Tigers, wild elephants, and sun bear all survive in the rainforests of Thailand, but in such small numbers that you have little realistic hope of seeing any. Nevertheless, for wildlife enthusiasts, a trip revolving around the country’s national parks is well worth considering. Aside from the fabulous array of plants and butterflies, numerous species of primate can still be enjoyed, along with a colourful array of butterflies. Birdwatchers will have a glorious time spotting the hundreds of varieties of birds that occupy Thailand's national par. And the scenery is as wondrous as any in Asia.

Here is a rundown of our four favourite spots in wild Thailand:

Note to designer: photos needed for the following

Khao Sok National Park

Encompasses a fabulously scenic tract of karst islets, turquoise bays and mountain crags – home to spectacled langur monkeys and rare Lar gibbons. Self-paddled canoeing trips on beautiful Cheow Laan Lake, bamboo-rafting safaris down the Sok River and guided jungle treks to waterfalls and stalactite-encrusted bat caves are among the activities at this spectacular park.

Khao Yai National Park

Thailand’s oldest-established and largest national park, Khao Yai, is spread over forested mountains to the northeast of Bangkok. Species you can be confident of sighting on a day visit include hornbills, gibbons and macaques, giant spiders, squirrels, gaur (bison) and superb butterflies.

Kaeng Krachan

Ranged along the border with Myanmar, this park protects offers Thailand’s best wilderness experience. Few foreign tourists make the journey, but the reserve is particularly wonderful for birds.

Khao Sam Roi

Dusky langur, slow loris and crab-eating macaque are some of the intriguing creatures routinely sighted at Khao Sam Roi, whose landscapes range from dramatic limestone stacks rising out of turquoise lagoons to jungle-covered mountains.