1.) Travelmart Nature Plus

The Extra Space
Type: Two-door waterproof tent for two
Size: 135m tall, 205x150cm space, 3.5kg
Price: B1,750

2.) Coleman Touring Dome

The Classic
Type: One-door waterproof tent for two
Size: 100cm tall, 210x120cm space, 4.4kg
Price: B5,400

3.) Kelty Grand Mesa 2

The Lightweight Double
Type: One-door waterproof tent for two
Size: 111cm tall, 208x111cm space, 2.1kg
Price: B7,800

4.) Karana Zenith 3

The Budget Pick
Type:  Two-door waterproof tent for three
Size: 150cm tall, 210x210cm space, 6kg
Price: B3,400

5.) Exped Southern Cross

The Hermes of Tents
Type:  Two door waterproof tent for two
Size: 105cm tall, 220x125cm space, 2.5kg
Price: B15,900

Where to Buy Them in Bangkok

*A freestanding tent is one that does not require stakes to stand up and can be moved around after setup.
Coleman. Thailand Outdoor Shop, Sukhumvit Soi 101/1. 02-393-9397. BTS Punnawithi.
Exped & Karana. 2/F, Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 081-634-6350. BTS Chidlom.
Kelty. Order online at www.thaihiking.com
Travelmart. Order online at www.e-travelmart.com

Where to Camp this Cool Season

Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei

Entry fee B100. Camping fee B90. Tent B225. 042-871-333, 042-871-458, www.dnp.go.th
After its annual closure due to environmental and safety measures during the rainy season, Phu Kradueng National Park is now welcoming back visitors to experience its virgin forests and red maple leaves. The national park limits visitor numbers to 5,000 people per day so you might want to call ahead. It’s a 3-4 hour hike to camp but it’s well worth the effort.

Khun Sathan National Park, Nan

Entry fee B100. Camping fee B90. Tent B225. 054-701-121, 054-305-585, 087-173-9549.
It’s that time of year when the mountains in the North turn pink as the nang phaya seua krong flowers, aka Thai sakura, bloom in the chilly weather, creating a spectacular landscape. One top spot to see it all is Khun Sathan National Park in Nan’s Na Noi District. Check with the national park office for a precise bloom forecast prior to your visit so that you don’t miss out. There are limited spaces for camping, too.

Pang Oong, Mae Hong Son

Camping fee B100. Tent fee B300.
Part of the SUPPORT Foundation’s Pang Tong Royal Project, Pang Oong is a dream destination for those seeking to enjoy the valley’s morning mist. As it’s not a national park, visitors who wish to stay overnight must register their name with the SUPPORT Foundation in Mae Hong Son (053-611-244, 085-618-3303) in advance. Visitor numbers are limited to 500 so do call ahead.