Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park is famous for being Thailand’s oldest national park, and one of Asia’s best, making it an extremely popular tourist destination for both foreigners and Thais alike. The park covers an area of 2,165 square kilometers, making it Thailand’s third-largest national park and an obligatory stop on the tour itineraries in the Bangkok area.

Khao Yai National Park was first established in 1962 as Thailand’s first national park. Its original purpose was to conserve the area’s native plants and animals while also serving as a source of recreation for people living nearby. In 2005, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible biodiversity and unique geological features like limestone mountains and caves. The park is now home to over 3,000 species of plants and 300 species of animals—including many endangered species—making it a truly unique destination worth exploring.

Being part of the Dongrak Range, the park covers a varied terrain resulting in five distinctly different vegetation zones. Its highest peak, Khao Rom, is 1,351 meters above sea level. The mountain range separates the plateau in the northeast (Isaan) from the main Thai central plain; and is a popular weekend playground for Bangkokians. The park headquarters is located approximately 200 km from Bangkok in the heart of the park, but there are several other campgrounds as well as a couple of reservoirs and the Nong Phak Chi watchtower.

Tourist Attractions

Waterfalls

The biggest draw is the many waterfalls spread out across the park.

Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall

Located in the Khao Yai National Park, Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder that will make you feel refreshed with its magnificent scenery. Its water source from Huai Lam Takhong adds to its charm. To get there, you should get by car to the Pha Kluai Mai tent yard and then walk for a few minutes on the well-marked trails through lush greenery. What really sets this waterfall apart is the variety of orchids in the surrounding area, hence what the locals named it after. It’s definitely worth taking a trip out here to experience one of Thailand’s most stunning waterfalls!

Haew Narok Waterfall

Nestled in the Khao Yai National Park is the majestic Haew Narok Waterfall. Created by the Tha Dan canal, the waterfall cascades down 200 meters making it one of the tallest natural marvels in all of Thailand. Before the completion of Prachin Buri – Khao Yai road, visitors had to endure a 6-hour trek to get to Haew Narok, but now a trip there can be accomplished with ease as the road goes by it. Those who are looking for a breathtaking view and plentiful nature can find them at this stunningly beautiful destination, as it only takes one kilometer of driving on the said road to arrive at its parking lot.

Kong Kaeo and Haew Suwat

The nearest to the HQ is the Kong Kaeo waterfall, but the best is probably Haew Suwat, which is featured in the movie The Beach. It’s at the end of a sealed road that reaches the eastern edge of the park, where you will find several other falls. A trio is also found at the southwest corner, though less accessible from the park network. The park HQ has basic facilities such as toilets, campgrounds, restaurants, and food vendors.

🌴 BEST KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK TOURS

Flora and Fauna

The wildlife and diverse vegetation here make Khao Yai National Park a nature lover’s paradise. You’ll have to look hard to spot animals here these days, but tropical evergreen forest covers most of the park beneath which are some 3,000 different species of plants; a truly spectacular sight. At least nine well-maintained hiking trails are marked from the HQ or Haew Sawat Waterfalls entrance (taking up to five hours). Another rewarding activity is mountain biking, but unless you have your own bike and some trail maps you’re better off taking a tour with Spiceroads.

The higher peaks are covered with dry evergreen forests and the lower-lying parts of the hills have grasslands. There are over 70 different mammal species in the park. Sambar and barking deer are seen often on the grasslands and some visitors get a real treat by spotting gibbons on walking trips.

Elephants are becoming less common for visitors to spot but there are still some around. Bird life is everywhere in Khao Yai as there are over 320 avian species on record. Over one million bats have made caves here their home and it really is an electrifying experience to witness them billowing out at dusk.

Weather

The park enjoys cooler temperatures than most of Thailand, due to its higher elevation, and this is another reason that it remains popular as a holiday destination. The average temperature is 23°C and the rainy season lasts from May until October, with the waterfalls, particularly stunning during this time. The winter season from November to February can get rather cool, especially in the evenings when temperatures of 9 or 10°C are common. From March to April the summer tends to be hot and dry but still notably cooler than the rest of Thailand with temperatures reaching the high 20s to low 30s. The waterfalls are far less impressive at this time.

Transportation to Khao Yai

The best option is to hire a car and take Highway 2 two-and-a-half hours northeast to Khorat. Just before reaching Pak Chong take a right onto 2090 towards Nakhon Nayok.

You can also catch a bus to Khorat (leaving from the Northern Bus terminal in Mor Chit every 15 minutes) and get off at Pak Chong, where you can switch to a songthaew minibus in front of the 7-Eleven store, which takes you to the park HQ. Over weekends there are also limited direct buses from Mor Chit to the park HQ.

Traveling from Chiang Mai? Check out how to get from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Ratchasima.

Hotels in Khao Yai

Khao Yai National Park is a destination worth visiting with its stunning nature and luxurious accommodation that’s become increasingly popular in recent years. With world-renowned Thai hospitality, visitors can stay in an array of hotels ranging from budget to luxury, all offering beautiful views of the surrounding park setting. Whether visitors prefer to stay in boutique hotels, glamping sites, or eco-friendly resorts, there is an accommodation style to match their desires. Furthermore, most places also provide delicious local cuisine and activities such as trekking and birdwatching so that visitors can fully appreciate and take advantage of their unique experience in Khao Yai National Park.

Lala Mukha Tented Resort Khao Yai

Lala Mukha Tented Resort Khao Yai is an amazing place to stay! It offers 4-star accommodations and modern amenities, all at a fantastic price. The resort itself is located in the heart of the city, ensuring you can make the most of your stay. The front desk is open 24 hours a day, allowing you to check in or ask any questions whenever you need help. 

Inside this luxurious resort, there are excellent breakfast options, BBQ facilities, and a swimming pool. If that doesn’t meet expectations, you will be delighted by the incredible panoramic view out onto the city that can be enjoyed from your own terrace. Additionally, as if this wasn’t enough to guarantee an unforgettable stay – parking is even provided for guests; completely free of charge! Located within 107.5 kilometers from the airport, it has never been easier to explore the amazing sights and sounds of Khao Yai National Park.

Hansar Thai Wellness

Hansar Thai Wellness offers a luxurious experience for all of its guests. With a three-star rating, visitors can expect beautiful views and a sparkling clean environment, with excellent amenities like their on-site restaurant, fitness center, and massage room. Guests can also make use of the free Wi-Fi in every room, luggage storage services, express check-in/out services, and bicycle rental. For those looking to relax even further, there is a steam room available on the property! Together these features provide an unforgettable getaway for those looking for something special in Thailand.