Neil Aronson Camping in Thailand is fairly easy, and the country offers a plethora of beautiful camping spots for nature enthusiasts. Besides enjoying all the great culture, food and fun Thailand has to offer, you can also enjoy peace and nature for just a few baht by going camping in Thailand. Here are some of the best camping spots around Northern and Southern Thailand.
There are also many different options for camping in Thailand, depending on what region you are interested in visiting. I have always been surprised at how many camping spots we find when traveling around the mountains and parks. That said, there are hundreds of good places to go, so we will focus on the ones I know to be amazing and popular. Most of which we have been to.
Keep in mind if you are interested in going camping in Thailand or backpacking, certain times of the year are much better than others. Especially for camping spots in the north. In fact most are closed in the summer months of the rainy season. Even though the rainy season is when the waterfalls and rivers are spectacular.
Camping List
Northern Camping Spots
Chiang Mai is known as the adventure city of Thailand. Many tourists visiting Chiang Mai are looking for adventure whether it be Hiking, Bungee Jumping, Ziplining, River Rafting or Camping.
With the rains gone for the year and winter setting in, this is the best time to go camping in Thailand. November through March is typically the best time, especially December and January. Temperatures are cool at night and not too hot during the day. Plus most of the bugs are gone! The rivers and waterfalls are still good from the rainy season, which makes for good swimming at camping spots by rivers. March can get smokey in the Northern Thailand mountains, so you may want to avoid that.
Most of the parks have campsites and also have modern bathrooms, showers and even small huts and cabins for rent.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon is one of the most famous camping destination in Chiang Mai. The name is derived from Inthanon Mountain which is the highest peak in Thailand. One can trek from the main campsite and explore the caves and waterfalls in the area. Tourists normally stay here from a day to up to seven days, and you always have a new spot to trek and explore.
Montha Waterfall in Doi Suthep
Located just minutes from Chiang Mai city, but seems worlds away. Up the mountain towards Wat Doi Suthep, Montha Waterfall is a great shady spot.
Here is a great camp site, with a great waterfall and nature trail, which we mentioned above. The campsites are already set up with large tents, so you just rent them. I asked a couple different staff on the cost, but got two totally different answers. But I believe the 500 baht was correct. On site are firepits, and great restroom and shower facilities. There are also a couple cabins that can be rented.
Ob Khan National Park
Ob Khan is a unique one less than an hours drive from Chiang Mai, and popular with locals locals. They know where the best national parks are for family picnics, camping in Thailand, and relaxing in nature.
This parks is best from November through February. Swimming in the river is best in those months. Camping spots are only open in the winter. Great hiking and facilities. Lots of shade.
Mae Wang National Park
Mae Wang is located between Ob Khan and Doi Inthanon. It is most famous for what is called Pha Chor, which is a little ‘Grand Canyon’. There are several nature trails and good facilities. The reservoir is where the main Camping is located.
The Ob Luang National Park
Drive about two hours southwest of Chiang Mai, Ob Luang is set east of Amphur Hod. You will be greeted with beautiful waterfalls, caves, a hot spring and some streams, rivers and ponds in this park. The park also has a small restaurant if you don’t want to cook in the fireplace.
Mae Ping National Park
Located at Bhumibol Reservoir and Dam is located at Tak Province about 3.5 hours south of Chiang Mai. This park is dense and campsite facilities are provided by the authorities. This park is famous for colorful birds and trees. Floating houses are also available in the lake for rent, if you don’t wish to go camping.
Maetang River Camp
An amazing area to outdoor adventure sports such as white water rafting. Located about an hour north of Chiang Mai city, the campsite nestled in a lush tropical garden setting and located on the bank of the Maetang river and surrounded by mountains. The camp is an ideal location as a base for outdoor activities as trekking expeditions, white-water rafting, white water kayaking, bamboo rafting and elephant riding.
Southern Camping Spots
Khao Sok National Park
This park is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, with limestone karsts, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. The park is a great place for camping in Thailand, and you can camp near Cheow Lan Lake for a stunning experience.
The reason people go to Khao Sok are Cheow Lan Lake, wildlife, iconic limestone hills, waterfalls, raft houses spread over the lake, trails, caves and rivers. Hiking through the forests is great as there are plenty of trails around the headquarters area and the lake.
Because if its location in Surat Thani province, the park is one of few national parks in the country easily accessible by public transportation, an obvious stop for many tourists while travelling between Phuket and Ko Samui. The nearest cities are Surat Thani, Krabi, Ao Nang (Railay Beach), Phuket, Khao Lak, Ko Lanta and Koh Samui, which are all top tourist destinations.
Viator is a great way to book these activities.
Erawan National Park
Famous for its seven-tiered waterfall, Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi Province offers camping in Thailand, near the waterfall and along the hiking trails. It’s a great spot for nature lovers.
There are big camping spots just a few hundred meters from the visitor center & parking area of the park. Tents can be rented from 150 Baht a day for 2 people and 250 a day for 3 people.
Srinakarin National Park
Sri Nakarin Dam National Park is located north of Erawan National Parks in Sai Yok, Sri Sawat and Thong Pha Phum districts of Kanchanaburi Province. There are two waterfalls at Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall camping spot. While it is possible to rent tents from Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall, the visitors need to bring their own tent for camping at Pha Tad Waterfall.
Huai Mae Khamin Falls which is the park’s main attraction is 240 km north/west from Bangkok, 110 km from Kanchanaburi and around 43 km from Erawan Falls intersection.
Koh Yao Noi
If you’re looking for a coastal camping experience, Koh Yao Noi in the Phang Nga Bay is a serene island with beautiful beaches and relatively undeveloped surroundings. There are beachside campsites where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the sea breeze.
Khao Yai National Park
Just a few hours from Bangkok, Khao Yai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse wildlife and lush forests. There are several camping spots within the park where you can stay overnight.
Full of nature and wildlife, it is easy to spot many birds, animals, and reptiles on your safari. It is advisable to go for hiking and trekking in the permitted places only. A week-long adventure is necessary to see all of the Sai Yok National Park attractions.
There are two main campsites in the park; Lam Ta Khong Campsite and Pha Kluai Mai Campsite. Tents and sleeping gear can be rented from each campsite and can’t be booked in advance.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
Famous for its limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters, Ao Phang Nga is a stunning destination for camping and kayaking. There are designated camping areas on some of the park’s islands.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving and jungle trekking,
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
