Overview

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first and third-largest national park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), is located about 200 kilometers (124 miles) northeast of Bangkok in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Perfect for a weekend nature escape!

Transportation Options

1. Private Car / Taxi ⭐ Best Option

Cost: 2,500-3,500 THB (round trip with waiting time: 4,000-6,000 THB) Duration: 2.5-3 hours from Bangkok Booking: Smile Taxi Service - can arrange full-day tours

Pros:

• Door-to-door convenience
• Flexibility to explore multiple spots
• Essential for park exploration (limited public transport in park)
• Can visit wineries and farms en route

Recommended: This is really the best way to visit Khao Yai due to scattered attractions

2. Bus to Pak Chong + Local Transport

Route: Bangkok (Mo Chit Terminal) → Pak Chong

Cost:

• Bus: 150-180 THB
• From Pak Chong to park entrance: Songthaew 50-80 THB or taxi 300-400 THB

Duration: 3-4 hours to Pak Chong + additional time to park

Problem: Once at Pak Chong, still far from park (20km) and attractions are scattered. Need to hire local taxi or join tour.

3. Organized Tour from Bangkok 🚌 Hassle-Free

Cost: 1,500-2,500 THB per person Duration: Full day (usually 10-12 hours)

Includes:

• Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Transportation
• Park entrance fee
• Guided nature walk
• Lunch (usually)

Booking: Tour agencies in Bangkok, hotels, online (Klook, GetYourGuide)

Good for: First-timers, solo travelers, those without car

4. Rental Car 🚗 For Independent Travelers

Cost: 1,200-2,000 THB per day Duration: 2.5-3 hours drive

Pros:

• Maximum flexibility
• Visit multiple spots
• Essential for exploring park properly

Cons:

• Bangkok traffic to navigate
• Need international license
• Unfamiliar roads

Good for: Experienced drivers comfortable with Thai roads

Must-See in Khao Yai

In the National Park:

1. Wildlife Spotting

   • Elephants (wild!)
   • Gibbons
   • Hornbills
   • Macaques
   • Deer
   • If very lucky: tigers, leopards, bears (rare)

2. Waterfalls:

   • Haew Narok Waterfall - Tallest and most impressive (3-tier)
   • Haew Suwat Waterfall - Famous from movie "The Beach"
   • Pha Kluay Mai Waterfall - Easy short walk

3. Hiking Trails:

   • Nature trails of varying difficulty
   • 1-4 hour hikes available
   • Guided walks at park headquarters

4. Night Safari:

   • Spotting nocturnal animals
   • Must book with licensed tour
   • Best chance to see wildlife

Outside the Park:

5. Wineries:

   • PB Valley Winery (most famous, wine tasting, restaurant)
   • GranMonte Vineyard (award-winning wines)
   • Village Farm to Café (organic winery)

6. Farms & Attractions:

   • Palio Village (Italian-themed shopping)
   • Primo Piazza (Dutch-themed farm with sheep)
   • Chokchai Farm (dairy farm tours)
   • Birder's Lodge (bird watching)
   • Bonanza Exotic Zoo

7. Scenic Roads:

   • Road 3077 (through the park - stunning views)

Park Information

Entrance Fee:

• Adults: 400 THB (foreigners)
• Children: 200 THB
• Car: 50 THB

Best Time to Visit:

• Cool Season (Nov-Feb): Best weather, busy weekends
• Hot Season (Mar-May): Very hot but good wildlife spotting
• Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Waterfalls at best, lush green, leeches!

Weather:

• Cooler than Bangkok (bring light jacket)
• Can rain any time of year
• Mornings often foggy

Park Hours:

• Open 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Night safaris arranged separately

Accommodation Options

Inside the Park:

• National park bungalows (basic, budget)
• Need to book well in advance
• Book at: www.dnp.go.th

Near Park Entrance:

• Khao Yai Garden Lodge
• Juldis Khao Yai
• Greenery Resort
• Many more options

Pak Chong Town:

• Budget hotels
• 20km from park
• Good food options

Luxury Options:

• Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa
• InterContinental Khao Yai Resort
• Atta Lakeside Resort

Sample Itinerary

Day Trip from Bangkok:

• 6:00 AM: Leave Bangkok
• 9:00 AM: Arrive Khao Yai, enter park
• 9:30 AM: Haew Suwat Waterfall
• 11:00 AM: Nature trail / wildlife spotting
• 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 2:00 PM: Haew Narok Waterfall
• 4:00 PM: Exit park, visit winery
• 5:30 PM: Head back to Bangkok
• 8:00 PM: Arrive Bangkok

Weekend Stay (Better!): Day 1:

• Morning: Drive to Khao Yai
• Afternoon: Visit wineries and farms
• Evening: Check-in, night safari

Day 2:

• Early morning: Enter park for wildlife spotting
• Midday: Waterfalls
• Afternoon: More trails or relax
• Evening: Return Bangkok

What to Bring

Essential:

• Good walking shoes
• Long pants (leeches and mosquitoes)
• Insect repellent (essential!)
• Sunscreen and hat
• Rain jacket (any season)
• Water bottle
• Binoculars (for wildlife)
• Camera with good zoom
• Snacks

Optional:

• Leech socks (rainy season!)
• Flashlight (for night safari)
• Swimming clothes (for waterfalls)

Travel Tips

Wildlife Spotting:

• Best times: Early morning (6-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM)
• Stay quiet and patient
• Don't feed animals
• Keep safe distance
• Elephants have right of way!

Safety:

• Don't wander alone in forest
• Watch for leeches in rainy season
• Don't swim in crocodile-warned areas
• Stay on marked trails
• Mobile signal limited in park

Food:

• Limited restaurants in park
• Better to bring snacks and picnic
• Good restaurants near park entrance
• Many options in Pak Chong

Timing:

• Weekends are very busy (Bangkok escape!)
• Weekdays much quieter
• Book accommodation well in advance for weekends
• Aim to enter park early morning

Final Recommendations

Best Option: Private car/taxi for day trip

• Essential for flexibility
• Can visit park + wineries + farms
• Worth the cost for freedom

Or: Weekend stay with rental car

• More relaxed
• Better wildlife spotting chances
• Enjoy area fully

Budget Option: Join organized tour

• All-inclusive
• No hassle
• Good for first visit
• Meet other travelers

Enjoy Thailand's best national park! 🐘🌳🦅