If you are tired of staying in the same old soulless rooms complete with the same old modern facilities, then maybe it’s time to take a step back to nature with a tent. And what better way to enjoy halloween than to sit around a camp fire telling spooky tales. For first time campers, we give you a lowdown on the different kinds of tents that are out there.

Dragonfly
Features: 2 doors, 2 windows, 2 tent poles, 2 flysheet poles, a flysheet, water resistant
Capacity: 4 people
Size: 2.10 x 2.10 x 1.60m
Weight: 4.70 kg
Material: Nylon
Price: Starts from B4,250
Where to buy: Travel Mart, tents can be found at 3/F, The Mall Ramkhamhang, Ramkhamhang Rd., 02-310-1200. 4/F, Central Ladprao, Phaholyothin Rd., 02-541-1304 or visit www.e-travelmart.com.

Hornbills
Features: One door, 3 windows, a flysheet, an extended shade, anti-rust poles, frame work tent structure making it easier to move, water resistant
Capacity: 10 people
Size: 3.20 x 3.50 x 2.20m
Weight: 10 kg
Material: Nylon
Price: Starts at B4,950 (special price), regular price: B7,500
Where to buy: Travel Mart, tents can be found at 3/F, The Mall Ramkhamhang, Ramkhamhang Rd., 02-310-1200. 4/F, Central Ladprao, Phaholyothin Rd., 02-541-1304 or visit www.e-travelmart.com.

C-NET III
Features: Spring loaded tent (hassle free as it basically builds itself), water resistant
Capacity: 2 people
Size: 1.30 x 2.30 x 1.10m
Weight: 2 kg
Material: Nylon
Price: Starting from B800
Where to buy: Go Camp Trading, 183, Kraisee Rd., Soi Kraisee, 02-280-0800. www.campinn.co.th.

Mosquito Net Tent
Features: Dome structure, 2 doors, netted water resistant nylon to deter insects and a flysheet
Capacity: 3 people
Size: 1.80 x 2.60 x 1.20m
Weight: 2.9kg
Material: Nylon
Price: B3,900
Where to buy: Karana Travelgear, tents can be found at 3/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., Phrom Phong BTS station, 02-269-1000. 3/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., Chidlom BTS station, 02-793-7777 or visit www.karanatravelgear.com.

Space Dome Tent
Features: Dome structure, 2 doors, 2 windows, water resistant, seam sealed, Fiberglass tent poles and flysheet pole
Capacity: 4 people
Size: 2.40+2.20 x 2.40 x 1.95m
Weight: 22 kg
Material: Polyester taffeta and water resistant nylon taffeta
Price: B5,000
Where to buy: Karana Travelgear, tents can be found at 3/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., Phrom Phong BTS station, 02-269-1000. 3/F, Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., Chidlom BTS station, 02-793-7777 or visit www.karanatravelgear.com.

Where to Camp

Our top six national parks for scenic natural beauty.

Kaeng Krachan National Park, Petchaburi
The largest national park in Thailand, Keang Krachan is home to a reservoir, waterfalls, caves, hot springs and mountains. Relax by the lake near to the park HQ, tour the waterfalls or hike the trails. Wild elephants, deer, gibbons and wild pigs can all be spotted if you are lucky.
Campsite facilities: basic restrooms, restaurant and grocery shop
Tent: rental from B225/night
Campsite fee: B30/person/night
Park entrance fee: B200 for foreigner, B40 for Thai
Contact: 032-459-293

Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi
The highlight of the park is obviously the Erawan waterfall. Hike up to the 7th level to see how the cascading water resembles the well-known mythological figure, Erawan, the three-headed elephant. The park is also home to gibbons, flying squirrels and wild boar.
Campsite facilities: basic restrooms, restaurant
Tent: rental from B50/night
Campsite fee: B30/person/night
Park entrance fee: B200 for foreigner, B40 for Thai
Contact: 034-574-222, 034-574-234

Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai
At 2,565m, Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, is the highlight of this park of towering peaks and lush evergreen and pine forests. Its high altitude means this region is nice and cool all year round, just perfect for camping out. Take a trek to see the local Karen and the Hmong villages or just marvel at the sounds of more than 362 bird species.
Campsite facilities: basic restrooms, restaurant
Tent: rental from B225/night
Campsite fee: B30/person/night
Park entrance fee: B400 for foreigner, B40 for Thai
Contact: 053-286-728-9

Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thaini
One of the most beautiful national parks in Thailand, Khao Sok is a Southern gem filled with stunning streams, waterfalls, caves and limestone cliffs. Trekking, canoeing and visiting the raft houses on the Cheow Lan Lake are just some of the available activities within the park.
Campsite facilities: basic restrooms and restaurant
Tent: rental from B225/night
Campsite fee: B30/person
Park entrance fee: B200 for foreigner, B40 for Thai
Contact: 077-395-139, 077-395-154-5

Tarutao National Park, Satun
Part of a group of 51 islands in the Andaman Sea, the park is full of sandy beaches, bays and forest trails. Back in the late 1930s, Tarutao was once a prison and you can still visit the eerie grounds. Animals that can be spotted include deer, wild pigs, otters, bats and sea turtles. Campsites are available at Phante Malaka Bay, Son Bay and Molae Bay on Tarutao Island and at Son Beach on Adang Island
Campsite facilities: restaurants and restrooms available for tourists on Tarutao and Adang Islands.
Tent: rental from B225/night
Campsite fee: B30/person/night
Park entrance fee: B200 for foreigner, B40 for Thai
Contact: 074-783-485, 074-728-027-8, 074-729-002-3

Thap Lan National Park, Pranchinburi
Journey up to the North-East and discover the second largest park in Thailand covering an area of 2,235 sq.km. Its isolated location means it is also one of the last places in Thailand that you can see tigers in the wild along with elephants, bears, mountain goats and hornbills.
Campsite facilities: three camp sites but no restrooms or restaurant.
Tent: rental from B250/night
Campsite fee: B30/night
Park entrance fee: B100 for foreigner, B20 for Thai.

For more information about Thailand’s national parks, visit www.dnp.go.th or call 02-562-0760.

5 Tips to Survive the Winter Festival

1. Don’t get lost. Get on the Don Muang highway, keep going straight until the highway ends. Once, you see the Saraburi sign, turn right and carry on going straight until you see the Khao Yai sign. Get on a bridge to get to Khao Yai, once you descend down you will be on the Tanarat Rd. Carry on for 7 kms then turn left into the soi with the “Bonanza” sign. Keep going until you see Bonanza.

2. They say you’ll get a rollmat but better play it safe and bring your own.

3. Think of it as a picnic. Bring plenty of mosquito repellant, booze and food.

4. Expect long queues for restrooms. If you can’t take it, bring some tissues and hit the bushes.

5. Bonanza is already fully booked, so bring a tent (see page 16) or try Mountain View Resort (219 Moo 5, Tanarat Rd., 02-248-7300 ext. 120. www.mtviewresort.com). Room prices start from B1,800/night.