Thailand — renowned for its vibrant urban life and rich culture, has recently emerged as a top wildlife destination for eco-conscious travellers. Baby Moo Deng, the adorable viral pygmy hippo, symbolises human attachment to wildlife while spotlighting Thailand’s growing commitment to animal conservation. The Khao Kheow Open Zoo which houses Baby Moo Deng (located about 100km southeast of Bangkok), has certainly leveraged on the hype surrounding the beloved celebrity hippo generating millions of views on social media alongside Moo Deng-themed merchandise.
Beyond the temples and bustling markets, Thailand’s wildlife travel boom offers visitors a unique chance to engage emotionally with nature and contribute to conservation efforts. From sanctuaries to national parks, this thriving wildlife scene caters to tourists seeking an ethical, immersive experience. Thailand’s emerging wildlife tourism scene offers more than just entertainment—it’s a chance to engage with conservation efforts and make a positive impact. The country’s wildlife destinations, whether in the elephant sanctuaries of Chiang Mai or the marine parks in the south, provide an enriching and sustainable way to experience wildlife. Thailand’s booming wildlife tourism industry is fast becoming a hallmark of the country’s eco-tourism growth. This flourishing sector not only enhances the visitor experience but also contributes significantly to the protection of wildlife across the country, offering a unique blend of tourism and conservation.
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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (EJS) is a highly regarded eco-tourism project in Thailand, established in 2014 through a collaboration between the Karen hill tribes and Chiang Mai locals. Located just outside of Bangkok, this sanctuary is dedicated to the ethical treatment and long-term care of elephants, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. EJS prioritises the welfare and rehabilitation of elephants, ensuring their health and well-being while creating meaningful, respectful experiences for visitors that align with the elephants’ natural routines. Their commitment has earned them widespread recognition, both locally and globally, for their ethical practices and elephant welfare.
Locations: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and Koh Samui.
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Bangkok Snake Farm (Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute)
The Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute was established in 1922 following the wishes of King Rama VI, and began with the mission to produce vaccines, particularly against rabies. Over time, the institute expanded to include the extraction of venom from snakes to develop antivenom. Today, it plays a vital role in researching venomous animals and poisonous plants while continuing to produce vaccines and antivenoms according to international standards such as GMP, PIC/S, and WHO regulations.
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The Institute has also become a popular educational destination, featuring the Bangkok Snake Farm, which offers exhibitions and demonstrations about venomous snakes and the process of antivenom production. Tourists, students, and researchers are drawn to the site for its informative yet engaging approach to wildlife education. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of venom extraction, learn about snake behaviour, and support ongoing research efforts.
Location: 1871 Rama IV Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Bang Krachao (Green Lung of Bangkok)
Just across the Chao Phraya River lies a large green space, ideal for bird watching and home to small wildlife species. Perfect for nature lovers looking for a tranquil escape from the city. Often referred to as Bangkok’s “Green Lung,” it provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city while supporting local ecosystems. The Green Lung, though located in Samut Prakan Province, is part of the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Area, which includes sections of five surrounding provinces. This lush, green area is a peninsula formed by a large bend in the Chao Phraya River. From an aerial view, the land is shaped somewhat like a lung, with its dense greenery being the inspiration behind the name. The reason this region remains undeveloped and abundant with greenery is due to strict conservation laws. These regulations prevent the construction of buildings taller than the treetops, preserving the area’s natural landscape.
Location: PG2X+2JH, Chong Nonsi, Yan Nawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
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Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is the first national park in Thailand that holds both global and regional significance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just a few hours from Bangkok and offers a haven for eco-tourists and wildlife photographers. The park is home to diverse species, including elephants, gibbons, and hornbills. It covers 11 districts in 4 provinces: Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Nayok and is the source of many important streams, such as the Nakhon Nayok River and the Mun River. With its mountainous terrain that is the edge of the Isan Plateau, the park acts as a rainwater trap, creating the source of many streams and giving rise to a diversity of plant and wildlife species. Visitors can enjoy guided wildlife tours while supporting park conservation efforts.
Location: Mu Si Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province 30130
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Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT)
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) was founded in 2001 by Edwin Wiek, with the support of local communities in Phetchaburi province, including the Abbot of Wat Khao Look Chang, who provided land to house rescued animals. WFFT operates as a non-governmental organisation (NGO), depending on the collaboration of various animal protection organisations and individuals dedicated to wildlife conservation. Since its inception, the WFFT Wildlife Rescue Centre has given shelter to thousands of wild animals.
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The organisation helps in the prevention of young gibbons, macaques, lorises, bears and other wild animals from being illegally poached from the wild to be sold as pets and photo props. Many of these animals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. WFFT also notes on its official website that those unable to be released are provided with shelter for the rest of their lives. Located outside of Bangkok in Phetchaburi, WFFT is an essential destination for animal lovers. The foundation rescues and rehabilitates abused wildlife, giving visitors a chance to support their conservation efforts.
Location: 108, Tha Mai Ruak, Phetchaburi, 76130, Thailand
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Doi Inthanon National Park
Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” this national park is home to over 300 bird species and a variety of wildlife. The park offers eco-conscious travelers the chance to explore Thailand’s highest peak while contributing to the protection of endangered species like deer and gibbons. Located 70 km southwest of Chiang Mai the park is famous for its waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and year-round cool temperatures at higher elevations, it attracts nature lovers for birdwatching and sunrise views. The park covers 482 km and includes Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, part of the Himalayan range, with elevations up to 2,565 meters.
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The diverse ecosystem ranges from evergreen cloud forests to mixed deciduous teak forests. Named in honor of King Inthawichayanon, who sought to preserve the northern forests, the park is rich in flora and fauna. Although larger mammals like elephants and tigers have disappeared due to poaching, smaller species such as gibbons and wild boars still inhabit the park. Doi Inthanon is a prime birdwatching destination with over 500 bird species, the highest count in Thailand, including species unique to the area like the ashy-throated leaf warbler and dark-breasted rosefinch.
For more on how to get to the park’s location, click here.
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Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Thailand’s most remarkable wildlife-watching destinations, known for its biodiversity and clearer forest visibility compared to other protected areas. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Huai Kha Khaeng is critical for the protection of large mammals like tigers, leopards, and elephants. The area is a mixture of forest types, making wildlife easier to spot due to the more open landscape. It is also known for its range of endangered species, such as wild water buffalos and gaurs. The sanctuary’s pristine environment allows visitors to experience wildlife in its most natural setting, far from the crowds. Additionally, the area around the visitor center and certain watchtowers offer accessible views of animals like bantengs and elephants.
Location: J85C+F85, Rabam, Lan Sak District, Uthai Thani 61160, Thailand
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Ang Thong National Marine Park
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, established in 1980, is a breathtaking archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Recognised as a Ramsar site for its wetland significance, the park lies near Ko Samui in Surat Thani Province. The islands, known for their steep limestone cliffs, sinkholes, and marine lakes, offer stunning scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, and hiking. The park’s flora includes dry evergreen and limestone forests, with the rare Ang Thong Lady’s Slipper Orchid. Wildlife includes dusky leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, otters, and a variety of bird species like hornbills and sea eagles. Although only a limited number of species have been recorded, it’s likely more are present. The park’s popularity surged with the release of the 2000 movie The Beach, and today it remains a favourite destination for eco-tourists. Visitors can easily arrange tours for day trips, exploring the islands’ natural beauty and marine life.
Location: Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
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