Published 5th Sep. 2022
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Asia’s vast landscapes are wonderfully wild and varied, tangling their way across the continent, with each tall tree, twisting vine and body of water offering a different story and ecosystem that you’d be hard pushed to find elsewhere. That’s why it should come as no surprise that keen explorers owe it to themselves to journey to one of the many national parks that inhabit this remarkable collection of countries. From the Jungle Book-esque scenery of northern India, to the marine life found splashing through the waves of Thailand's coast, there is much to be in awe of and appreciated here. To ensure you see some of the most intricate and diverse terrains on the planet, we have curated a list of the best national parks in Asia that we think are worth visiting.
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Home to the elusive Bengal tiger, countless snapping marsh crocodiles and other characters you’d recognise from the pages of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in India. This evocative and wildly beautiful landscape offers moments of serenity in the natural surroundings, before the sound of snapping branches shifts you back to reality as it brings with it the hope of spotting an elusive tiger. This is one of the best places in India to spot these big cats, as the number of tigers roaming around the park's paths is as high as it has ever been. Of course, it’s not just big cats (along with peacocks, hyenas and more) to see in this Indian oasis, there’s also the crumbling Ranthambore Fort, ancient mosques and temples to be explored.
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Up next is the uber peaceful and tranquil spot of Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Not far from the outskirts of Tokyo, it offers a slightly different pace of travel compared to the hustle and bustle of the futuristic capital, with pockets of peace around every twist of the hiking trails. Swapping swish skyscrapers for views of Mount Fuji, this natural landscape offers an equally iconic and stoic stature that stands tall among the clouds. It has been the inspiration for countless painters and writers alike, all of which have found themselves transfixed by the perfectly snow-topped mountain and blush pink blossom that surrounds its base in the spring. Of course, there’s more than just Mount Fuji to discover in this national park, with Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula and the Izu Islands all located within its perimeters.
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The virtually uninhabited 42 islands that pepper the turquoise shore of the Surat Thai Province, located east of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, make up the only marine park to be included on our list of the best national parks in Asia. Explorers find themselves with countless opportunities to hike, sunbathe, snorkel or canoe their way across the rugged and steep limestone cliffs, deep caves and inland marine lakes full of unique wildlife. We’re talking sea snakes weaving through the waves, smiling stingrays and an abundance of tropical fish to discover. Plus, this captivating and expansive park where sea-meets-land has an array of fauna and flora to fawn over, with breath-taking views around every cove. It’s easy to see why so many are drawn to this aqua oasis.
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Near southern Cambodia’s famous city of Kampot lies the wildlife sanctuary of Bokor National Park. This diverse hub of flora and fauna provides a protected home for a huge variety of species, including elephants and leopards. This naturally scenic spot also offers incredible panoramic views over both the Gulf of Thailand and the entire Kampot Province, making it the perfect location to snap some memorable photos. Walk through the ruins of the Black Palace, where you can stand in awe beneath the two-tier Popokvil Waterfall and endless rice fields that blanket the land – it’s not one to be missed!
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There’s no shortage of national parks in Sri Lanka. In fact, all of them seem full to the brim with wildlife and outstanding natural beauty, making the lesser visited (but still spectacular) Gal Oya National Park a must-see destination for any keen explorers looking to spot some 32 species of mammal. There are leopards, sloth bears, buffaloes and countless other creatures here, making it easy to see why Gal Oya makes it onto our list of the best national parks in Asia. Plus, you can always head to the park’s waters by canoe to see the playful elephants in action, as they come up to the water's edge in search of a thirst-quenching drink or watch as they swim between the reservoir's islands. Whether it’s an in-depth tour or an off-road jeep adventure, there are so many ways to experience this evergreen forest and wildlife-rich haven.
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