Are they (rainy forests) really different from ... ?

Question

I can spend only 2 days in the rainy forests of Thailand. Are the forests and mountains from the North (Chiang Mai area) as being very different from the one often suggested in the South (Khao Sok)? I am mainly talking of the vegetation.

Answer 1

Yes. The northern forests are not really what I consider rain forests. They are much drier than what I have experienced in Brazil, Congo, and Western Malaysia. The same goes for Khao Yai National Park.

Khao Sok, however, is "wet" and it is actually very difficult to go trekking there during the rainy season.

Remember: Kaeng Krachan National Park is also worth a visit.

Answer 2

Definitely, the cooler region of the north will give rise to vegetation different from the southern tropical forest. Spend time in both locales if you can.