We’ve visited Khao Yai many times, both because it’s a great place to explore in Thailand and because it’s conveniently located on the way to my wife’s hometown in Isaan. When we drive there, we often stop for a night or two in Khao Yai to break up the long journey. If you’re looking for fresh air and mountain views just a few hours from Bangkok (usually about 3 hours, depending on traffic), Khao Yai is definitely a top choice.
Getting around the Khao Yai area can be tricky without a car, so it’s important to plan in advance and decide what you want to see. The national park itself is, of course, the main attraction, but there are plenty of things to see outside the park as well. We’ve visited the park multiple times and even camped there. However, we’ve also spent many stays in the Pak Chong area, north of the park, where you can enjoy the natural scenery of Khao Yai without venturing into the park itself. Pak Chong is where most of the resorts, restaurants, and attractions are located.
We usually try to find nice resorts offering promotions. On one trip, we were fortunate to stay at The Series Resort Khao Yai during its pre-opening. It was almost empty and much cheaper than it is now. We haven’t been back since—once you’ve had a 50% discount, paying the full price feels steep! At that time, the garden was still being landscaped, but it was already quite beautiful, with a small artificial stream. The infinity pool overlooking the natural landscape added to the sense of relaxation. We had the sala to ourselves, which made for a truly luxurious experience. The resort also featured some stunning trees that shed their leaves but were covered in vibrant yellow flowers (Golden Trumpet Tree or Tabebuia umbellata).
A luxurious 5-star resort nestled just north of the Khao Yai National Park. It offers a tranquil and relaxing getaway with modern amenities and breathtaking views of the surrounding limestone mountains. The resort features an outdoor infinity pool.
The entrance to Khao Yai National Park is about 20 minutes away from Pak Chong. From there, it’s roughly a 45-minute drive through mountainous forest to reach the park center. While the park is massive, only a limited area is open to visitors, mainly around the main road that cuts through the park from north to south, with several stops along the way.
If you’re observant, you can spot a lot of wildlife in the park, both during the day and at night. You’re almost guaranteed to see something—whether it’s mammals, birds, or smaller creatures. One thing to be aware of, especially during the rainy season, is the presence of leeches. I’ve never had an issue with them myself, and it’s really not a big deal if you do encounter one. Elephants are, of course, the biggest draw, and it’s not uncommon to see them, particularly along the road. You’ll also frequently spot deer and monkeys, especially macaques.
Just before one of our trips, there was a news story about a crocodile sighting in the park. I’m not sure if it was the same one, but we did spot a crocodile lying on the stones of a riverbank after walking about an hour down a trail alongside the river. We decided to keep our distance and, after taking some photos, turned back rather than risk getting too close.
The crocodile was moving, and you could sense that it could close the 10-meter gap between it and the trail quite quickly.
Seeing elephants is always a matter of luck, but when you do, it’s an incredible experience. Sometimes you can get really close, especially if they’re walking along the main road. We’ve seen several this way while sitting in the car. On one occasion, a huge male with large tusks walked just 20 centimeters away from our car window. We stayed quiet and still, and it passed by, though I’m sure it saw us!
Thailand’s oldest and one of its largest national parks. It spans four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Nayok, covering more than 2,000 square kilometers of forests, grasslands, and mountains. The park is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Khao Yai is known for its biodiversity, with over 300 bird species, including the great hornbill, and a variety of mammals like elephants, gibbons, even leopards and there might still be some tigers. Waterfalls such as Haew Narok and Haew Suwat, which appeared in the film The Beach, are popular attractions. The park also offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, camping, and guided tours for visitors.
After such an eventful day in the park, it was a real pleasure to relax in the hotel’s pool. The next morning, after enjoying a great breakfast, we took it easy and lounged around the resort. We also visited the nearby GranMonte Vineyard, which made for a laid-back afternoon, coming back for the afternoon tea at the pool, just the 4 of us with my parents.
A renowned vineyard and winery located next to the Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. It’s a popular destination for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. They offer vineyard tours, you can also just walk around and enjoy the scenic views. Of course also some wine tasting.
