Rating: 3.5/5 (4 votes)

Opening Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Khao Yai National Park is a natural gem recognized as Thailand’s first national park and honored as an “ASEAN Heritage Park.” Rich in pristine forests and biodiversity, the park spans 11 districts across four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, and Prachin Buri. It is embraced by the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, historically known as “Dong Phaya Fai” or “Dong Phaya Yen.”

 

Its grandeur is not only in its vast area of more than 2,000 square kilometers but also in being a vital headwater source sustaining communities in central and northeastern Thailand. It is home to diverse wildlife still thriving in their natural habitats, including elephants, gaurs, tigers, and many rare bird species.

 

Landscape & Nature The park’s terrain consists of undulating mountain ranges. The western side connects to the Central Plains, while the north and east slope down to the Korat Plateau. Notable peaks include Khao Rom (the highest at 1,351 m), Khao Laem (1,326 m), Khao Khiao (1,292 m), and Khao Sam Yot (1,142 m). Other peaks such as Khao Fa Pha, Khao Kamphaeng, Khao Samo Phun, and Khao Kaew shape the dramatic scenery and feed important waterways.

 

Khao Yai encompasses diverse ecosystems — from evergreen and dry evergreen forests to open grasslands where wildlife often graze in the late afternoon. This variety makes the park a living classroom long admired by researchers and conservationists.

 

Headwaters & Rivers The park is the origin of five significant waterways. The Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok Rivers converge to form the Bang Pakong River, which flows to the Gulf of Thailand. The Lam Takhong and Phra Phloeng Rivers nourish farmlands of the Korat Plateau before joining the Mun River. Muak Lek stream flows into the Pa Sak River, supporting agriculture and livestock in the region.

 

Wildlife & Biodiversity One of Khao Yai’s highlights is encountering wildlife in their natural habitats, such as elephant herds along the road (notably around kilometer 30 to Nong Phak Chi and near mineral licks). Visitors may also see muntjacs, sambar deer, serows, gaurs, bears, gibbons, giant squirrels, dholes, as well as smaller mammals like jungle rabbits and porcupines.

 

Khao Yai is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with records of over 340 species and about 250 commonly seen. These include four hornbill species (great hornbill, oriental pied hornbill, wreathed hornbill, and brown hornbill), scarlet minivets, pittas, barbets, drongos, doves, and various insectivores. More than 200 butterfly species add vibrant color throughout the forest.

 

Key Attractions The park is renowned for waterfalls and sweeping mountain vistas. Haew Narok is the tallest and most powerful waterfall, plunging over 80 meters. Haew Suwat is famous for its movie backdrop and broad plunge pool ideal for relaxing nearby.

 

Other sites include Pha Kluai Mai, Pha Klang Dong, and Kong Kaeo Waterfalls, as well as Pha Dieo Dai Viewpoint, which opens to a vast sea of forest. Numerous nature trails vary in length and difficulty, from short strolls to full-day treks.

 

Activities & Experiences Khao Yai suits adventure and outdoor lovers: nature walks, birding, night wildlife watching, camping, landscape and wildlife photography, and stargazing in open grasslands.

 

Accommodation & Facilities The park offers various stays — DNP lodges, campsites, and group camp areas — bookable in advance via the Department of National Parks’ website or the QueQ app. Restaurants, restrooms, parking areas, and accessibility features for visitors with disabilities are available at key hubs.

 

For travelers seeking comfort, resorts and hotels outside the park range from nature-inspired retreats to upscale properties with full amenities.

 

Getting There There are two main gates: the Chao Pho Khao Yai Gate in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima (via Highway 2090), and the Noen Hom Gate in Prachin Buri (from Highways 33 and 3077, roughly 40 km in).

 

From Bangkok, the trip takes about 2.5–3 hours by private car, minivan, or organized tour. Local songthaews and taxis are available near the entrances for those without private transport.

 

Check opening times and temporary trail closures before visiting. Currently, the park is open 06:00–18:00. Entrance fees for Thai nationals: adults 40 THB, children 20 THB. (Foreign visitor rates should be confirmed at the gate or official website.) For the latest updates, contact the park office at 086-092-6527. Pack rain gear in the wet season and warm layers in the cool season. Do not feed wildlife and follow ranger guidance at all times.

 

 

Daily from 06:00 to 18:00.

 

Thai nationals: adults 40 THB, children 20 THB. (Foreign visitor rates should be confirmed at the gate or official sources.)

 

Yes. DNP lodges, campsites, and group camp areas are available. Reserve via the Department of National Parks’ website or the QueQ app.

 

Yes. Use minivans or buses from Bangkok, then connect by local songthaews or taxis near the entrances, or join an organized tour.

 

Haew Narok and Haew Suwat Waterfalls, Pha Dieo Dai Viewpoint, nature trails, and grasslands for wildlife viewing.

 

Around kilometer 30 to Nong Phak Chi and at mineral licks; elephant herds and deer are often spotted near roadside grasslands.

 

Yes. Restaurants, restrooms, and service points are available across main areas, with accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.

 

Cool season (November–February) is most pleasant for trekking and nature viewing.