KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK
Khao Yai is Thailand’s first and most visited national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its vast, fertile jungles. It’s an accessible natural retreat, just a short drive from the bustling capital, Bangkok.
This sanctuary is a haven for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts, home to wild elephants, gibbons, and spectacular waterfalls. It offers cool mountain air and a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Most Popular Attractions
The Park’s Natural Core & Waterfalls:
Haew Narok Waterfall: The park’s largest and most magnificent three-tiered waterfall, cascading approximately 150 meters.
Haew Suwat Waterfall: A popular 25-meter cascade with a pool, famously featured in the movie The Beach.
Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall: A medium-sized waterfall often noted for wild orchids growing on its cliffs.
Kong Kaew Waterfall: A small, scenic cascade easily accessible from the Visitor Center, often featuring a nearby rope bridge.
Sai Sorn Reservoir: A beautiful lake popular for picnicking and for capturing serene sunset views over the water.
Pha Diew Dai Cliff Viewpoint: One of the most breathtaking elevated spots, offering sweeping, panoramic views of the forested valleys below.
Km 30 Viewpoint: A prime stop for viewing a sea of mist over the landscape at sunrise and the surrounding mountains.
Khao Rom: The highest peak in the National Park, reaching 1,351 meters, covered in dense, pristine forest.
Lam Ta Khong Campground: The main public campsite, offering a natural setting for overnight stays near the stream.
Chao Por Khao Yai Shrine: A sacred shrine located at the northern entrance, often visited by Thai travelers for blessings.
Wildlife, Hiking & Observation:
Nong Phak Chi Wildlife Observation Tower: A multi-story tower overlooking a grassland, perfect for spotting grazing animals like sambar deer, gaur, and wild elephants at dawn or dusk.
Wild Elephant Spotting: The park is considered one of the best places in Thailand to see the estimated 300 Asian elephants, often found near salt licks or crossing roads.
Khao Luk Chang Bat Cave: A site just outside the park where millions of Wrinkle-lipped bats exit in a spectacular, swirling column at sunset.
Night Safari: An organized tour run by park rangers allowing visitors to safely spot nocturnal animals like civets, porcupines, and deer.
7 Nature Trails: A network of well-known hiking paths of varying lengths (from 1.2 km to 8 km) that allow for deep jungle trekking.
Birdwatching: The park is an Important Bird Area (IBA), home to over 280 species, including the magnificent Great Hornbill and Oriental Pied Hornbill.
Visitor Center: The park’s administrative hub, offering exhibits, information, and a starting point for several key nature trails.
Themed Villages & Agritourism (Outside the Park):
Primo Piazza: An Italian-style complex featuring picturesque buildings, charming cafes, and a farm area where you can feed alpacas and sheep.
PB Valley Khao Yai Winery: The largest and one of the first wineries in the region, offering tours of the vineyards and wine tasting sessions.
GranMonte Vineyard and Winery: A family-owned vineyard known for its New Latitude wines, with excellent dining and accommodation options.
Scenical World: A large leisure complex that includes both an amusement park and a water park.
Farm Chok Chai: A popular dairy farm that provides educational and entertaining tours about modern dairy farming processes.
Khao Yai Art Museum: A spacious gallery dedicated to exhibiting a range of contemporary and modern Thai artworks.
Palio Village: An older, Italian-themed shopping village that provides numerous spots for photography.
Rai Maneesorn: A large, seasonal field famous for its stunning, expansive rows of sunflowers (best viewed in the cool season).
Activities & Experiences
Go on a Wildlife Safari (Day or Night): Join a guided tour for the best chance to spot wild Asian elephants, Sambar deer, gibbons, and hornbills. Night safaris, organized by the Visitor Center, offer glimpses of nocturnal animals.
Hike to Haew Suwat Waterfall: Visit the iconic waterfall made famous by the movie The Beach. The falls are most impressive during the rainy season (June-October). Note: Swimming is not permitted.
