Spending a weekend and a night in Khao Yai National Park offers a great mix of nature, wildlife, and adventure. We entered the park through the southern entry at Nakhon Nayok (2 hours 30 from Bangkok), and as we drove through the lush surroundings, we had an incredible experience—spotting a wild elephant crossing the road right in front of us. This was a thrilling way to start our trip and a reminder of the diverse wildlife that calls Khao Yai home.
Our destination was the park’s main campground, where we planned to spend the night. We arrived the Saturday in the morning when there was not much people. Not having our own camping gear, we rented a tent, sleeping bags, and even a local terracotta barbecue. We had prepared well, bringing along an icebox filled with steaks, sausages, and vegetables for grilling. However, upon returning to the campground later in the day, we found it completely packed. It was crowded with families and groups, so don’t expect to be alone in nature here. Luckily, we managed to secure a spot right next to the river, which gave us a bit more space and peace compared to being surrounded by people.
One thing to be cautious of at the campground is where you pitch your tent. Avoid setting up near the forest, as monkeys can be quite aggressive in their search for food, often rummaging through tents. We also learned the hard way that deer, which roam the campground fearlessly, are just as keen to grab a bite. After we gave one a bit of corn, it entered our tent, sniffing out some bread, and it took quite an effort to get the animal out—these creatures are massive!
Despite the crowds, the wildlife around the campground was fantastic. We saw great hornbills flying overhead—truly majestic birds that added to the beauty of the experience. As it was still winter, and with the campground located at a higher altitude, the night got pretty cold. We were glad to have rented sleeping bags and brought extra blankets, as the temperature dropped more than we expected.
During our time in the park, we hiked a few trails, visited some of the park’s famous waterfalls, took in breathtaking views from the viewpoints, and spent time at the Nong Phak Chi Wildlife Watching Tower, hoping to spot more of Khao Yai’s wildlife. The combination of scenic landscapes and diverse animal sightings made for a great escape from city life.
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.
A picturesque and well-known waterfall located within Khao Yai National Park. It cascades from a height of about 20 meters into a pool below, surrounded by lush greenery. The waterfall gained additional fame as a filming location for the movie The Beach.
Accessible via a short hike through the forest, Haew Suwat is ideal for those looking to explore the park’s rich biodiversity. Swimming is not allowed at the base of the waterfall . The surrounding trails provide a chance to encounter wildlife and enjoy the peaceful, scenic atmosphere of the park.
A popular spot for observing wildlife within Khao Yai National Park. The tower is accessible via a short walking trail (half an hour) from the park’s main road, the tower overlooks a large grassland and a salt lick, which attract various animals, especially during the early morning and late afternoon. From this elevated vantage point, visitors can often spot wild elephants, deer, and occasionally other wildlife such as gaur, wild boars, and various bird species.
