Tourists who come to Thailand are delighted with the exotic flora and fauna of this country. Outlandish trees, mangroves, reptiles and birds, corals and the underwater world - all this can be found in a distant, sunny and outlandish country for us.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. Picturesque landscapes, endless beaches and water activities - this is not the only thing that the island can please the tourist. If you are a nature lover, then you will be delighted with what you see in the Phuket National Parks. A list of the most interesting natural attractions is proposed for consideration in this article.
Sirinat Park
Sirinat National Park (Phuket) covers an area of 90 km2, of which 68 km2 are marine and 22 km 2 – ground. It is located to the west of the international airport and covers the beaches of Nai Yan,Nai Thon and Mai Khao. This is a huge area of mangrove forests, crystal clear waters with white sand and wildlife.
Initially, the creation of the park was focused on protecting the sea turtles that lay their eggs on Mai Khao Beach. Over time, this park has become home to many wild animals and mammals.
One of the curiosities of the park, located near Tah Chachai, is the mangrove forest. This evergreen forest exists as a separate untouched area of the park, where freshwater and sea waters mix. The uniqueness of this forest is that the mangroves serve as a unique ecosystem, thanks to which rare species of lizards, snakes, turtles, shrimps, clams, crabs and fish continue to live.
For the convenience of tourists and the preservation of the park, a nature trail and an 800-meter wooden path were created along which signs indicating plant and animal species can be found.
The marine environment of Sirinat Park is very diverse. The pristine coral reefs are found at depths of 4 to 6 meters and about 800 meters from the coastline.
During an excursion to the Phuket National Park, it will be possible to stay overnight in a hotel, rent a bungalow or rent tents.
Similan Islands
The islands are located about 100 km northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. The richness and diversity of marine life creates a fascinating underwater landscape. Conditions for coral growth are ideal due to the sea temperature (about 28°C) and exceptionally clear waters. There are over200 types of hard corals found in the Similan Islands.
The beauty of the beaches on the islands, with white sand and crystal clear water, delights at first sight. The islands are inhabited by crabs, monkeys, dusky langurs (a genus of monkeys), squirrels, bats, lizards and many bird species.
Khao Lam-Pi
This is Thailand's 52nd national park covering an area of 72 km2. The eastern part of this area has a large water channel that receives fresh water from Mount Lam Pee, which moistens the rainforest. Lam Pi includes many mountains, the highest is Mount Kanim, it is located at 622 meters above sea level.
The variety of plants in the park can be classified into 4 groups:
- rainforest - consists of rattan and bamboo;
- mangrove forest;
- beach forest;
- Pru swamp forest.
In these forests, there are an incredible number of birds and animals.
188 types of birds, 64 types of mammals, 57 types of reptiles and 31 types of fish. Only one type, the Nile tilapia, is trending towards extinction.
Park attractions: Thai beach - home to two species of sea turtles. Females come ashore between November and April to lay their eggs.
Lam Pi Waterfall It is a local attraction and has a swimming pool at its base. Ton Pri Waterfall, 50 meters high, the lower level is also suitable for swimming.
Mu KohSurin
Phuket National Park, covering approximately 135 km22. More precisely, this is a group of five islands where you can observe the life of coral reefs. They are so affordable that all you need is a snorkel and a mask. The rainforest is one of the sources of Thailand's shallow coral reef.
In addition to corals, the park has:
- 91 bird species;
- 22 species of mammals;
- 12 types of bats;
- 6 types of Reptiles.
The rainy season, on these islands, starts from mid-May to October, at which time the largest amount of precipitation falls. The park is closed during the rainy season. Every year from May 16 to November 14, visitors are no longer accepted here.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Center
The Gibbon Project is located in the eastern part of the Khao Phra Theo National Park, near Bang Pa Waterfall. The founders of the project are trying to rehabilitate abandoned gibbon animals in the wild.
Young gibbons are charming and cuddly, however, at the age of five or six they become sexually mature and aggressive, and their sharp fangs can cause quite serious injuries. As a result, they are often killed. Illegal poaching of wild gibbons occurs in some areas of Thailand.
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is mainly focused on developing a method for rehabilitating Belgian gibbons in their natural home. It also creates a negative demand for the illegal use of gibbons astourist attractions and pets.
The project is supported by European volunteers who also provide free tours to the center. Donations from tourists or just buying a T-shirt are very welcome. This is a fascinating, interesting and worthy visit.
Phang Nga
Phang Nga Bay features huge, limestone cliffs that rise vertically from the emerald green water.
This landmark first appeared on the international map thanks to the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint has gone from almost unheard of to one of the most popular views in Phang Nga very quickly. A 30-minute drive from Phuket, on top of a hill, you can enjoy stunning views of the famous islands of Phang Nga Bay. The view is a breathtaking 180° panorama. The scenery is especially magnificent at dawn from 05:30 to 06:00 in the morning, and at certain times of the year you can see the Milky Way.
Phang Nga Bay is a good place for boating. The limestone cliffs provide a picturesque backdrop and there are many safe anchorages. The place is protected from the monsoons and the water here remains calm all year round.
Most of the islands in Phang Nga Bay are uninhabited. Many of them have spectacular caves, but they can only be accessed by an inflatable kayak.
Khao Sok Phuket National Park
Khao Sok is located between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui. Is the mostpopular destination in southern Thailand. This is an amazing place where you can ride an elephant, go canoeing, kayaking or walking through the jungle.
The heart of Phuket National Park can rightly be given to the beautiful man-made lake Chow Larn. The Thais have created a kind of bungalow on the lake, allowing you to live on the water for complete unity with nature.
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a 20 km stretch of amazingly beautiful beaches along the Andaman Sea set against a backdrop of jungle and mountains.
The mountain is the centerpiece of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. The sights of Phuket's Khao Lak National Park will impress the tourist, but they are not flashy, as in other parks described earlier. The Thais have built a good infrastructure that is attracting more and more visitors.
When the disastrous 2004 tsunami hit South Asia, the Khao Lak region was the most affected area in Thailand. It has since achieved impressive prosperity and is again a popular tourist destination. Unlike Phuket, many resorts in the Khao Lak area attract those tourists who are looking for tranquility and solitude with nature.