Trek to Haew Narok Waterfall: Hike the 1 km trail to see Khao Yai’s largest, three-tiered waterfall, a magnificent sight, especially after rainfall.
Wildlife Spotting at Nong Phak Chi Tower: Walk the short trail to the observation tower overlooking a grassland and salt lick, a prime spot for viewing deer and other wildlife, particularly in the early morning or late evening.
Go Stargazing and Camping: Camp at the Lam Ta Khong Campground to experience the park’s dark skies, excellent for viewing stars and planets, especially during the cool season.
Take a Vineyard & Wine Tasting Tour: Explore the local wine scene at vineyards like PB Valley Khao Yai Winery or GranMonte Vineyard and Winery. Take a tour, learn about the winemaking process, and sample Thai-made wine.
Visit a European-Themed Attraction: Explore the charming, European-style architecture, cafes, and photo spots at places like Primo Piazza (Italian village replica) or the grand castle setting of Midwinter Khaoyai.
Experience the Khao Luk Chang Bat Caves: Witness the spectacular natural phenomenon at sunset as millions of bats swarm out of the limestone caves to begin their nightly hunt.
Enjoy Thrilling Adventure Activities: Outside the park, visit attractions like Thong Somboon Club or Bonanza Khao Yai for activities like ATV rides, horseback riding, or fun park attractions.
Walk the Sunflower Fields (Seasonal): If visiting between November and January, take a side trip to see the vibrant, extensive sunflower fields in full bloom in the Saraburi area.
Explore Local Farm Life: Take a tour of Chokchai Farm, one of Asia’s largest dairy farms, to learn about the industry, watch a cowboy show, or try milking a cow.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential for the Park: The national park is vast, and there is virtually no public transportation within it. A private car (rental or charter with a driver) is the most convenient and recommended way to see the waterfalls, viewpoints, and trailheads.
Getting to Pak Chong: From Bangkok, the most common gateway town is Pak Chong. You can reach it by train (from Hua Lamphong Station) or bus/minivan (from Mo Chit Bus Terminal), which takes approximately 3-4 hours.
From Pak Chong to the Park Entrance: Local songthaews (shared pickup truck taxis) run from Pak Chong to the park’s main northern entrance (Chao Por Khao Yai Shrine). From the entrance, you will still need a vehicle to travel the 14+ km to the Visitor Center and other attractions.
Hitchhiking within the Park: It is common and generally safe to hitchhike within the park (especially on weekends) to get from the entrance to the Visitor Center or between attractions if you do not have your own vehicle.
Park Fees and Ranger Guides: Foreigners must pay a higher National Park entrance fee (approx. $12 USD for adults). Some longer, more challenging hiking trails require you to hire a park ranger/guide for safety and wildlife spotting.
Wildlife Etiquette: Never feed the animals (especially monkeys and deer, who are often near campsites/roads). If you encounter a wild elephant on the road, stay in your car, keep a safe distance, and follow the ranger’s or park signs’ instructions—do not block the road or take close-up photos.
Best Time to Visit: The Cool Season (November to February) offers the most pleasant weather for hiking and outdoor activities. The Rainy Season (June to October) brings the waterfalls to their most spectacular, but trails can be slippery, and fog is common.
Accommodation Tip: Accommodation inside the park is basic and limited. Most visitors choose to stay at the numerous resorts and guesthouses just outside the park’s boundaries, offering a much wider range of comfort and facilities.
Food inside the Park: Dining options are very limited within the park itself (mainly at the Visitor Center and one campsite). Plan to bring your own snacks and water, or dine at the wide variety of restaurants outside the park.
Dress Code: While trekking, wear comfortable walking shoes and consider leech socks during the rainy season. For the rest of the area, casual, modest attire is standard.
Hidden Gems (Beyond the Park):
- The Chocolate Factory: A popular stop outside the park for fantastic desserts, coffee, and a European-style factory/shop setting.
