Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first and one of its largest national parks, is a renowned natural treasure located in the northeastern part of the country,
spanning across four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok, and Saraburi. Covering an area of 2166 km², the park is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Its varied landscape consists of rolling hills, dense forests, grasslands, and waterfalls, with altitudes ranging from 400 to over 1,300 meters above sea level, creating a cool and refreshing climate year-round.
Established in 1962, Khao Yai is a biodiversity hotspot with a rich variety of flora and fauna. Its lush forests are primarily tropical and subtropical, home to over 2,000 species of plants. The park’s wildlife includes over 300 bird species, including the great hornbill, as well as mammals like Asian elephants, gibbons, barking deer, and even wild tigers. The diverse ecosystem makes it one of the best places for wildlife observation in Thailand.
Khao Yai National Park is also a major attraction for eco-tourism and adventure activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, guided wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and visiting stunning waterfalls such as Haew Narok and Haew Suwat. Its scenic viewpoints and abundant wildlife make it a favorite among nature lovers and photographers, while its proximity to Bangkok, just a few hours' drive away, makes it highly accessible for both domestic and international tourists.
How to get to the Khao Yai national park
From Bangkok it's about a three hours drive to the Khao Yai national park. The closest airport is the one in Bangkok.
Accommodation
There is accomodation outside the park, for instance in Pak Chong. It should also be possible to stay inside the park, either in rooms provided by the national park or in the camping site.