Khao Yai National Park Thailand Tourism (2024) Travel Guide

Khao Yai National Park Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2 days

Best Time: November to April Read More

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"The Big Mountain"

Khao Yai National Park Tourism

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's oldest and most visited national park established in 1962. It covers more than 2,100 square kilometers. The park boasts a lush green landscape, rugged mountains with thick forests, marvellous waterfalls, exotic species of birds and animals.

Being the third largest park in the country, Khao Yai National Park is spread across four territories, including Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Besides, this park also features Khao Rom, which is also the highest peak and reaches over 1,300 meters above sea level. Other than this, the park is mainly popular for its exotic flora and fauna, pristine waterfalls, and beautiful monsoon forest. Visitors will get to admire species such as leopards, tigers, gibbons, bears, elephants, and many more. And they will also get to witness over 300 different bird species. Travellers from around the world come flocking here for its mesmerizing hiking trails.

1. Trekking/Hiking

There are many picturesque hiking trails in the park, both easy and difficult.

Khao Yai

Beyond the national park, Khao Yai has a handful of vineyards for an enjoyable wine tasting session.

If you're looking for a dash of culture among all the park's nature, this art museum is the place.

A combination of amusement and water park, Scenical World located in North-Eastern Thailand is the latest entry into the world of entertainment, and a must-visit for the family crowd. The greenery all (Read More) around makes it a rejuvenating location while the kids are thrilled to spend an entire day trying out the rides at the park.

Flaunting breathtaking 20-metre-high streams freefalling over a ledge into a circular pool, Haew Suwat Waterfall is a famous landmark surrounded by looming tropics in Khao Yai National Park. Featured (Read More)in Leonardo DiCaprio�۪s movie ��The Beach�۝, this picturesque waterfall sits beyond a 100-metre bamboo grove trail. Daily visiting hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM with a 400-baht admission fee.

Top Hotels In Khao Yai National Park

Tubtao Sleepy Hill

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The Private Pool Villas at Civilai Hill Khao Yai

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B&B Forest Hill Khao Yai

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Villa Pitak Private Pool Villa Khaoyai

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Sala Khaoyai

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Khao Yai National Park Entrance Fee

Entrance Fee for Thai Residents -

Price for adults: 40 THB

Entrance Fee for Foreign Nationals -

Price for adults: 400 THB

Price for children under 14 years: 200 THB

Others Expenses Include:

Bicycle: 10 THB
Motorbikes: 30 THB
Cars: 50 THB

Please Note: Foreign nationals living in Thailand must have a valid Thai passport or a Thai ID. Work permits, student car, or driving license won’t be accepted if they enter the park as a Thai resident.

Also, the entrance fee for the park must be paid on the days one enters the park. If a visitor chooses to leave the park and enter later during the day, the fee need not be paid again.

Khao Yai National Park Tours

1. One-day Wildlife Tour

Prices start from 1,600 - 5,400 THB per person

2. One-day Wildlife Tour with a Night Safari

Prices start from 1,900 - 6,400 THB per person

3. One and Half Days of Wildlife Tour

Prices start from 2,400 - 8,800 THB per person

4. Two Days of Wildlife Tour

Prices start from 3,300 - 11,700 THB per person

5. Two and Half Days of Wildlife Tour

Prices start from 4,100 - 14,800 THB per person

6. Three Days of Wildlife Tour

Prices start from 5,200 - 16,800 THB per person

7. Birdwatching Tours

Prices start from 2,000 - 7,200 THB per person

Tips While Visiting Khao Yai National Park

The best way to see around the park is through guided tours or private tours.
Because of its popularity over the weekends, it is best to visit the park during the weekdays.
Never feed the animals inside the park.
Carry a sweater as it tends to get cooler within the park, because of its location.
If visitors are travelling without guides, it is best to carry a working compass and a map.
Steer clear from the wild elephants traversing through the same route.
Carry leech socks or wear full pants to avoid leeches hanging onto the legs.
Wear comfortable shoes as hiking/trekking would be involved.
Drink plenty of water and carry an extra bottle of water.
Be careful while cycling because of the narrow roads.
Carry appropriate bathing suits.

