Khao Yai National Park

Across Thailand there are close to 150 National parks. Their undisputed king is Khao Yai Nature Reserve. It was established in 1962 and thus became in fact the first of its kind. In 2005, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khao Yai Park is a peaceful and pastoral place that covers a huge area of ​​thousands of square kilometers. It is home to over 2,000 species of plants, 300 species of birds, 70 species of reptiles and about 70 species of mammals. It contains waterfalls, caves, walking paths and diverse attractions. All of these make it a spectacular and fun destination suitable for the whole family, And you simply must not miss it on a trip.

How to get there?

Khao Yai Park is about 200 kilometers away from the capital Bangkok, in the northeastern region of Thailand. It spans two provinces, so the southern entrance to it is in Prachin Buri, and the northern entrance is in Nakhon Ratchasima. Travelers often choose to go to the north entrance, which is closer to the park's visitor center and campsite.

The town of Pak Chong is the starting point for the park. To get there from Bangkok you can take a train, the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima line, or a bus From Bangkok North Terminal – Mo Chit terminal (about 4 hours drive). From there there are local buses, mini-vans or taxis that will take you to the park (about 40 minutes drive). If you have a private car, it is about a two and a half hour drive.

The travel agencies in Bangkok sell trip packages to the park that include various attractions and round-trip transportation. These are usually daily tours that leave Bangkok early in the morning and return at night.

Recommended hotels nearby

Most visitors to the park choose to come on a day trip from Bangkok. If you want to see more of the magical place and you are one of those who like to spend the night in nature, you should consider staying at the campsites in the area. Visitors can rent tents, blankets and sleeping bags in the park, so you don't have to load up with movables. Make sure you don't leave food outside, because the monkeys in the park are hungry at night...

If you want to stay close but spend the night in more comfortable and pampering conditions, another option is staying at a hotel in one of the cities near the park. Around the park there is a variety of hotels in wide price ranges. A recommended luxury hotel in the area is Thames Valley Khao Yai resort, which contains a spa, pool and elegant rooms. They are slightly simpler but still pampering hotels Anyamanee-Khaoyai Nature Life Resort, TonSilp Art Home and-The Vintage Hotel Khao Yai that offer comfortable accommodation in rooms with a garden view, restaurants inside the hotel and a pool. The cheapest and most convenient option is the hotel Rim Tarn Inn, which is right next to the train station of the nearby town of Pak Chong.

In any case, you should reserve a place in advance at the hotel of your choice, and do it as early as possible so that you can find the right hotel for you and not have to compromise. Here are more recommended hotels in the city of Bangkok:

Attractions in Khao Yai Park

tracks

The best way to experience the park and see as much as possible is by foot. There are a variety of routes, of different lengths and degrees of difficulty. At the visitor center at the entrance to the site, you can hire qualified guides to help you find your way through the tangled jungle. The cost of hiring a guide ranges from 500 to 1,000 baht, depending on the length of the route. For those who prefer to navigate on their own, there is an option to go on an independent trek and follow the marked trails, but it may not be easy.

Night safari

There are several travel companies that operate night tours in the park, a fun and unique experience. The tour is usually conducted in a large vehicle in which you will board with a few other group members. During the trip, the guide will direct you where to look, highlight points of interest and make stops at different places in the park. The cost of such an activity is around 500 baht.

waterfalls

In Khao Yai Park there are no less than 44 impressive waterfalls, including those you thought you only see in movies. The most famous waterfall is called Haew Suwat. It is popular due to the fact that it was used as a filming location for the Hollywood classic "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The largest waterfall in the park is Haew Narok, which rises to a height of 150 meters and is actually divided into three waterfalls.

The waterfalls are usually accessible by car or motorcycle, they can also be combined with a trek.

Rafting

If you came to the park in the rainy season (June to October), you are lucky and you can have fun rafting in the Sai Yai River in the park. This is a level 4-5 rafting, which takes about an hour. The flow in the river is very fast and the conditions are not easy, therefore there is a requirement for safety instruction before departure and a close guide to navigate the kayaks.

Essential Information

opening times - The park gates are open from 6:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. Beyond these hours it is not possible to leave or enter, so if you are not planning to stay the night it is important to plan your day accordingly.

Prices - Entrance ticket to the park costs 400 baht.

Food and drinks - There are two restaurants inside the park, they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 16:00 p.m. In addition, scattered around the place are local stalls of Thai food, drinks and cut fruits. It is forbidden to bring alcoholic beverages into the park.

local services - There is no ATM inside the park, so you should stock up on cash in advance. Inside the park there is a first aid center and a local police station.

Training - At the park's visitor center you will find English-speaking guides, explanatory brochures on the options for attractions and accommodation, as well as free maps that will help you find your way around the place. In addition, the center contains a small museum, souvenir shop and bicycle rental. It is open daily from 8:00 to 21:00.