Best National Parks for an Adventurous Getaway in Southeast Asia
Apart from the dreamy coastline, flawless luxury resorts or flavorful cuisine, Southeast Asia also has beautiful wildlife systems that deserve a spotlight in a traveler's journey. Let's explore them through Southeast Asia's best national parks.
Home to many stunning tropical beaches in Asia, Southeast Asia is a dream come true for many nature lovers. But that's not everything about it. Southeast Asia is also filled with some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. You'll come across exotic plants and animals that you've probably only ever seen on TV. We've covered the main attractions of each location when to visit, where to stay, and other details you'd want to know so you can make your way to one (or more) of the beautiful locations in the area. Here are some of our top choices if you're looking to get to the action in Southeast Asia; enjoy!
1. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
At a glance
Location: Quang Binh Province, Vietnam
Key Features: Jungle adventures, underground caves, river tours
Best Time to Visit: March to August
Smack dab in the middle of the Annamite Mountain Range, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is truly a unique gem in Vietnam. Aside from the fact that there are over 104 km of underground caves and rivers to explore, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is the oldest major limestone karst area in Asia. We're talking over 400 million years of evolution that have resulted in interbedded rock types and various geomorphic features. These natural features and local history led to its designation as a World Heritage site in 2003. You get to "wow" when seeing what's inside, it's truly the masterpiece of nature.
Amongst the most popular caves, like the Phong Nha, you can only get there on a ferry ride because the entrance is above water. Once inside, the views are spectacular, and there are plenty of insta-worthy backdrops. Above ground, there are miles of tropical jungle with over 800 vertebrate species, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish. Tours are available for every ability level, ranging from guided half-day journeys to multi-day camping excursions within the caves. You can also combine the tour to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park with other historical sites since this location links to many events and relics of the Vietnam War.
Accommodations and Transportation:
Getting to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is convenient with several options. The nearest train station and airport are in Dong Hoi, about 45 km away. You can reach Dong Hoi by train, bus, or flight from big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and then take a bus or taxi to Phong Nha.
For accommodations, Chay Lap Farmstay and Golden Forest Homestay are both highly rated for their serene settings and friendly service.
2. Cuc Phuong National Park
At a glance
Location: Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
Key Features: Botanical gardens, conservation and research centers
Best Time to Visit: November to April or April to May for butterfly enthusiasts
The next stop for the best Southeast Asia national parks spans across 3 provinces and offers intriguing local culture, delightful food, and lush greenery. That’s Cuc Phuong National Park - the earliest and oldest national park in Vietnam, and definitely worth a visit. Checking in with the tropical jungle with millennia-old trees is just one of the must-dos in Cuc Phuong. It's also an important center for science and education.
From its vantage point, visitors can have a better understanding of the park's varied ecosystems and landscapes, which enhances their enjoyment of its unspoiled beauty.
There are also two animal sanctuaries that are essential for preserving threatened species, offering refuge, and supporting initiatives for breeding and rehabilitation. Guided tours to explore the primate rescue center and the prehistoric men's cave is highly recommended.
The Cuc Phuong Museum is also a great place to check out, as it further emphasizes the value of conservation efforts by presenting the park's biodiversity and natural history. All of these attributes combine to make the park an essential place to learn about and encourage environmentally friendly behaviors.
Accommodations and Transportation:
To reach the park from Hanoi, drive approximately 120 km or take a bus to Nho Quan, then a taxi or motorbike taxi to the park headquarters.
Accommodations are variable in selection. You can stay at the Park Headquarters if prefer the the shortest distance to the park or love to stay overnight for a night tour. For a more authentic experience, local homestays in nearby villages are also an option.
3. Khao Sok National Park
At a glance
Location: Phanom District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Key Features: Limestone cliffs, beautiful lakes, wildlife
Best Time to Visit: November to February
One of the most well-known parks in Thailand is Khao Sok National Park. The beauty of the gorgeous limestone cliffs and shimmering emerald lakes will keep you engaged from start to finish. Khao Sok is a fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts who want to unplug and connect with nature.
Before you get there, make sure you've done a little research on what you'd like to do since you have so many activities at your disposal. There's kayaking, boat tours, and hiking, where you can spot wildlife like monkeys and gibbons, especially if you're up early. One thing to watch out for is the elephant tours, as it's a crazy cool way to see the park.
Speaking of the great outdoors, there are around 400 bird species that live in the national park. So, it's perfect if you want to take a break from the thrills and enjoy a more relaxing atmosphere with the melodic chirpings of beautiful birds.