Wildlife in Khao Yai National Park

There are several species found in the land of Khao Yai National Park. Some of them include -

1. Mammals

Elephants, gaurs, deers, wild boars, gibbons, squirrels, Bengal slow loris, Indochinese serow, porcupines, bears, golden cat, jackal, leopard cat, Indochinese tiger, civets, badgers, mongoose, otters, and so many more.

2. Reptiles

Pythons, cobras, kraits, vipers, keelbacks, oriental vine snake, brahminy blind snake, rat snake, monitors, forest lizards, and geckos among many others.

3. Birds

Hornbills, jungle fowls, firebacks, bazas, kites, eagles, kingfishers, osprey, trogon, nightjars, broadbills, Indian roller, dollar bird, green magpie, scarlet minivet, sultan tit, crimson sunbird, pittas, and hundreds more.

History of Khao Yai National Park

Located in western Sankamphaeng Mountain Range in Thailand, Khao Yai National Park was established in 1962 and covers a good stretch of over 2,100 square kilometres. Before functioning as an active National Park, Khao Yai was home to several fugitives from the years 1922 to 1932. Because of this, the government had to relocate the Tambon Khao Yai villagers and sealed off the region. In 1959, after careful assessment, the government announced that the national park could be created. That’s how Khao Yai National Park was born and became the very first national park in Thailand. To this day, this park is sought after as one of the most visited national parks in the country.

Shopping in Khao Yai National Park

Within the visiting center, there is a souvenir shop selling t-shirts, caps, etc, and most importantly, leech-socks for trekkers to prevent leech getting into the shoes.

Suggested Itinerary for Khao Yai National Park

2-3 Day Itinerary (Either 2 or 3 Days)

Being a national park, Khao Yai National Park won’t require a particular itinerary. Visitors have the option to choose private tours, or they can take a day or two to explore on their own.

Day 1 - Arrive at the park. Drive to the Khao Yai visitor centre. Start hiking through trail #1. Grab lunch. Continue hiking through trail #2, which leads to Haew Suwat. Later in the evening, opt for a night safari.

Day 2 - Hire a park ranger for a guide and go on an early morning guided trek to Nong Pak Chi Observation Tower through trail #5 or trail #3. Follow the hike with a delicious meal. Later, drive to some of the highlights within the park, like Pha Diew Die Viewpoint, Haew Narok waterfall, PB Valley, or Palio.

Day 3 - Indulge in one last trek through trail #4 before departing.

Best Time to Visit Khao Yai National Park

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How to Reach Khao Yai National Park

How to Reach Overview

You can travel by road to any of the four provinces from Bangkok. A drive from Bangkok to Pak Chong is most reccomended. From Pak Chong to the park, there are songthaew, taxi and motorbike services available.

How to reach Khao Yai National Park by flight

You have to reach Bangkok via air from your respective city, then drive to Pak Chong, and then a songthaew to the park.

How to reach Khao Yai National Park by bus

You can take a bus from Bangkok to Pak Chong which takes 3-4 hours and costs 150 Baht.

Local transport in Khao Yai National Park

The roads in Khao Yai National Park are extremely well maintained. The best way to look around is to rent a motorcycle from Pak Chong costing around 300 Baht per day. Some travellers often hitchhike in the park too.

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Khao Yai National Park Photos

Chet Sao Noi Waterfall - Located in Khao Yai National Park

Herd of Elephants, Khao Yai National Park

Suspension Bridge at Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

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FAQs on Khao Yai National Park

What are the places near Khao yai national park?

The top places near to Khao yai national park are Bangkok which is 120 km from Khao yai national park, Pattaya which is located 176 km from Khao yai national park, Hua hin which is located 258 km from Khao yai national park, Ayutthaya which is located 84 km from Khao yai national park, Nakhon ratchasima which is located 98 km from Khao yai national park

What is the best way to reach Khao yai national park?

What is the local food in Khao yai national park?

There are a number of cafes and mini food stalls distributed inside the park. Most of them are not open out of season. They offer snacks, drinks, some Thai food, and some have an English menu too. Outside the park, Thanarat road has many restaurants and food stalls, some very famous for smoked ribs. Nina's is a well known restaurant with an English and Thai menu.
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What is the best time to visit Khao yai national park?