- Ban Tha Chang Spring: A beautiful, naturally emerald-colored spring where you can swim, popular with locals for a refreshing dip.
- Themed Cafes: The Khao Yai area is famous for its creative, highly decorative themed cafes and restaurants, perfect for a break and unique photos.
Top Restaurants
Im Pochana Restaurant [$10-$20] – The most famous and one of the oldest Yunnanese restaurants in Mae Salong, known for its authentic, generously portioned dishes like Braised Pork Leg with Mantou.
Yunnan Noodle Shop [$8-$15] – A local spot specializing in fresh, handmade Yunnanese noodles, offering a unique regional taste, often with a rich pork leg soup base.
Nong Im Pochana [$10-$20] – Another popular spot in Mae Salong known for its solid Yunnanese menu, including the local favorite of Stir-fried Pork with Pickled Mustard Greens.
Krua Tamnak Restaurant (Doi Tung) [$15-$25] – Located near the Doi Tung Royal Villa, this restaurant offers Northern Thai and local dishes, often featuring macadamia nuts and products from the Doi Tung Development Project.
Doi Tung Lodge Restaurant [$15-$25] – Offers casual dining focusing on Northern Thai and contemporary cuisine, located at the Doi Tung Lodge with a pleasant atmosphere.
Local Khao Soi Stall (Mae Salong) [$5-$10] – Seek out a local, no-frills stall for the classic Northern Thai Khao Soi (curry noodles) with a unique Yunnanese flat noodle twist.
Mae Salong Morning Market Food Stalls [$5-$10] – Various vendors selling simple, fresh, and cheap local Yunnanese snacks, steamed buns (Mantou), and breakfast items.
Ai-un Restaurant [$10-$20] – A recommended spot for Yunnan Sukiyaki, showcasing the freshness of local vegetables grown in the cooler mountain climate.
Pad Mee Yunnan Local Shop [$8-$15] – Look for small eateries specializing in Pad Mee Yunnan (stir-fried Yunnanese noodles), a simple but incredibly flavorful dish unique to the area.
Yunnan Braised Pork Stall [$10-$15] – A specific street food vendor or small shop in Mae Salong focusing primarily on the famous Kha Moo Nam Daeng (Braised Pork Leg in Red Sauce).
Local Yunnan Dim Sum House [$8-$15] – Small, humble establishments in Mae Salong offering various Yunnanese-style steamed buns and dumplings, often for breakfast or a snack.
Mae Salong Flower Hill Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers Yunnan and general Thai cuisine with the added benefit of being located within a beautiful flower garden setting.
Doi Tung Coffee Shop & Eatery [$10-$20] – Provides simple meals, often Northern Thai or Western-style, using local Doi Tung coffee and macadamia products.
Hakka Cuisine Shop [$10-$20] – Given the Chinese heritage, look for places offering specific Hakka dishes, which share lineage with Yunnanese food in the area.
Traditional Pork Skewers & Sticky Rice Vendor [$5-$10] – Street food stalls outside the main market in Mae Salong offering classic Thai grilled pork skewers (Moo Ping).
Wang Put Tan Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located at the Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation, offering local and Yunnanese dishes alongside its tea offerings.
101 Tea Plantation Restaurant [$10-$20] – Simple food offerings, often featuring tea-infused dishes like Tea Leaf Salad, at the famous 101 Tea Plantation.
Local Forest Vegetable Stir-Fry Shop [$10-$20] – Restaurants that highlight local, seasonal mountain vegetables and herbs in their stir-fries, a hallmark of Northern highland cuisine.
Chiang Rai Gate Restaurant [$15-$25] – Found slightly outside Mae Salong, this spot is known for a wider array of Northern Thai and Thai dishes in a pleasant setting.
Phumektawan Resort Restaurant [$15-$25] – The resort restaurant offers a mix of local and general Thai food, known for fresh ingredients and a good view.
Mountain View Local Shop [$10-$20] – A small, unnamed eatery on the main road in Mae Salong, chosen primarily for its stunning panoramic view while dining on simple Yunnanese fare.