Accommodations and Transportation:
There's something for everyone in case you want a rustic bungalow or a luxury tented camp. If you're looking to stay close to nature, consider one of the floating raft houses on Cheow Lan Lake such as 500rai Floating Resort. Nearby Khao Sok Village also boasts a lot of great eco-friendly resorts and guesthouses to stay overnight.
Getting to Khao Sok is fairly straightforward. If you're coming from Phuket, Krabi, or Surat Thani, there are buses and minivans that can drop you off right in the park. For more flexibility, renting a car is a great option, because you get to explore the area at your own pace. Guided tours are always a terrific option!
4. Khao Yai National Park
At a glance
Location: Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Key Features: Stunning waterfalls, birdlife, lush forests
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Khao Yai National Park is a Unesco World Heritage site and Thailand’s first national park, established in 1962. Featuring five different types of forests (Evergreen Forest, Dry Evergreen Forest, Mixed Deciduous Forest, Hill Evergreen Forest, Grasslands), you’ll be surrounded by blankets of thick, bright green trees throughout your trip.
The park is also known for its impressive cascading waterfalls, particularly Haew Narok and Haew Suwat, featured in The Beach (2000). These falls are accessible via well-maintained trails, so you won't struggle to get a chance to see them up close. Several hiking paths are marked to make it easy to stay on the track so you won’t need to doubt whether your skill fits.
Unlike other parks in the region, Khao Yai also offers the chance to spot wild elephants roaming freely, a highlight that few other parks can match. Night safaris are another must-do activity, allowing visitors to experience the park's nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitats, including deer, porcupines, and even clouded leopards.
Accommodations and Transportation:
Khao Yai National Park has a bunch of options to choose from. Inside the park, there’s a single campground, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor living, especially during the cooler months. If you're not into that and you want something more comfortable, the nearby areas of Pak Chong and Mu Si offer a range of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, from budget-friendly options to luxury retreats.
Khao Yai is just around a 2-hour drive away from Bangkok, making it an ideal day trip while visiting Thailand's capital. It's best to have your own vehicle because the park is vast, and public transport is somewhat limited. Alternatively, you can arrange private transfers or join organized tours that include transportation to and from the park. To see more about how this national park can be incorporated into your journey in Thailand, visit our tour itinerary for an idea.
5. Komodo National Park
At a glance
Location: East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Key Features: Beautiful beaches, rugged islands, the Komodo dragons
Best Time to Visit: April to July
Listed as one of Indonesia's Unesco World Heritage Sites, Komodo National Park should be included in the bucket list of wildlife lovers as it's the only place in the world where you can see Komodo dragons in their natural habitat! Located on volcanic islands, the park is home to 5,700 of the largest lizards in the world. Park rangers are always available to share some fun facts about the reptiles for anyone interested in learning more from an expert with firsthand experience.
While the Komodo dragons are the unique highlight of this park, there is also plenty of marine life to be found in the surrounding coastal areas. The park's waters are home to over 1,000 species of colorful fish, 260 species of reef-building coral, sea turtles, reef sharks, seahorses, and so many other cool creatures swimming around.
The beaches here are simply incredible. There's no other way to describe such crystal-clear waters that look like something straight off one of those fancy postcards. Pink Beach, one of the park’s most famous spots, gets its distinctive color from tiny red coral fragments mixed with white sand.
It's an excellent location for diving. The park offers some challenging currents, but the payoff is worth it with sightings of large pelagics and pristine reefs. You can also go swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, boat riding, or just bask in the sun while taking it all in. Just be mindful that it gets very crowded during peak season.
Accommodations and Transportation:
The primary hub for visiting Komodo National Park is the fishing village of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. The town has a variety of lodging options, many with views of the port, ranging from upscale resorts to inexpensive hostels.
The main mode of transportation to the park is by boat. Tour companies in Labuan Bajo provide snorkeling and diving excursions as well as tours to visit the Komodo dragons. Komodo Airport also provides convenient access to Labuan Bajo, with frequent flights from major Indonesian cities.
6. West Bali National Park
At a glance
Location: Sumber Klampok, Bali, Indonesia
Key Features: Diving, snorkeling, bird watching (Bali starling)
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Locally known as Taman Nasional Bali Barat, the park stretches across the Prapat Agung peninsula and dense mangrove forests transition into lowland forests that creep towards the base of two extinct volcanoes. West Bali National Park is the sole national park in Bali, located in the northwest, home to one of the rarest and most endangered species of birds, the Bali Starling. While the lovely white bird with a vivid blue mask is a cool sight to see, there's so much more to see when visiting this stunning destination.
