Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Thailand
Thailand's unique savannah forest with diverse wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and camping opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for wildlife viewing
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Thailand
Best Time
Prime time for wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Thailand's unique savannah forest with diverse wildlife, scenic viewpoints, and camping opportunities.
"A must-visit for nature lovers seeking unique landscapes and wildlife encounters."
🚗 Bring Your Own Vehicle
A car or scooter is essential for exploring the park's vastness. Be prepared for hilly terrain if biking.
🍳 Pack Food & Water
The park's restaurant and shop close at 4 PM. Stock up before entering, especially if arriving late.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Savannah Forest
Northern Thailand
Explore Thailand's only remaining fertile savannah forest, a unique landscape of grasslands and scattered trees.
Wildlife Encounters
Park-wide
Spot barking deer on the grasslands and listen for golden jackals at night. Elephants and gaur inhabit the higher hills.
Camping Under the Stars
Campsites 1 & 2
Enjoy a night under the stars at designated campsites. Campsite 2 offers cooking facilities and fewer crowds.
Scenic Viewpoints
Various locations
Drive through picturesque roads to reach viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the park's rolling hills and mist-covered landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Wildlife Spotting
Getting Around the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bring Your Own Vehicle
A car or scooter is essential for exploring the park's vastness. Be prepared for hilly terrain if biking. +1
🍳 Pack Food & Water
The park's restaurant and shop close at 4 PM. Stock up before entering, especially if arriving late.
⛺ Choose Your Campsite Wisely
Campsite 2 allows cooking and often has fewer people than the 'no cooking' zone.
🥾 Prepare for Hills
If you plan to mountain bike, be ready for challenging inclines. A 4WD is recommended for nature routes. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bring Your Own Vehicle
A car or scooter is essential for exploring the park's vastness. Be prepared for hilly terrain if biking. +1
🍳 Pack Food & Water
The park's restaurant and shop close at 4 PM. Stock up before entering, especially if arriving late.
⛺ Choose Your Campsite Wisely
Campsite 2 allows cooking and often has fewer people than the 'no cooking' zone.
🥾 Prepare for Hills
If you plan to mountain bike, be ready for challenging inclines. A 4WD is recommended for nature routes. +1
💰 Foreigner Pricing
Be aware of potential price differences for foreigners compared to Thai nationals. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is praised for its unique savannah landscape and abundant wildlife, offering a serene camping experience. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially during dawn and dusk. However, some travelers note concerns about price discrimination for foreigners and the limited operating hours of park facilities.
"So much to see at this national park. This place is best appreciated in the early morning and at night time when you can see lots of animals. We camped here and could hear golden jackals most of the night. They also came very close to our tent to eat scraps. Barking deer are the simplest of al mammals to see here. They range around the prairie during the day but were more active in the morning. The main visitor center has two main campsites. Number 1 is no cooking and 2 cooking is allowed. We wanted to cook so we drove to the second one. Almost every single Thai family was cooking in the no cooking zone so I think it is more of a suggestion. The first campsite has a slightly better view but was packed, the second still has a good view and almost no people. The roads to the viewpoint are not in good shape and will take a while to drive but are very pretty."
Ian M
"About 2 hours drive from Phitsanulok. It is a national park covering two provinces: Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. The place we stayed was on the Phetchabun side, Nong Mae Na Subdistrict, Khao Kho District. The park has houses for rent at a price of 5,000 baht per night and has a tent area for pitching tents in the evening and morning. There is a park car service to go see animals and watch the sunrise. The atmosphere is good, quiet, suitable for relaxing in nature."
Porlu
"1 star because of ticket price discrimination. Otherwise i'd give a 4.
Its very similar to nam nao national park. There are pine tree and savannah areas and a lot of dirt roads to various attractions. Its nice for camping. You need your own car or scooter to get here and also to get around within the park. An MTB bicycle is okay but be warned there are a lot of hills.
There are deer on the grasslands on the morning and at night. There are elephants and gaur and more deer higher up in the hills. The picture is a gaur print.
Restaurant and snack shop open 08.30 to 16.00. Before and after those times there is nowhere to buy food or water. So if arriving late, buy everything you need before you enter."
p don j
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is approximately a 2-hour drive from Phitsanulok. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle, such as a car or scooter, to navigate the park effectively. +1
While it's possible to explore parts of the park by mountain bike, be prepared for significant hills. For comprehensive exploration of various attractions and nature routes, a car or scooter is strongly advised. +1
Information on vehicle rentals within the park is limited. It's best to arrange your transportation before arriving at Thung Salaeng Luang National Park.
