A WEEKEND IN KHAO YAI

Looking for a getaway to do during your weekend? And why not go and discover the fauna and flora of Khao Yai National Park? 😍

KHAO YAI

Less than 200 km from the bustling Bangkok is the Khao Yai National Park. If you want to escape for a weekend and escape the noise of the capital, only 2 hours drive will take you to this haven of peace.

The Khao Yai National Park covers an area of 2,168 km² and extends over four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok. It is very popular because it is home to the largest monsoon forest in Asia.

A true environmental treasure with a unique fauna and flora on the continent, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ASEAN National Heritage.

THE ACTIVITIES OF KHAO YAI

💦 HAEW NAROK & HAEW SUWAT

One of the park’s most popular attractions is the waterfalls of Haew Narok and Haew Suwat. They are known for their beauty, of course, but mostly because they appear in the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio.

⛰ KHAO ROM

The highest peak in Khao Yai is the Khao Rom, which rises to more than 1,351 meters. Thanks to this height, the park has more than 2000 types of plants. Thus, we can observe different species according to the height reached: rainforests, mixed, persistent or deciduous.

🍷 PB VALLEY

An unusual activity in Thailand is at Khao Yai Park, wine tasting and visiting vineyards in the PB Valley. Discover how wine is made and enjoy a good meal accompanied by the perfect wine in front of a panoramic view.

💧 BAN THA CHANG SPRINGS

Part of the Lam Takong River, the Tha Chang Spring offers you a unique nature show: crystal clear blue water with artificial waterfalls flowing into several basins. Enjoy a swim after a long walk.

🍃 PIROM CAFÉ

This cafe is one of the places to be discovered absolutely once in Khao Yai. In addition to offering the best teas in the area, you can also enjoy unobstructed views of the sparkling lake and distant labyrinths.

🌚 KHAO LUK CHANG BAT CAVE

The wineries of Khao Luk Chang offer a show that you will have the opportunity to live once in your life. Watch 2 million bats pass through the beautiful sunset between 5 pm and 6:30 pm.

🌳 PETE MAZE

Alice’s Wonderland exists in Khao Yai … at Pete’s maze. Browse its paths under the sun of Thailand and admire the life-size cups of tea.      

🌻 SARABURI SUNFLOWERS FIELD

If you want to end your afternoon in style, nothing better than strolling in the Saraburi field filled with sunflowers.

⛪ PALIO KHAO YAI

The picturesque village of Palio is waiting for you in Khao Yai. Escape for an afternoon and enjoy these moments to go shopping in this charming little Tuscan-themed place.

HOW TO GO TO KHAO YAI?

The main access point to Khao Yai National Park is the city of Pak Chong, easily accessible from Bangkok.

🚍 VIA MINIBUS

You can get to Pak Chong from Bangkok, from Victory Monument station where minibuses leave every two hours for 180 baht.

🚍 VIA BUS

You can get to Pak Chong from Bangkok, from Mo Chit station from where buses leave every half hour for 180 baht.

Once in Pak Chong, you will be able to go to Khao Yai thanks to the songthaew which pass there every half hour along the Thanarad road until the official entrance of the park. If you prefer to go there on your own, you can rent a motorbike in Pak Chong, which will cost between 300 and 400 baht.

Note that the entrance to the park will cost you 400 baht – 10 € – for an adult, and 200 baht – 5 € – for a child.

WHAT TO DO ONCE ARRIVED IN KHAO YAI?

Once there, you will meet the park staff who will provide you with maps and general information. You can also rent bicycles, enjoy a food court, buy souvenirs in the park shop or visit the museum.

HOW TO MOVE WITHIN KHAO YAI?

You will be able to make the decision to go for a walk by yourself inside the park and discover its many trails. It is nevertheless advisable to take a guide for those wishing to optimize their discovery time in order to see as much as possible. You can find one at the park entrance for 500 Baht for a whole day.

THE WILDLIFE OF KHAO YAI

🐵 THE MAMMALS

Khao Yai has more than 70 species of mammals including: bears, tigers, macaques, porcupines, deer, tigers, wild pigs, etc … and bats nestled in its caves.

🐘 THE WILD ELEPHANTS

The symbol of Thailand, the elephant, has also found refuge in the Khao Yai National Park. In total freedom, the wild elephants of the park have no limits, so it is risky to get too close. It’s a show to enjoy … by far.

🐦 THE BIRDS

More than 300 species of birds also populate the park and live in harmony with other land animals.

🐛 THE INSECTS AND THE REPTILES

The usual lizards of Thailand have taken up residence in Khao Yai, cohabiting with all kinds of mini animals such as vipers, spiders or other snakes. To approach taking care!

… KHAO YAI in some images. 👇