If you do choose to engage in forest exploration, you should make sure to bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be prevalent in the mangrove areas. A unique activity that travelers enjoy is exploring ancient temples and traditional Balinese villages for a deeper cultural experience.
There are also a few local shops and cafes where you can experience the cuisine and interact with merchants who can give you a brief history lesson on the area. West Bali National Park is a tranquil and relatively less-visited destination compared to the bustling southern Bali.
Accommodations and Transportation:
Numerous lodging options are available in West Bali National Park, many of which are situated inside or close to the park for easy access to its natural wonders. Staying overnight in nearby Pemuteran is one of the most popular options. You can find lavish resorts, eco-friendly lodges, and basic homestays.
The most convenient way to get to the park is by car, and there are rental cars accessible from major towns like Gilimanuk and Denpasar. There are also shuttles and public buses that go to adjacent towns if you want to wander a bit.
7. Tanjung Puting National Park
At a glance
Location: West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Key Features: Population of orangutans, swampy terrain, river cruises
Best Time to Visit: June to September
One of Southeast Asia’s largest protected areas, Tanjung Puting National Park sits on a peninsula that juts out into the Java Sea, with blackwater rivers that flow from the sea through the swamplands. One of the park's best-kept secrets is the serene experience of cruising the Sekonyer River on a *klotok* (traditional wooden boat). You should opt for a multi-day journey, which allows for a more relaxed and intimate connection with the park's surroundings.
Early mornings on the river are magical, with mist rising from the water and the calls of gibbons echoing through the jungle. A tip from experienced visitors is to bring binoculars, as the wildlife isn't always close to the boat. Tanjung Puting National Park is best known for its population of orangutans. If you go on an excursion to see them, be mindful that spotting orangutans in the wild, rather than just at feeding stations, requires patience and keen eyes.
Another pro tip is that night cruises offer a different perspective with opportunities to see nocturnal creatures, including tarantulas and proboscis monkeys settling in the trees.
For a deeper cultural experience, don't be afraid to reach out to the local Dayak communities. Their knowledge of the forest and its medicinal plants is invaluable, and many offer guided treks that go off the beaten path, providing insight into the traditional ways of life that are rarely seen by the average tourist.
Accommodations and Transportation:
Tanjung Puting National Park visitors usually stay in the nearby town of Pangkalan Bun, featuring a variety of lodging options from cozy hotels to modest guesthouses. Many visitors choose to spend the night on traditional klotok boats, which offer housing while exploring the park's rivers.
From Pangkalan Bun, the park is mainly accessible by boat, to explore its distinctive wildlife and scenic vistas.
8. Botum Sakor National Park
At a glance
Location: Cambodia
Key Features: Safari-style camping, hiking through rainforests
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Botum Sakor National Park is the largest national park but still remains a hidden charm in Cambodia. Composed of eighty percent evergreen rainforest, the park goes from the Cardamom Mountains to the sea. Hiking is a popular activity, but you should tailor your outings to your abilities for a pleasant experience.
Trails are accessible, but many require a good level of fitness and stamina. The treks can take you through untouched forests, where you might stumble upon hidden waterfalls and ancient trees. Some routes are rarely traveled, and those offer a true wilderness experience.
The Chi Phat community, located on the park’s edge, offers guided treks, mountain biking, and river kayaking, and is highly recommended by travelers for its authenticity and commitment to sustainable tourism. The park is huge, so wildlife sightings are less predictable. However, for those travelers who explore deeper into the park, you might get lucky and encounter some rare species: clouded leopard, endangered sun bear,...
These kinds of sightings require patience and usually a knowledgeable local guide who knows the animals' habits and best spots for potential encounters. Botum Sakor is truly a hidden gem!
Accommodations and Transportation:
Community-based ecotourism programs in Botum Sakor are important. Stay with local families or eco-lodges that promote conservation if possible. Wildlife Alliance's Cardamom Tented Camp may be also appealing. You may sleep to the sounds of nature in safari-style tents in the rainforest.
Botum Sakor is not easily accessible, and getting there typically involves a combination of bus rides and motorbike taxis or a private transfer from nearby towns like Koh Kong.
Your Southeast Asian Adventure Awaits
The national parks in Southeast Asia showcase some of the most breathtaking natural beauties on earth and provide life-changing experiences.
The opportunities are endless, and these destinations are perfect for budget-friendly travel. There's nothing like interacting with the locals and learning more about their conservation efforts, why the park is special, and trying new foods and activities that you've never imagined.
Every park offers different scenery and opportunities to see wildlife, go on an adventure, relax and rediscover yourself, and create lasting memories. What are you waiting for?
Happy travels!
