Best National Parks to Visit in Thailand in February

Thailand’s highest peak shines in February. Expect crisp sunrises at the summit and pleasantly cool days on the mid-elevation trails. Kew Mae Pan, a seasonal ridge walk that typically opens in the cool season with mandatory guides, delivers sweeping views and seas of mist, while the Ang Ka boardwalk showcases mossy forest and birdlife at the summit zone. Campgrounds near the park headquarters offer tent rentals, hot showers, and easy access to food stalls, making it a smooth intro to Thai camping.

Stargazing can be excellent on clear nights, especially away from village lights along the upper road. Mornings can be cold, so bring a warm layer. Wildlife etiquette is simple here: keep voices low for birding, never feed animals, and stick to marked paths to protect fragile highland flora. If visiting late in the month, check air quality in Chiang Mai, as haze can soften views—sunrises still impress above the mist.

Just a few hours from Bangkok, Khao Yai is a February all-rounder. Days are warm and dry, nights comfortable for sleeping under canvas at Lam Takhong or Pha Kluai Mai campgrounds, where you can rent tents, mats, and bags. Classic stops include Haew Suwat and Haew Narok waterfalls, the short Pha Diao Dai viewpoint boardwalk, and the Nong Pak Chi wildlife observation tower. Dawn and dusk drives often reward patient visitors with gibbons calling, hornbills overhead, and, occasionally, elephants crossing roads.

Follow park rules strictly: drive slowly, keep at least 30 meters from elephants, never block their path, and store food out of sight from macaques. Red-filtered lights help preserve night vision if you’re stargazing from camp, and rangers sometimes post astronomy-friendly updates when skies are especially clear. February’s dry trails make guided walks more pleasant, but still wear closed shoes and stay on marked routes.

February is one of Khao Sok’s driest months, perfect for exploring evergreen rainforest and the karst-studded Cheow Lan Lake. Daytime is warm, but mornings can be misty and magical. Stay in floating raft houses for low-light pollution, then join longtail trips to quiet coves, caves, and wildlife-viewing points. Around the headquarters, trails like the route to Ton Kloi waterfall weave through towering bamboo and ancient trees, with chances to spot hornbills, langurs, and gibbons.

Camping is available near the HQ, while the lake offers basic but unforgettable overwater stays. For etiquette, keep noise down on night safaris, avoid shining bright lights directly at animals, and never feed fish or macaques at piers. Leeches are minimal in the dry season, but sturdy footwear is still wise for slick roots and rocks. Clear, moonless nights on the lake can deliver standout stargazing framed by limestone silhouettes.

Open in the dry season, Phu Kradueng is tailor-made for February. After a steady 5–6 km ascent to the plateau, the landscape opens into breezy pine forests, sandstone cliffs, and meadows dotted with seasonal blooms. The main campground on the plateau has rentals and eateries, making multi-night stays easy. Signature viewpoints include Pha Lom Sak for fiery sunsets and Pha Yeap Mek for sweeping morning vistas, connected by well-marked trails ideal in cool weather.

Nights can be chilly, so pack a warm layer or rent extra blankets on-site. Porters are available at the trailhead if you want to hike light. Stargazing is a highlight thanks to the plateau’s dark skies. Respect the no-campfire rules, stick to established paths to protect fragile soils, and give the resident sambar deer space around the campground—no feeding or selfies at close range.

Famed for its seven-tier, emerald-hued waterfall, Erawan is a February favorite. Flow is typically strong enough for photogenic cascades and refreshing swims, yet trails are dry and manageable. Hike tier by tier to the top pool, where the path turns steeper and more natural; allow 1.5–2 hours round-trip if you stop to swim. Lower tiers have facilities and food, while the upper levels feel wilder and quieter.

Erawan is a day-focused park with posted closing times, but camping and national park bungalows sit near the headquarters for those who want a quiet night under the stars. Observe local etiquette: modest swimwear is appreciated, no alcohol in the park, and pack out all trash. Keep distance from macaques near picnic areas, secure your snacks, and never feed the fish—this keeps the pools clear and the ecosystem healthy.