Khao Yai National Park★★★
Thailand's oldest and most visited national park (established in 1962) is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and one of the last large intact rainforest areas on the Southeast Asian mainland. Over 2,168 km², dense monsoon forests, grasslands, and evergreen mountain forests stretch with breathtaking biodiversity.
Here live wild elephants (approx. 300–400 individuals), Asian black bears, gibbons, macaques, wild boars, deer, over 70 reptile species, and more than 300 bird species — including four hornbill species that fly over the treetops in the morning. At night, civet cats and binturongs hunt.
The park is only 2.5 hours northeast of Bangkok, making it the closest first-class nature experience. There are 50+ km of marked hiking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, and guided spotlighting tours for nocturnal animals at night.
💡 Tipp
Be sure to book a night safari with a licensed guide — from 1,000 THB (approx. €26) per person. Roam the jungle in the dark with red-light flashlights and discover civet cats, porcupines, sleeping hornbills, and, with luck, elephants. An unforgettable experience you can't do alone.
Highlights & Hikes
★★★ Haew Suwat Waterfall
The most famous waterfall in the park — a 20 m high plunge into a jungle-framed pool. Known from the film "The Beach" (2000) with Leonardo DiCaprio. Swimming allowed. 15-minute walk from the parking lot.
★★★ Wildlife Watching at Nong Phak Chi Platform
Elevated observation point at a salt lick in the heart of the park. At dawn (5–7 am) and dusk (4–6 pm), wild elephants, sambar deer, and gaur (Asian wild cattle) come to drink. Patience and silence are needed — plan at least 1 hour. More likely with a guide.
★★ Kong Kaeo–Haew Suwat Trail
The most popular day hike: 8 km through dense rainforest to the Haew Suwat cascade. Duration: 3–4 hours. Moderately challenging. Iguanas, gibbons (you'll hear them call), and hornbills are common. Guide recommended (mandatory on some trails).
★★ Pha Diao Dai Viewpoint
Spectacular cliff with a panoramic view over the endless rainforest. Magical at sunrise. 1.3 km easy hike from the parking lot.
★ Bat Exodus at Khao Luk Chang Cave
Every evening around 5:30 pm, millions of bats stream out of the cave — a black stream in the sky that lasts 20–30 minutes. One of Thailand's most impressive natural spectacles. 3 km south of the park entrance.
Arrival & Accommodation
Arrival
- Car (recommended): 200 km from Bangkok via Highway 1 + Route 2090 to Pak Chong, then 30 km uphill to the park. Approx. 2.5–3 hours.
- Bus + Songthaew: Bus from Bangkok (Mo Chit) to Pak Chong: 3 hours, 180 THB (approx. €4.70). From Pak Chong Songthaew to the park entrance: 40 THB. Last return trip around 4 pm — be sure to check in advance!
- Organized Tour: From Bangkok as a 2-day package: from 3,500 THB (approx. €92) per person including transport, guide, accommodation, night safari.
Accommodation
In the Park: Simple accommodations (bungalows from 1,000 THB/approx. €26, campsite 30 THB + tent rental 225 THB). Book online via portal.dnp.go.th — fully booked weeks in advance during high season (Nov–Feb)!
Outside (Thanarat Road): The access road has dozens of hotels and resorts:
Lala Mukha Tented Resort — glamorous safari tents in the jungle, from 3,500 THB (approx. €92).
Hotel des Artists — eccentric art hotel with pool, from 2,200 THB (approx. €58).
Pak Chong Budget: In the town of Pak Chong, there are simple accommodations from 400 THB (approx. €10.50).
Achtung
The roads in the park are frequented by wild elephants — especially at night. Drive slowly and with high beams. If an elephant is on the road: turn off the engine, turn off the lights, wait. Never honk, never approach. The elephants have the right of way.