Traveling cannot be set apart from nature sightseeing. The raw landscape, wildlife, and vivid colors create an enchanting experience for travelers who love nature. National parks not only offer scenery but also protect ecosystems and contribute to the planet's health.
So, what about supporting conservation tourism —and our planet, by visiting national parks? These hidden gems—often lesser-known—offer breathtaking panoramas worthy of a once-in-a-lifetime visit.
1. Bạch Mã National Park, Viet Nam
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Bach Ma National Park, functions as a watershed forest, shelters many rivers, and sustains the biodiversity of central Viet Nam. Located between north and south Viet Nam, it serves wildlife and unique species.
As one of the highly protected areas in the country, it serves the natural landscape, as well as cultural, historical, and environmental values. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, natural spring bathing, and exploring historical structures.
2. Virachey National Park, Cambodia
Credit: Greg McCann, mongabay.com
Not easy to find, but the beauty is undeniable. Located in north-east Cambodia, the largest in the country, tourists can visit sacred cultural places, mountain climb and ride river boats, to witness wildlife.
The landscape is home to multiple ecosystems, rainforests, savannahs, bamboo groves, secondary grasslands, scrub formations, rivers, and marshlands. This national park offers diverse views and heritages.
3. Wakatobi National Park, Indonesia
Wakatobi Island consists of 39 islands, located in Southeast Sulawesi, serving the underwater life and majestic beaches. It harbors many protected species, both flora and fauna, including coral reefs, fishes, sea turtles and true mangroves. It has one of the largest marine diversity in the world.
Tourists can go snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin watching, or simply enjoying beach activities. This national park doesn't have any relation to boredom, truly a must-visit for those who love ocean adventures.
4. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
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Located in Surat Thani Province, Thailand, this national park harbors rain forest that is older than the Amazon. It also includes a lake, limestone karst, and caves. The panorama will take tourists closer to nature’s raw beauty.
A sanctuary for many unique flora and fauna, adventures can embark on kayaking, exploring caves, and hiking.
5. Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia
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Kinabalu National Park shelters the richest flora species in the world. The area includes two mountains, Mt. Kinabalu —the highest in Malaysia, and Mt. Tambayukon.
The park is also rich in topographical features, like peaks and plateaus, waterfalls, rivers, caves, and hot springs. Besides relaxing in hot springs, tourists can also do many activities like forest walking, rock climbing, hiking, and also visiting local traditions and cultures.
6. Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park, Philippines
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Shelter to many types of forests as primary water source—mossy forest, pine forest, dipterocarp forest, molave forest, and also includes lakes, caves, and waterfalls. This national park will give you a wide range of experiences.
Mount Inayawan Range Natural Park protects many endangered or critically endangered species. It has high potential for ecotourism, tourists can enjoy the visitor center, camping, and ecotrail.
7. Hkakaborazi National Park, Myanmar
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The largest national park, surrounding the highest mountain in Myanmar and also the highest snow-capped mountain in Southeast Asia: Mt. Hkakaborazi. The raw landscape is filled with forests, rivers, waterfalls, and ravines. Wildlife is also highly protected, tourists can find black orchids, red pandas, and rare butterflies.
Hkakaborazi National Park is home to the most important river in Myanmar, responsible as a life source of rich biodiversity. Traditional cultures of locals —Kachin Hill Tribes can also be seen there. Multiple kinds of attractions will take tourists on unforgettable journeys.
National parks as choices of ecotourism
National parks mentioned above are also heritage parks, Southeast Asia’s best protected areas. Protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and wildlife to preserve their natural heritage, role in balancing the environment, and absolutely the magical landscape.
Traveling there will not only give wonderful sights and experiences but also support conservation and protect the environment for future generations.
References:
https://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/the-asean-heritage-parks-programme/
https://artsandculture.google.com/project/asean-biodiversity
