Travel Wishlist: Thailand and its Nature

Of all the places I’d like to visit, Thailand’s combination of diverse landscapes and wildlife is a definite must-see….here’s why! 

For anyone who is fascinated by nature – and as more and more of the world’s population urbanise, it’s important not to leave the greenery behind! – certain world destinations will always hold a special appeal.

For me, Thailand is one such place whose tropical climate and diverse wildlife and vegetation has always appealed to me. I think it’s a trip of a lifetime sort of thing, and though I search for Thailand flights quite frequently (DialAFlight are a good option), I always hold myself back from clicking through.

I think it’s about quality not quantity, and I want to get it right. Still, here are a few things that I’ve been dreaming of: bird watching, waterfalls, national parks, wild cats, undiscovered beaches. Thailand has 48 national parks – a huge number for a country its size – and these span the length and breadth of the country.

Khao Yai National Park (pictured) is the country’s oldest and I would say the most appealing, not least because it is possible to arrange responsible accommodation within the park itself. It’s also reputed to be one of the world’s most rewarding and lush conservation sites, with 67 mammal species and 3,000 species of plants.

It’s pretty easy to get to from Bangkok, so you can immediately escape the city. On my wishlist at the park: the Heo Suwat waterfall, spotting an Asiatic black bear (and an Asiatic elephant!), trekking in the denser rainforest, trailing tigers; running around after the numerous junglefowl – of which there are over 300 species in the park.

I’d also like to visit the Phetra National Park which encompasses a group of islands across the south west coast. This is a great chance to do some snorkeling and non-harmful diving, making the most of the country’s good weather and clear waters.

As a region which has been burnt by irresponsible tourism and growth in the past, it’s particularly important to respect the preserved and delicate sites that Thailand has within its borders.