If you’re craving fresh air, lush landscapes, and a break from city life or beaches, Thailand offers some truly unforgettable green escapes. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll through a shady park, an adrenalin-pumping jungle hike, or a night of camping under a starry sky, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. From misty mountains in the north to rainforest in the south, here’s a shortlist of the best places in Thailand for the great outdoors.

🌿 Nature Walks (Relaxing Strolls)

• Bang Krachao, (near) Bangkok: Often called the “Green Lung” of Bangkok, Bang Krachao offers easy, flat trails through lush gardens, wooden houses, small temples — perfect for a half-day escape from the hustle and bustle city. It’s also a great spot for cycling. Bike rental shops are easy to find near the ferry piers (cost around 50–100 baht per day). On the weekends, there’s Bang Nam Phueng Market full of local food, handmade goods, plants, and sweets. There are a few homestays here or for something more luxury, Bangkok Tree House offer eco-friendly stays and rooftop views.
• Benchakitti Forest Park, Bangkok: A lush urban oasis nestled in Bangkok’s Khlong Toei district. Spanning approximately 72 hectares, the park seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern amenities, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.​ The park is easily accessible via MRT subway (Sukhumvit station or Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station) and BTS sky train (Asoke station).

• Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Phuket: About 20km from Phuket downtown, Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary is the last remaining evergreen rainforest of Phuket Island. The main attractions of the park are the two small waterfalls – Bang Pae and Ton Sai Waterfalls, and Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) aiming to reintroduce previously captive white-handed gibbons into the wild. 
• Sai Yok National Park, Kanchanaburi: A nature lover’s paradise with forest trails, caves, and waterfalls. Float down the Kwai Noi River by bamboo raft or kayak and spot remnants of the Death Railway hidden among the trees.

⛰️ Hiking (Moderate to Challenging)

• Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park, Chiang Mai: Just 15 km from Chiang Mai downtown, Doi Suthep – Doi Pui offers hiking experiences for all levels with stunning views and lush forests. Popular trails include the Monk’s Trail, a moderate 1.5–2 km hike leading to the peaceful Wat Pha Lat temple, and the challenging Doi Pui Summit Trail, which climbs to the top for panoramic views. Another option is the hike up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s iconic golden temple, which can be reached from the Monk’s Trail. The park is rich in wildlife, waterfalls, and misty jungle landscapes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and hikers.
• Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani: Located in the south of Thailand, Khao Sok National Park is one of the world’s oldest rainforests. It’s a true paradise for nature lovers with its dense rainforests, towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake. Popular activities include jungle trekking, kayaking, and exploring the caves, waterfalls, and wildlife. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including elephants, gibbons, hornbills. For a unique and more immersive experience, stay in one of the floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake or join a guided wildlife safari to spot rare species.

• Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai: Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon is another must-visit for nature lovers. Located in Chiang Mai, it offers fresh mountain air, diverse ecosystems, and stunning landscapes. Popular activities include hiking along trails like the Kew Mae Pan and Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail, which take you through temperate forests with breathtaking views of the valleys below. The park is home to impressive waterfalls like Wachirathan and Sirithan, and it’s a birdwatching haven, especially for spotting the rare black-headed bulbuls and other species. Visitors can also explore the King and Queen Pagodas, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

• Doi Chang, Chiang Rai: Located in Chiang Rai, Doi Chang is a gem for those seeking nature and serenity. Famous for its coffee plantations, the area offers scenic hikes through lush, mist-covered mountains and viewpoints overlooking valleys and coffee fields. Nature lovers can trek to Doi Chang’s summit for panoramic views. Doi Chang is also a peaceful escape for birdwatching and exploring the dense forests that are rich in biodiversity.

• Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei: Located in Loei Province, Phu Kradueng is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a mix of hiking and stunning landscapes. The park’s main attraction is the Phu Kradueng summit, which requires a strenuous 6-8 hour hike up a steep trail. The reward is spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and pine forests. The park is ideal for those who enjoy challenging treks, camping and experiencing the cool mountain air.
• Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima: Khao Yai, one of Thailand’s largest and most visited national parks, offers an incredible array of activities for nature lovers. Known for its rich biodiversity, it’s home to elephants, tigers, gibbons, hornbills and more. Visitors can enjoy wildlife safaris, jungle treks, and hikes to picturesque waterfalls like Haew Narok and Haew Suwat. The park has numerous trails of varying difficulty, perfect for birdwatching and exploring dense forests. Khao Yai is also a great spot for camping, with facilities available near the park entrance. Apart from the nature, the region is home to some of Thailand’s best wineries, some with accommodations. For something uniquely luxurious, stay at Intercontinental Khao Yai and join their Khao Yai National Park Signature tours.

• Thong Pha Phum National Park & Surroundings, Kanchanaburi: This remote park is ideal for hiking, especially the Khao Chang Phuak trail. Nearby, Khao Laem National Park offers peaceful lakeside stays, while Khuean Srinagarindra (Srinakarin Dam) National Park is home to the magnificent Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall, a less-crowded alternative to Erawan.

• Pai, Mae Hong Son: No trip to Mae Hong Son is complete without a visit to Pai. Once a backpacker haven, Pai now welcomes all kinds of travellers seeking to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with nature. Wake up early and watch the sun rise over a sea of mist at Yun Lai Viewpoint. Pam Bok and Mo Paeng Waterfalls are perfect for a shaded forest walks. At the end of the day, Pai Canyon offers a dramatic sunset spot.

🏕️ Camping / Glamping Spots (with Nature Trails)

• Pang Ung, Mae Hong Son: Often called “the Switzerland of Thailand”, Pang Ung is a serene alpine lake surrounded by pine forests in the north of Thailand. It’s famous for its peaceful atmosphere, cool weather, and misty mornings. Camping is the highlight here. You can pitch a tent right by the lake and wake up to beautiful sunrise views, gentle nature walks around the lake or sail on a bamboo raft through the morning mists. (Advanced booking with the national park office is required. Contact details here.) Nearby tea plantations offer a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery. It’s ideal for those who want a quiet, scenic retreat in nature.

• Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi: Erawan National Park is best known for its stunning seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, where you can hike from pool to pool, swim in the waters, and enjoy the surrounding forest. The main trail to the top tiers is about 1.5 km, moderately steep but manageable. For campers, the park offers well-maintained camping areas near the visitor centre, making it easy to stay overnight and explore early before the crowds arrive. Light jungle trekking and refreshing waterfall dips make Erawan a perfect spot for outdoor lovers.

• Sai Yok National Park, Kanchanaburi: Sai Yok National Park offers a great mix of forest trails, waterfalls, and riverside camping. You can camp near Sai Yok Yai Waterfall or by the River Kwai, with the sounds of flowing water right outside your tent. Hiking trails take you through bamboo forests and limestone caves like Kaeng Lava Cave. Some areas can be explored by raft or kayak as well. It’s a peaceful park that’s less crowded than Erawan, perfect for a relaxed camping and hiking experience in the jungle.
• Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan: Sam Roi Yot, meaning “Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks,” offers dramatic limestone mountains, wetlands, beaches, and caves. Camping is available near Laem Sala Beach, where you can hike up to the famous Phraya Nakhon Cave — a highlight featuring a royal pavilion bathed in sunlight. Other easy hikes include trails to viewpoints and through mangrove forests. With its variety of landscapes, Sam Roi Yot is great for soft adventure seekers who enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and camping near the sea. Some visitors stay in Hua Hin and make a day trip here.

• Khao Sok National Park (see above)
• Khao Yai National Park (see above)

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful easy stroll through forests, a challenging mountain trek, or a night under the stars, Thailand offers something for all kinds of nature lover. Each destination promises memorable experience to immerse in nature and recharge your body and soul.