The best time to visit Khao Yai National Park is from November to April, when the climatic conditions are most favourable. In this period, the weather is pretty cool and there is no rain to hamper travel within the park.

Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers will be blessed to witness the migration of birds that happen from March to April. Visitors can also catch glimpses of Southeast Asian elephants roaming around the dense vegetation park during the months of winter - November to February.
Read More

What is famous about Khao yai national park?

Because of the vastness, the park offers plenty of outdoor activities including wildlife watching, hiking, exploring stunning waterfalls, and outdoor camping.
There’s a scenic hilltop that overlooks Khao Yai District.
For mountain bikers and cyclists, the park offers numerous challenging terrains.
The park is well-maintained, clean, and is taken care of by the park rangers.
Visitors can find clean toilets, an information centre, camping grounds, food courts, marked trails, medical stations, proper signboards, excellent roads, research stations, and a vast parking space, among others.
Budget and luxury accommodation are located near the park.

What is not so good about Khao yai national park?

The pricing for foreign nationals is quite expensive (400 THB).
In certain waterfalls, swimming isn’t allowed.
It can get crowded over the weekends and on national holidays.

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Khao Yai National Park Reviews

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Khao Yai National Park

Top Hotel Collections

Khao Yai National Park Travel Essentials

"The Big Mountain"

Khao Yai National Park Tourism

Things to do in Khao Yai National Park

1. Trekking/Hiking

2. Wildlife

3. Wineries

4. Khao Yai Art Museum

5. Scenical World

6. Haew Suwat Waterfall

Top Hotels In Khao Yai National Park

More on Khao Yai National Park Travel

Khao Yai National Park Entrance Fee

Khao Yai National Park Tours

Tips While Visiting Khao Yai National Park

Wildlife in Khao Yai National Park

History of Khao Yai National Park

Shopping in Khao Yai National Park

Suggested Itinerary for Khao Yai National Park

Best Time to Visit Khao Yai National Park

Nearby Places

How to Reach Khao Yai National Park

How to Reach Overview

How to reach Khao Yai National Park by flight

How to reach Khao Yai National Park by bus

Local transport in Khao Yai National Park

Browse Package Collections

Khao Yai National Park Photos

FAQs on Khao Yai National Park

What are the places near Khao yai national park?

What is the best way to reach Khao yai national park?

What is the local food in Khao yai national park?

What is the best time to visit Khao yai national park?

What is famous about Khao yai national park?

What is not so good about Khao yai national park?

Have a Question on Khao Yai National Park?

Khao Yai National Park Reviews

Similar Places

Khao Yai National Park

Top Hotel Collections

Khao Yai National Park Travel Essentials

"The Big Mountain"

Khao Yai National Park Tourism

Things to do in Khao Yai National Park

1. Trekking/Hiking

2. Wildlife

3. Wineries

4. Khao Yai Art Museum

5. Scenical World

6. Haew Suwat Waterfall

Top Hotels In Khao Yai National Park

More on Khao Yai National Park Travel

Khao Yai National Park Entrance Fee

Khao Yai National Park Tours

Tips While Visiting Khao Yai National Park

Wildlife in Khao Yai National Park

History of Khao Yai National Park

Shopping in Khao Yai National Park

Suggested Itinerary for Khao Yai National Park

Best Time to Visit Khao Yai National Park

Nearby Places

How to Reach Khao Yai National Park

How to Reach Overview

How to reach Khao Yai National Park by flight

How to reach Khao Yai National Park by bus

Local transport in Khao Yai National Park

Browse Package Collections

Nearby Destinations for Packages

Khao Yai National Park Photos

FAQs on Khao Yai National Park

What are the places near Khao yai national park?

What is the best way to reach Khao yai national park?

What is the local food in Khao yai national park?

What is the best time to visit Khao yai national park?

What is famous about Khao yai national park?

What is not so good about Khao yai national park?

Have a Question on Khao Yai National Park?

Khao Yai National Park Reviews

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