Yunnan Tea Leaf Salad Spot [$8-$15] – A place specializing in Yam Bai Cha (tea leaf salad) made with fresh, not pickled, local green tea leaves.
Farm to Table Eatery (Doi Tung Area) [$15-$25] – Any small, local restaurant in the Doi Tung region advertising food sourced directly from nearby farms or the Doi Tung Project.
Local Honey and Bread Stall [$5-$10] – A vendor selling fresh, locally-sourced honey with baked goods or Mantou for a simple, sweet mountain breakfast.
Spicy Northern Thai Sausage Shop [$8-$15] – Look for vendors specializing in Sai Oua (Northern Thai pork sausage) and other chili-based Northern dips.
PB Valley Khaoyai Winery [$25-$45] – Dine at a working vineyard, offering excellent Western and Thai cuisine with wine-pairing options, great views, and highly recommended braised beef and roasted chicken.
GranMonte Vineyard and Winery [$30-$50] – Features an on-site restaurant, VinCotto, where you can have lunch, try wine-pairing, and enjoy specialties produced right on site with picturesque vineyard views.
The Witches Brew Restaurant Khao Yai [$20-$40] – Offers a unique dining experience with a whimsical, magical theme, complete with enchanting decor, often serving comfort food and a variety of beverages.
Caffè Portofino (at Toscana Valley) [$25-$45] – Located adjacent to the lake at Toscana Valley, offering Italian and International food with the vibe of the Italian coastal town.
Pastaria Restaurant [$20-$35] – A new Italian and European restaurant with mountain views, featuring German pork knuckle, seafood spaghetti, and various pastas and pizzas.
Koze Bar & Restaurant [$25-$45] – Known for culinary excellence, offering delicious flavors and stunning views, often a mix of international and local cuisine.
Pirom Cafe [$15-$30] – Offers stunning views of the lake and mountains, serving a variety of drinks and snacks, popular for its beautiful scenery and tranquil atmosphere.
Trot Cafe Khaoyai [$15-$30] – A unique countryside-style cafe within Rancho Charnvee, offering a serene setting, light meals, desserts, and even horse-riding activities.
Hanaaa Cafe Khao Yai [$10-$20] – A popular three-story minimalist cafe with an aesthetically pleasing white and wooden Japanese-style design, offering quality coffee and desserts.
Cafe de Fleurs [$15-$25] – Tops the list for its vibrant floral setting and elaborate drinks, making guests feel like they are stepping into a fairytale cottage.
Mellow Mill Cafe Khaoyai [$15-$25] – Known for its charming setting and especially popular for its handmade cookies and affordable afternoon tea.
The Raft Cafe’ Khao Yai [$15-$30] – Offers a laid-back, rustic design with a collection of vintage motorcycles and dinosaur exhibits, serving both Thai and Italian food overlooking the river.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Papillon Bar (InterContinental Khao Yai): An incredibly stylish, upscale jazz and cocktail bar set inside an upcycled luxury train carriage at the InterContinental resort, overlooking Swan Lake. It offers premium beverages, including classic French cocktails.
Terminus Bar (InterContinental Khao Yai): Located adjacent to the pool at the InterContinental resort, this is a laid-back spot for signature cocktails and local craft beer, perfect for a refreshing mid-day or evening indulgence with poolside views.
VINO Caffè & Wine Bar (Toscana Valley): A sophisticated spot within the Italian-themed Toscana Valley resort complex, offering an extensive selection of wine and a comfortable setting for enjoying an evening drink.
Lobby Lounge (U Khao Yai): Overlooking the peaceful resort grounds of U Khao Yai in the Moosi area of Pak Chong, this bar is known for its modern design with a French country elegance, a perfect setting for classic and innovative cocktails.
Vanilla Sky’s Club: A cocktail bar nestled in the serene landscapes of Pak Chong District, offering a tranquil spot to sip cocktails and enjoy the beauty of nature in the Nakhon Ratchasima area.
