Khao Yai
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Spanning over 2,168 sqm, Khao Yai is the Kingdom’s oldest and most visited national park. A part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is located in the northern part of Nakhon Nayok province, and only 2.5 hours away from Bangkok, Khao Yai National Park is easily accessible even for a day trip. A two-night is highly recommended though to really get a feel of the relaxing green surroundings.
The highest peak is Yod Khao Kiew at 1,292 meters above sea level and an excellent place for hiking. Further south, white water rafting enthusiasts will enjoy the river plain formed by the Nakhon Nayok River. It is also home to a number of animals, including elephants, gaur, deer, and porcupines, as well as birds such as hornbills, woodpeckers, drongos, barbets etc.
Khao Yai has a hot, a rainy, and a cold season, with temperatures oscillating from 10ºC to 30ºC. This makes it a favorable area to produce the wines and visiting surrounding wineries are a popular activity in this area.
If you are looking for a wedding destination with a lush national park, wildlife wineries, top accommodation and a cool climate, Khao Yai has it all.
Do
Go hiking in the Khao Yai National Park
Play a round of golf at Kirimaya or Toscana
Do a wine tasting at PB Valley Winery and GranMonte Vineyard & Winery
Go for a horse trail ride at Farm Mor Por
Take an art class at Secret Art Garden
Take local Thai cooking lessons
Go on a night safari
Go
Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram, Wat Pa Phu Hai Long
Nakhon Nayok River
Wang Takrai waterfall
Khao Yai floating market
Ban Dong Lakhon
Khao Yai Art Museum
Dan Kwian Pottery Village
Pak Thong Chai Silk Village
Go on a tour of the Jim Thompson farm
Eat
Somtam (papaya salad) and grilled chicken can be found widely around the area, as well as in the neighbouring Nakhon Ratchasima province. There are also a few steakhouses and shopping malls offering Thai and international cuisine. Don’t forget to taste some local wines produced in the valley.
Ribbs Man
Midwinter Green
Prime 19
The Chocolate Factory
Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank
Farm Chokchai
Vincotto
Dairy Home
Drink or Play
Being a nature- and wildlife-oriented destination, Khao Yai is rather quiet when it comes to nightlife, despite a few resorts where bars may be open until late. The best party you’ll probably find will be with your own music and around your tent, if you’re camping. BYOB as the sale of alcohol is prohibited in the national park.
Shop
A few shopping malls and outlets offer a leisurely shopping and dining experience in Khao Yai, focusing on Thai decorative elements and food products.
Recommended Hotels
Insider Tips
- Winter (from November to February) is a popular time to visit due to the cooler, drier weather. During these months, the landscape is very green, the waterfalls are full, and it’s also more likely to spot wild elephants and hornbills in the park.
- Go on a boat trip on the lake above the dam.
- The hottest months in Khao Yai are March and April and it gets very crowded, especially around Songkran, in mid-April
Getting There
Khao Yai is easily accessible by road from Bangkok; the best way to get there is either to hire a car or a taxi with a driver. Several public bus companies also operate between Bangkok and Nakhon Nayok daily.