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Khao Yai National Park travel guide
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Khao Yai National Park
Thailand’s oldest and most visited national park is up on the podium with some of Asia’s greatest parks and is undoubtedly worth the UNESCO World Heritage title. Luckily, it’s one of the easiest parks to visit independently. With more than 2100 square kilometers, Khao Yai National Park has it all: lush forest, stunning mountain ranges, exotic wildlife, emerald waterfalls, and the list goes on. The park is open from 6 AM to 6 PM all year. To find your way to Khao Yai, take a bus or train to Pak Chong, the closest town to the park, where the daily market is worth a visit. Make sure to use the northern entrance to the park since the visitor center (8 AM to 9 PM) and campsites are closer and public transportation is easier. You can take a bus or taxi to the entrance gate. If you’re up to an adventure, rent a motorbike in Pak Chong to get around.
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best things to do in Khao Yai National Park
the highlights
A trip to Khao Yai offers something for everyone. Be sure to visit the three-tiered Haew Narok or Haew Suwat Waterfall to cool off and maybe spot some gray giants.
Speaking of elephants, wildlife at Khao Yai is undoubtedly the main attraction for many visitors. To catch sight of the park’s impressive fauna, travelers can hike independently, hire a park ranger, or join a tour, climb the Nong Pak Chi Tower during morning and evening hours, or take a night safari.
Jumping on a pick-up truck and rushing over dirt roads during the night is an adventure in itself. Catching sight of nocturnal animals and observing their behavior is the cherry on top and should not be missed while in Khao Yai. Safaris last around one hour, starting from 7 PM and can be arranged at the visitor center.
For more evening fun, visit Khao Luk Chang Bat Cave before sunset to witness a spectacle when a massive band of nocturnal creatures fills the sky. Hiking or renting a park ranger are options to make your way to the cave.
While Khao Yai can be visited during a day trip, staying overnight is a great opportunity for those who want to enjoy the park in all its glory. Tents, blankets, and sleeping bags can be rented inside the park, and food is available in the park’s restaurants.
hiking guide to khao Yai National Park
Compact hiking guide
Khao Yai is a hiker’s paradise with over 50 km of trails throughout the park. Climbing up Khao Laem or Khao Khiau during a day trip provides a spectacular view of the jungle and its surroundings, as these are two of the highest peaks in the national park.
There are six different trails to choose from in Khao Yai, suitable for hikers of all fitness levels. Detailed information and accessibility updates about the trails can be found at the visitor center, but keep in mind that this information changes frequently.
- 1.2 km 1-hour loop around the visitor center. Simple and no guide required. Gibbons and birds.
- 3 km 2-hour one-way Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall to Haew Suwat Waterfall hike. No guide is required. Transport back to the starting point might be pre-arranged. Hitchhiking back to the starting point is possible.
- 3.3 km 2-hour hike to Nong Pak Chi Wildlife Observation Tower. Independent or with a guide. Chance of spotting elephants during dusk and dawn.
- 2.7 km 1.5-hour hike to the reservoir. Great for birdwatching. Guide recommended.
- 5 km 3-hour hike to Nong Pak Chi Wildlife Observation Center. Guide recommended. A combination with trial 3 is possible.
- 8 km 5-hour trek to Haew Suwat Waterfall. Guide required.