Thap Lan National Park
Thailand's second-largest national park and part of the same UNESCO Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai forest complex, known for lan (talipot) palm forests, waterfalls and rugged scenery.
- Category
- National Parks
- Entrance fee
- As of 2026, foreigner fee ~400 THB adult / ~200 THB child (Thai nationals less), plus vehicle fee; confirm at the gate.
- Hours
- Daily day-use, roughly 06:00–18:00 as of 2026; camping by booking. Confirm locally.
- Best time
- Cool dry season Nov–Feb; the lan-palm forest and waterfalls are best after the rains (Aug–Oct).
- Time needed
- Half to full day.
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate.
About Thap Lan National Park
Thap Lan is Thailand's second-largest national park and part of the same UNESCO Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai forest complex, known for its lan palm forests, waterfalls and rugged scenery. If you want quieter, less developed forest than Khao Yai, this delivers.
It is far larger and much less developed, and the distances inside are big, so plan your routes rather than winging it. A car is essential, both to get there and to move around once you're in.
Be aware of the geography. It sits well east of Pak Chong, so this is a day trip in its own right, best combined with the Wang Nam Khiao area rather than tacked onto a Khao Yai day. Waterfalls are at their best after the rains.
Highlights
- Thailand's second-largest national park
- Distinctive lan (talipot) palm forests
- Waterfalls at their best after the rains
- Quieter and wilder than Khao Yai
Tips
- Plan it as its own day trip, it's well east of Pak Chong.
- Combine it with the Wang Nam Khiao area.
- A car is essential; distances inside the park are big.
- Come after the rains for the fullest waterfalls.
How to get there
From Pak Chong it is well to the east: ~90–100 km via Hwy 304 (through Wang Nam Khiao), ~1.5–2 hr by car. Best combined with the Wang Nam Khiao area; car essential.