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Khao Yai National Park is located 200 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, Thailand, and southwest of Nakhon Ratchasima. Minibuses are available from Pak Chong Bus Station to the park's main entrance.
Khao Yai National Park, also known as "Big Mountain National Park" in Chinese, is a large natural park in northeastern Thailand and a wildlife sanctuary.
Khao Yai National Park began to be developed and constructed in 1959, and a mountain road was built to reach the highest viewing point in the entire park.
The park's highest peak, Qiaofeng, stands at 1,351 meters above sea level. The mountain is home to many majestic waterfalls, the most famous of which are Suyue Waterfall and Gongjiao Waterfall.
Tropical monsoon climate, suitable for all seasons
one day
Adults 200 Baht, children 100 Baht.
All day
Khao Yai National Park, established in 1962, is one of Thailand's oldest and most important national parks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its rich biodiversity, covering more than 2,000 square kilometers of tropical rainforest, grasslands, and mountains.
Khao Yai National Park is located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, about 2.5 hours northeast of Bangkok by car. You can take a bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Pak Chong and then use a taxi or local transport to reach the park.
The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February, when the weather is more pleasant and wildlife is more active.
The entrance fee is 400 THB for foreigners and 40 THB for Thai nationals. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance, and no online booking is required.
There is no need to book tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance on the day of your visit.
To fully explore the park, including hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and waterfalls, you should allocate at least 1-2 days. If you're planning a shorter visit, a half-day trip is still worthwhile for key highlights like the waterfalls and viewpoints.
Guided tours are available at Khao Yai, and most guides speak English and Thai. Audio guides are not typically available, but private tour guides can be hired for a more in-depth experience.
The best viewpoints are from the park’s higher trails, such as near the entrance to Haew Narok Waterfall, and the scenic drives through the park. Sunset and sunrise views from the mountain ridges offer great photo opportunities.
Start your visit at the park's main entrance and explore the Haew Narok Waterfall. From there, continue to the scenic viewpoints and take a hike along one of the easier trails, such as the Nong Pak Chi Nature Trail, to spot wildlife. End your visit with a drive through the park to explore more remote areas.
Night visits are not allowed in most areas of the park. However, guided night safari tours are available for wildlife spotting, such as nocturnal animals like owls, civets, and wild boars.
The park can get busy during weekends and holidays, especially during the high season (November to February). The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays or in the off-season months (May to October), when there is more rain but fewer tourists.
There are toilets and rest areas scattered throughout the park. Food and water can be bought at local shops near the park entrance. There are also a few small restaurants around the park’s visitor centers.
Many of the park's trails are rugged and may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. However, some of the viewpoints and areas near the visitor centers are accessible. It's recommended to check with the park staff about the best routes for easier access.
Cash is required for park entrance fees, as most areas do not accept credit cards or mobile payments. It's advisable to carry enough cash for the duration of your visit.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the restaurants around the park. Halal food can be found in Pak Chong, particularly in the town's Muslim-owned restaurants.
Souvenir shops near the park sell local handicrafts, t-shirts, and items related to Khao Yai’s wildlife. Popular souvenirs include handmade wooden crafts and bottled fruit juices from local farms.
From Khao Yai, you can take a taxi or private car back to Bangkok. Alternatively, public buses are available from Pak Chong to Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