Piman Terrace (Rancho Charnvee): A luxurious chill bar situated in the middle of lush green grounds at the Rancho Charnvee Resort, offering a cool and serene atmosphere in Khao Yai for sophisticated evening relaxation.
Blue Moon Bar & Restaurant: Located near the Khao Yai area, this charming bar and restaurant sits right by a peaceful river, offering a refreshing ambiance and is known for its live bands that elevate the atmosphere.
SUN ROOF Air-Space-Bar: A popular spot in the Pak Chong area that boasts live music, starting with soft, melodic tunes and later offering an outdoor area for those who prefer a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere with a breeze.
Prime 19 Khaoyai: An elegant venue in the Greenery Park Mall, Mu Si, focused on a luxurious experience where you can savor top-notch wines and fine dining in a European-style setting.
E.A.T. @ Khao Yai | Bar & Bistro: Situated in the Nong Nam Daeng area of Pak Chong, this bar and bistro features live music and on occasion, guest DJs, creating a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere for dinner and drinks.
Sedere al Fresco (Toscana Valley): Part of the dining options at Toscana Valley, this bar offers a delightful spot in Nakhon Ratchasima for exquisite drinks with beautiful surrounding views.
Coppia Caffè & bar (Toscana Valley): Another casual cafe and bar option within the Toscana Valley complex for easy-going drinks and coffee throughout the day.
HappyHour Khaoyai: A premier wine bar in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima, known for its exquisite wine selection and stunning views.
Lacol Khaoyai (Hotel Bar): The bar within the Lacol Khao Yai hotel (A Chatrium Collection) in Mu Si offers a stylish spot for evening drinks and conversation, serving as a hub for hotel guests and visitors.
The Rock Bar: While it shares a name with bars elsewhere, the local Khao Yai-area version offers a vibrant spot for drinks and possibly live music, a nice place to unwind after a day of park exploration.
Lamaya Khaoyai: A standout venue near the Lacol Khaoyai Hotel that operates as a premier restaurant by day and transforms into an exciting jungle club at night, complete with vibrant light shows, music, and entertainment for a lively experience.
Midwinter Green (Midwinter Khaoyai): An expansive and popular outdoor live music bar and restaurant in Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Khao Yai while listening to quality live performances.
Some might say (Rooftop Pakchong): A hidden gem for Pak Chong nightlife, this rooftop craft beer bar venue features a DJ spinning exciting tracks every Friday and Saturday, providing a perfect setting for dancing and fun in the town center.
Blue Moon Bar & Restaurant: Known for its frequent live band performances, the atmosphere here becomes livelier in the evenings, making it a great spot for music-infused nightlife.
SUN ROOF Air-Space-Bar: The live music and increasing tempo as the night progresses turn this space into a more energetic venue, especially in the enclosed area.
Campfire Cafe Khao Yai: Although more of a cozy cafe, it offers a relaxed, inviting atmosphere in Mu Si, perfect for enjoying food or drinks around a campfire or in a rustic, outdoorsy setting, providing a unique kind of mellow “nightlife.”
E.A.T. @ Khao Yai | Bar & Bistro: With occasional guest DJs and a relaxing atmosphere that livens up in the evenings, it provides a nice mix between a casual bar and a subtle club environment.
Koze Bar & Restaurant: Located in Mu Si, this venue is a popular place for dining that extends into the evening, offering an upbeat atmosphere that is perfect for a social night out, even without being a dedicated dance club.
Pak Chong Night Market: While not a bar or club, this is the main hub of local Pak Chong evening activity, offering a true taste of local nightlife through incredible street food, local beers, and a bustling, authentic atmosphere until about 10 PM.
The Witches Brew Restaurant Khao Yai: Known for its whimsical decor, this place offers a unique atmosphere for a late-night drink, often more of a thematic gathering spot than a dance club.