Top 10 National Parks in Thailand for Cool-Season Camping & Stargazing

Thailand’s highest peak is a winter-camping classic, with two main campgrounds near the park headquarters area and around Km 34–35 (often called Mae Pan). Expect night temperatures of roughly 5–10°C at the campgrounds in Dec–Jan, with the summit occasionally flirting with 0°C and frost. Skies can be crystal clear after cold fronts, delivering excellent star fields above the ridgelines.

Gear rental is straightforward: tents, mats, and sleeping bags are typically available at the headquarters rental point. Book bungalows through the DNP website in advance if you prefer walls and hot showers. Camping is usually first-come, first-served, but peak weekends and holidays may involve entry quotas managed locally or via the QueQ app. Arrive before sunset to choose a spot, bring warm layers and a proper sleeping bag, and check trail opening times for sunrise viewpoints the following morning.

Doi Samer Dao is one of Thailand’s most beloved dark-sky campgrounds, perched on rolling ridges above Nan’s misty valleys. On clear midwinter nights, expect around 10–15°C, occasionally dipping a bit lower with a cold snap. The grassy campsite arcs along a gentle slope, giving most tents a star-filled sky and an easy stumble to sunrise viewpoints without a strenuous hike.

Rentals are usually available at the Doi Samer Dao visitor area, including tents, sleeping mats, and blankets. Weekends and holidays are popular, so reserve tent space through the DNP system when offered, and arrive early to secure the flattest ground. Standard park permits apply at the entrance gate. For photography, plan around new moon dates, shield your headlamp, and step away from communal lights to let your eyes fully adjust.

Rugged, remote, and starry, Doi Phu Kha’s high roads between Pua and Bo Kluea open to enormous skies at night. Expect cool-season lows around 6–12°C at the main campground near headquarters, with colder winds on exposed ridges. Winter brings dry air and crisp visibility, ideal for stargazing and sunrise missions across the park’s dramatic viewpoints.

HQ typically rents tents, mats, and sleeping bags, but supplies can sell out over long weekends. Book accommodations early via the DNP platform if you’re eyeing cabins, and check current road conditions, as high routes can be steep and winding. Standard permits are paid at the gate. For comfort, pack a warm hat and a 0–5°C-rated sleeping bag, and choose a pitch with natural windbreaks to cut the nighttime chill.

Thailand’s most iconic hike leads to a broad sandstone plateau where a large, well-run campground sits near the top park office. In December and January, nights usually land in the 5–12°C range, with brisk winds after sunset. The plateau’s open skies and distance from large cities make for excellent stargazing, while sunrise at Pha Nok Aen and sunset at Pha Lom Sak are bucket-list moments.

At the top, you can rent tents, sleeping pads, blankets, and pillows, so you don’t need to haul everything up. Porters are available for backpacks. You must start the ascent before early afternoon and register at park checkpoints. The park closes each rainy season, and peak cool-season dates book out quickly via the DNP system. Bring a warm layer for the windy plateau and a headlamp for the early walks to viewpoints.

Phu Ruea’s summit area often posts some of Thailand’s lowest seasonal temperatures, and the park’s campground near headquarters is a favorite for easy-access cold-weather camping. Expect 2–10°C on midwinter nights, with the occasional frost on vehicles and grasses during strong cold spells. Clear, dry air after a front can create inky-black skies and brilliant constellations.

The park usually rents tents, mats, and blankets near HQ. Weekends and holidays can be busy, so consider reserving accommodations where available and arrive early for prime, level pitches. Standard park permits are paid at the gate, and some peak periods may use local quota management. Pack a proper winter-rated sleeping bag, thermal layers, and a windproof jacket, as open slopes can feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests.

Known for otherworldly rock gardens like Lan Hin Pum and dramatic cliffs, Phu Hin Rong Kla also delivers crisp nights and clear stars. The main campground near headquarters typically sits in the 8–14°C range during December–January, with cooler readings on exposed viewpoints. The park’s elevation and distance from big-city glow make it a solid choice for astrophotography.

Gear rentals, including tents and sleeping bags, are generally available at HQ. You’ll pay standard entry permits at the gate. Roads are steep and winding, so arrive well before dark and check any time restrictions or seasonal notices. For safety and conservation, stargaze from designated areas around HQ rather than cliff edges, and bring extra insulation if you plan to linger for Milky Way shots later in the season.

For trekkers, Phu Soi Dao’s pine meadows are the quintessential high-country camp, reached by a demanding hike with stream crossings. Winter nights on the plateau often sit around 5–12°C, with brisk winds across the open grassland. Skies are wide and dark, and sunrise through the pines makes the early alarm worth it.

Tents, mats, and blankets can often be rented at the trailhead and on the plateau, but availability varies, so confirm before travel and consider bringing your own sleeping bag. Porter services are available. You must register and start the hike before the park’s cutoff time, and quotas can apply on busy weekends. The area may close in the wet season. Pack a warm hat, gloves, and a reliable headlamp, and secure your tent well against nighttime gusts.

Best known for its savannahs and morning mists, Thung Salaeng Luang offers big-sky camping at Nong Mae Na and other designated sites. Expect cool-season lows of roughly 10–16°C, dipping cooler during strong high-pressure systems. The open grasslands and sparse light sources create excellent stargazing on moonless nights.

Basic gear rentals are typically available at or via headquarters, but remote zones and seasonal track closures mean plans can change. Some savannah routes require 4WD and ranger permission or escort, so check conditions and rules at HQ before you commit. Standard permits are paid at entrance stations. For comfort, pitch slightly away from communal lights, carry a warm sleeping bag, and pack an extra groundsheet to guard against dew in open meadows.

Chong Yen is a favorite among dark-sky chasers thanks to its high ridges, low light pollution, and moody morning mists. Winter nights typically fall around 10–16°C. The narrow mountain road to the viewpoint has access rules and time windows, which helps keep crowds down and the night sky pristine.

Gear rental is usually centered at park headquarters, with limited options at Chong Yen itself, so check availability in advance and consider bringing your own sleeping bag. Entry permits are paid at the gate. Vehicle numbers and road hours are often controlled, and temporary closures can occur due to fire risk or road work, so confirm current status before departure. Arrive early to secure a flat spot and keep lights low to preserve the dark-sky experience for everyone.

A classic cool-season stop along the Mae Malai–Pai route, Huai Nam Dang’s campground near Doi Kiew Lom viewpoint is famous for seas of mist and golden hour panoramas. Night temperatures often land between 8–14°C in midwinter, with dewy mornings that sparkle under first light. On clear, moonless nights, you can catch bright constellations over layered mountain silhouettes.

Tent, mat, and blanket rentals are typically available near headquarters. Standard entry permits apply, and weekends during peak season can get busy, so arrive early or book any available accommodations via the DNP system. The main road is paved but winding; get to camp before dark to set up safely. Bring a warm, moisture-resistant sleeping bag and a thermos for pre-dawn viewpoint walks.