An Overview of Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park, located about 180 km northeast of Bangkok, is Thailand’s first national park, established in 1962. Spanning 2,206 km² across four provinces—Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Nayok— it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich biodiversity and spectacular landscapes.
The park is home to dense rainforests, open grasslands, and vital watersheds, supporting over 350 rare species of plants and animals. With its cooler climate and diverse ecosystems, Khao Yai is a year-round escape from city life.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Who Is Khao Yai For?
🌿 Nature & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Khao Yai offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Its vast grasslands, mountain ranges, and tropical forests provide shelter to elephants, gibbons, and countless bird species. Over 200 km² of nature trails invite visitors to enjoy camping, hiking, and even night treks to experience the park after dark.
👨👩👧 Families & Children
Families will find plenty of kid-friendly activities, from gentle waterfall hikes to scenic viewpoints and guided night safaris. The park also organizes educational programs such as birdwatching, eco-learning workshops, and forest survival courses, making it both fun and educational for children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For photographers, Khao Yai is a dream destination. The park has been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) with more than 282 bird species, including hornbills, pittas, and cuckoos. Add to that dramatic waterfalls, lush forests, and panoramic viewpoints, and you have endless opportunities for breathtaking shots.
Best Times to Visit
Thanks to its elevation and natural setting, Khao Yai enjoys a refreshing climate year-round. However, each season brings a different charm:
- June – October (Rainy Season): Verdant greenery, powerful waterfalls, active wildlife, and fewer visitors.
- November – February (Cool Season): Mild weather ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration.
- March – April (Hot Season): Warmer days, excellent for birdwatching (though some waterfalls may dry up).
- May: Comfortable temperatures around 26–27°C.
- December – January: Cool and dry, with occasional dips below 10°C.
Natural Wonders of Khao Yai
🌊 Waterfalls to Discover
- Haew Narok Waterfall: The park’s tallest at 150 m, dramatic but unsuitable for swimming due to steep terrain.
- Haew Suwat Waterfall: A 25 m cascade over volcanic rock, with a cave revealed in the dry season.
- Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall: Known for its orchids blooming in the dry season; a hotspot for birdwatchers.
- Kong Kaew Waterfall: Small but beautiful during the rainy season, with a charming rope bridge nearby.
🐘 Wildlife & Flora
Khao Yai is teeming with life:
- Mammals: More than 70 species, including elephants, gibbons, and deer.
- Birds: Over 280 species, both resident and migratory.
- Insects: A staggering 105,000+ species, though only about 10% have been identified.
Must-Do Activities in Khao Yai
🚶 Hiking
There are seven official hiking trails ranging from short, family-friendly walks to challenging treks:
- Visitor Center – Kong Kaew Waterfall (1 hr, easy)
- Pha Kluai Mai Campsite – Haew Suwat (2 hrs)
- Km 33 – Nong Phak Chi (2.5–3 hrs)
- Dong Tiw – Sai Sorn Reservoir (1.5–2 hrs)
- Dong Tiw – Nong Phak Chi (3 hrs)
- Visitor Center – Haew Suwat (6 hrs, guide recommended)
- Thai-American Friendship Trail (1.5 hrs)
⛺ Camping
The main campsite, Lam Ta Khong, is a riverside meadow where you may spot otters, monkeys, and deer. Tent rentals and modern facilities are available, making it easy to stay overnight.
🌙 Night Safari
Guided night safaris allow you to see nocturnal wildlife such as elephants, civets, porcupines, owls, and nightjars in their natural environment.
✨ Stargazing
With little light pollution, Khao Yai is one of the best places in Thailand for stargazing. The cool season offers the clearest skies, especially over open meadows like Lam Ta Khong.
6Practical Tips for Visiting
- Follow park regulations: no littering, no Styrofoam, and campfires only in designated areas.
- Bring mosquito repellent and insect protection.
- Nights can be surprisingly chilly—pack warm clothes.
- Stay safe around wildlife: never feed animals, avoid flash photography, and keep your distance, especially from elephants.
Final Words
With its vast landscapes, rich wildlife, and endless activities, Khao Yai National Park is one of Thailand’s most captivating natural treasures. Whether you’re a family, adventurer, or photographer, it offers an unforgettable immersion into the wild beauty of Thailand’s Isan region.
