Video, Iakov Kalinin - Shutterstock / Dorota Olender