The roads to viewpoints can be in rough condition and take time to navigate. For nature routes, a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
The park spans across two provinces: Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. The area where many visitors stay is on the Phetchabun side.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Some visitors have noted ticket price discrimination, with foreigners potentially paying more than Thai nationals. It's advisable to check the current official rates upon arrival. +1
Yes, there are reports of price differences between foreigners and Thai citizens. This is a point of contention for some visitors. +1
The park itself is generally accessible, but specific facilities like the restaurant and snack shop operate from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
While not explicitly stated, booking in advance is generally recommended for popular national park campsites, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, day trips are possible, but to fully experience the park's nature and wildlife, an overnight stay, especially for camping, is highly recommended. 
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can spot barking deer on the grasslands during the day and hear golden jackals at night. Elephants, gaur, and more deer are found higher in the hills.
The park features several viewpoints offering beautiful vistas of the hills and mist. The roads to these viewpoints can be challenging but rewarding.
Camping is a popular activity, with two main campsites. Campsite 2 is recommended for those who wish to cook and prefer fewer crowds. +1
Campsite 1 is designated 'no cooking,' while Campsite 2 allows cooking. Both offer a chance to be close to nature.
The park offers a car service for seeing animals and watching the sunrise, particularly useful for those without their own transport.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a restaurant and snack shop within the park, but they operate only from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Yes, cooking is permitted at Campsite 2. It's a great option if you plan to stay overnight and want to prepare your meals.
If you arrive late or plan to stay overnight, it's crucial to buy all your food and water needs before entering the park.
Specific menu details are not widely available, but Thai restaurants often offer vegetarian dishes. It's best to inquire directly upon arrival.
Due to the park's remote location, food delivery services are unlikely to be available. Plan to bring your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The savannah grasslands, misty mornings, and scenic viewpoints offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Wildlife sightings also make for great shots.
A versatile lens like a zoom (e.g., 18-135mm) is useful for capturing landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens can be great for expansive views.
Yes, especially during early mornings and cooler seasons, the park is known for its beautiful mist and fog, creating ethereal photographic conditions.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of wildlife and avoid disturbing natural habitats.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Misty mornings are also spectacular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the roads can be rough, a family car will manage most main routes. Consider bringing along some easy-to-prepare snacks and drinks, as the park's food options are limited to specific hours. The park car service for animal viewing could also be an engaging activity for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, it's essential to bring your own provisions. The park's restaurant and shop have limited hours and may not cater to all tastes or budgets. Having your own vehicle is also key, as transportation costs can add up if relying on external services.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Wildlife spotting is a major draw, so early mornings and late evenings are prime times for observation. The park's tranquility, especially at the campsites, provides an excellent opportunity to connect with nature. Don't forget to pack appropriate gear for hiking and potential rain, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Unique Savannah Landscape
+1Visitors can explore this unique terrain via hiking trails or by driving along designated routes. The park's rolling hills and open plains offer a different visual experience compared to Thailand's more typical dense jungle landscapes. It's a photographer's paradise, especially during the early morning when mist often blankets the grasslands, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
+1While the savannah is a major draw, the park also encompasses pine forests and mountainous areas, offering diverse habitats and scenic beauty. The accessibility of these areas can vary, with some nature routes requiring a 4WD vehicle for a comfortable journey.
Wildlife Watching Opportunities
For those venturing into the higher hill regions, there's a chance to spot larger mammals such as elephants and gaur, along with more deer. The park's diverse habitats support a rich array of fauna, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
To maximize your chances of seeing animals, it's best to visit during the early morning and late evening hours when they are most active. The park also offers a car service that can assist in spotting wildlife and enjoying the sunrise.
Camping and Accommodation
Many Thai families opt for camping and cooking, even in the 'no cooking' zone, suggesting it's more of a guideline than a strict rule. Campsite 1 may offer slightly better views but can be more crowded, whereas Campsite 2 provides a good view with a more tranquil atmosphere.
Beyond camping, the park also offers houses for rent at a higher price point (around 5,000 baht per night). These accommodations provide a comfortable alternative for those seeking more amenities. Regardless of your choice, staying overnight allows you to experience the park's ambiance during the quiet hours of the night and early morning.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit