If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure, I would like to introduce you to Khao Yai, the first national park in THAILAND and a UNESCO listed wonder. Khao Yai paradise is just a few hours from Bangkok and has stunning waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and a thrilling and peaceful mix of activities. Whether you are looking for a quick weekend getaway or a full-fledged adventure, there is something for everyone in Khao Yai.
Layout of Khao Yai
Khao Yai National Park covers over 2,000 square kilometers, covering parts of Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Nayok provinces. The park is part of the Dong Phaya Yen Forest and features a diverse landscape of dense forests, rolling hills, and grasslands. The main entry points are in Pak Chong and Mu Si where we can find homes to resorts, cafes, and viewpoints. Inside the park, we will explore grasslands, dense forests, and mountains—perfect for trekking and wildlife spotting. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Best Time to Visit Khao Yai
You might be curious about the best time to visit. Well, it depends on what you’re hoping to experience:
- Cool Season (November–February): The best time for trekking, wildlife spotting, and enjoying cool temperatures (18–25°C). I personally love visiting during this time because the air is crisp, and the scenery is stunning.
- Hot Season (March–May): It’s less crowded but quite warm, so I’d recommend exploring early in the morning or in the evening.
- Rainy Season (June–October): This is when the park looks the greenest and the waterfalls are at their most powerful. However, be prepared for occasional road closures due to heavy rain.
How to Get to Khao Yai
As I live in Bangkok I usually perfer to drive the car to Khao Yai. There are also more ways to go
- Car: I drive about 3 hours from Bangkok via Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Saraburi and then Highway 2 to Pak Chong.
- Bus: Can take a bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Pak Chong, the nearest town to Khao Yai.
- By Train: Trains from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok also reach Pak Chong, offering a scenic journey.
- By Private Tour: Sometimes, I prefer guided tours with transportation included for a hassle-free trip.
Must-Visit Attractions in Khao Yai
Haew Suwat Waterfall
The waterfall made famous by the movie “The Beach,” located in Khao Yai National Park, is a 20-meter-high waterfall that is a popular tourist destination. Haew Suwat Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. The waterfall features multiple tiers cascading down a lush, forested hillside, creating a serene and picturesque scene that draws many visitors to experience its natural beauty.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Included in Khao Yai National Park admission (400 THB for foreigners, 40 THB for locals)
- Getting There: We can easily go short trek from the park’s main road
Pro Tip: If you’re like me and love capturing stunning photos, visit early in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds. I remember the first time I visited, the morning mist added a magical touch to my photos.
Haew Narok Waterfall
This is the tallest waterfall in Khao Yai, approx. 150 meters and is well known for being a beautiful place containing hidden dangers, because of its steepness and the strong currents. It is expected to be beautiful at the end of the rainy season, and you will see lot of champagne mushrooms along the path to the waterfall, so called because they are shaped like champagne glasses and come in bright colours of red, orange and yellow, attracting visitors from far and wide.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Included in park admission
- Getting There: A 1-km trek from the nearest parking area.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit is during the rainy season when the waterfall is very strong.
Khao Yai Viewpoint (Pha Diao Dai)
Pha Diao Dai, or the Lonely Cliff, is a stunning viewpoint in Khao Yai National Park that offers a unique and serene experience. Height is around 900 meters above sea level, this viewpoint provides a sweeping panorama of the lush rainforest and majestic mountains that define the park’s landscape.
The viewpoint itself is a small stone courtyard that juts out from the cliff, creating a perfect spot for visitors to take in the breathtaking scenery. From here, you can see the dense forest canopy stretching out to the horizon, with the peaks of Khao Rom and Khao Samor Poon in the distance.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free with park admission
- Getting There: A 20-minute hike from the main road
Pro Tip: Trust me, you don’t want to miss sunrise and sunset here it is simply magical however I still remember the first sunrise I witnessed here the sky painted in hues of orange and pink was simply unforgettable.
Primo Piazza
In Khao Yai Primo Piazza is a lovely place that looks like a small village in Italy. It has beautiful buildings, cobblestone streets, and colorful flower gardens. One of the best parts is meeting the animals. You can see and feed Alpacas, Sheep, and Donkeys as they are very friendly and great for The cafes and restaurants offer delicious Italian food and coffee, perfect for a relaxing day out in addition it also has boutique shops selling unique souvenirs and local products.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: 200 THB
- Getting There: You can drive from Pak Chong it’s a 20-minute drive.
Pro Tip: If you love posting on Instagram or other social media platforms, it is worth go here once and take the picture and video this place is a dream! I spent an entire afternoon here.
PB Valley Khao Yai Winery
It is located near Khao Yai National Park. Founded in 1989, it pioneered the Khao Yai Wine Region and has been crafting fine wines since 1998. The estate includes the Great Hornbill Grill, a restaurant offering delicious Western and Thai dishes, some paired with the winery’s wines. There’s also a shop selling fresh grapes, grape juice, and premium wines.
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: 350 THB (includes wine tasting)
- Getting There: You can drive from Pak Chong it’s a 30-minute drive.
Pro Tip: If you love posting on Instagram, it is worthy go here once shots like this, this place is a dream! I spent an entire afternoon here, snapping photos and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Best Activities in Khao Yai
Khao Yai offers many activities to all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the best activities which i would like to recommend.
- Wildlife Spotting – Khao Yai is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, gibbons, and hornbills. I remember the thrill of spotting a wild elephant during one of my early morning treks with baby elephants. It’s an experience that stays with me always.
- Trekking and Hiking – With numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, Khao Yai is a trekker’s paradise. One of my favorite hikes is the trail to Nong Pak Chi Observation Tower, where you can spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Bird Watching – Khao Yai is a heaven for bird watchers, with over 300 species of birds. I once spent an hour with my binoculars, spotting colorful hornbills and other exotic birds.
- Night Safari – Experience the park after dark with a guided night safari. It’s a unique way to see nocturnal animals and enjoy the sounds of the jungle at night. I was amazed by the different creatures that come alive after sunset.
- Visiting Vineyards – Apart from PB Valley, there are other vineyards like GranMonte Vineyard where you can enjoy wine tastings and tours. I loved the serene atmosphere and the chance to sample some excellent Thai wines.
Travel Tips for Khao Yai
I would like to share some very useful tips to make your trip to Khao Yai smooth and enjoyable
- Rent a Car: The best way to explore Khao Yai is by renting a car. Public transportation is limited, and having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
- Pack Accordingly: Always bring comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Book Accommodations in Advance: Khao Yai is a popular destination, especially during the (Dec- Feb) therefore make sure to book your accommodations well in advance also can use my affiliate link to get discounts.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water, especially if you’re planning to hike or trek.
- Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and never feed them. It’s important to respect their natural habitat. Many people get attacked by animals.
- Weather Conditions: In Khao Yai weather can change quickly, especially during the rainy season. Check the forecast and be prepared for sudden showers.
Must-Try Dishes in Khao Yai
Here comes the favorite part of Khao Yai there are lot of restaurants offering unique Thai Cuisine and tasty Food.
- Grilled Pork Skewers (Moo Ping): Juicy and flavorful, these skewers are a staple street food. You can find them at the Khao Yai Night Market.
- Som Tum (Papaya Salad): A spicy salad made with fresh local ingredients. It also has a Fermented fish (PLAA) flavor you can try it.
- Khao Yai-style Fried Rice: A unique twist on fried rice, add half fry egg.
- Mango Sticky Rice: A classic Thai dessert i love it.
- Khao Yai Mushroom Soup: Made with locally sourced mushrooms, this soup is hot and delicious.
Best Restaurants:
- Baan Mai Chay Nam: Famous for traditional Thai dishes. I had an amazing meal here, with flavors that truly captured the essence of Thai cuisine.
- The Castle Restaurant and Tea Room: It offers a cozy, warm atmosphere reminiscent of a grand English country home, complete with high ceilings, stone surfaces, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Where to Stay in Khao Yai
Luxury Resorts
- Muthi Maya Forest Pool Villa Resort: A secluded retreat offering private villas with stunning views.
- The Paz Khao Yai: A luxury resort with modern amenities and panoramic mountain vistas.
Mid-Range Hotels I Recommend
- Khao Yai Fantasy Resort: Ideal for families, with beautiful gardens and comfortable accommodations.
- The Peri Hotel Khao Yai: A stylish, nature-inspired hotel with excellent dining options.
Budget Accommodations I Enjoy
- Nornchill Khaoyai: A popular choice among backpackers with affordable rates and guided tours.
- Khao Yai Cottage: Offers cozy stays at budget-friendly prices.
Khao Yai is the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re trekking through the jungle, spotting wildlife, or enjoying a glass of wine at a local vineyard, you’ll find plenty of unforgettable moments here. So, when are you packing your bags? Let’s make 2025 the year you explore Khao Yai!
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We Hope this travel guide give you the most valuable information which will help you to navigate the Khao Yai. Happy travel ! 🌏✈️
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I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate your content. Your posts are always so insightful and well-written, making complex topics easy to understand. The passion and dedication you put into your work truly shine through. Keep up the fantastic work!
Nice content. I am visiting Next month to Thailand for the Water Festival. Let’s meet