My family and I recently visited Khao Yai, which translates to “Big Mountain” in Thai, located just two hours northeast of Bangkok. It had been over 15 years since my last visit so I did a bunch of research online in order to prepare for our trip and this Khao Yai Travel Guide. I was excited to explore the numerous kid-friendly and Instagram-worthy attractions I had heard so much about. Many of my friends from Bangkok often retreat to Khao Yai for the weekend to enjoy its milder climate, fresh air, and various outdoor activities.
Where to Stay in Khao Yai
Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai
We started our journey by staying at the Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai, renowned for its picturesque castle facade. Though it’s an hour away from Khao Yai National Park, the drive was worth it to stay in a modern castle with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and golf course. The resort offers two on-premise dining venues: an Italian restaurant and a Thai/International restaurant. While dinner was delightful, breakfast was a bit of a letdown, with super spicy Thai dishes and a limited selection of Western items. The pool area and the spa were fantastic, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring.
The Pig House by The Gallery Khao Yai
Next, we stayed at The Pig House by The Gallery Khao Yai, a quaint resort only 15 minutes from the main entrance of Khao Yai National Park. Perched atop a hill and surrounded by beautiful homes, this resort offered a peaceful retreat. A chef prepares breakfast each morning, adding to the serene experience. The unique, art-filled decor of the resort and the spacious rooms made it a perfect spot for families. The kids loved the cozy atmosphere and the friendly staff who were always ready to help.
Toscana Valley Khao Yai
Another must-visit spot in Khao Yai is Toscana Valley. This luxurious resort complex, styled after the Italian countryside, features beautiful architecture and landscaping. One of the highlights is the replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a perfect backdrop for photos. However, access to this area requires dining reservations, so be sure to book in advance, unless you are staying at one of the many hotels onsite. We enjoyed a delicious meal at the Toscana Valley restaurant, which offered a variety of Italian dishes in a charming, rustic setting. The combination of exquisite food and the stunning, Italian-inspired surroundings made it a memorable experience.
Things to Do in Khao Yai
During our five-day, four-night stay, we explored several attractions that I highly recommend. These are definitely the top things to do in Khao Yai that have made it on our Khao Yai Travel Guide.
Bonanza Exotic Zoo
This zoo is home to exotic animals like white tigers, giraffes, various birds, monkeys, meerkats, and more. The circular trail took us about 1.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. The kids enjoyed petting ponies, sheep, alpacas, and capybaras along the way. The zoo also features a petting area where children can interact with smaller animals, making it an educational and fun experience for them.
Luang Por Thuat Wat Khao Yai
En route to Prima Piazza, we stopped at the large statue of Luang Pu Thuat, a famous monk reputed to have performed many miracles. The statue, set on a hill, was a fascinating and spiritual stop. The site also includes a beautiful temple and serene gardens, offering a peaceful environment for reflection and prayer.
Prima Piazza
Prima Piazza is an Italian-themed farm where we enjoyed afternoon coffee and more playtime with sheep, goats, and alpacas. Feeding the animals was a highlight for the kids, and the picturesque setting offered plenty of Instagram-worthy spots reminiscent of Italy. The farm also features charming cafes and boutique shops selling local crafts and products, making it a delightful place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Khao Yai National Park
The main highlight of our trip was exploring Khao Yai National Park. We entered through the Pak Chong entrance and headed to the Visitor Center to book the Night Safari. Along the way, we stopped to pray at the Chao Por Khao Yai shrine and saw numerous gibbons from the observation areas overlooking the valley. A trek through one of the nature paths led us to the beautiful Haew Su Wat Waterfall, which is famous for being featured in the movie “The Beach.” The park’s diverse flora and fauna made it a nature lover’s paradise, and we enjoyed spotting wildlife and learning about the ecosystem from the informative signs along the trails.
Khao Yai Night Safari
Returning to the park before the main entrance closed at 6 PM, we embarked on the Night Safari adventure at 7 PM. For 600 THB, we had a guided tour scanning the dark valley for wildlife. We spotted deer, buffalo, a family of foxes, porcupines, and various birds during the one-hour safari. Our guide’s extensive knowledge about the park’s nocturnal animals made the experience even more fascinating, as we learned about their habits and habitats.
Additional Activities
Chokchai Farm
Reliving childhood memories, we visited Chokchai Farm, where the kids enjoyed a cowboy show, feeding farm animals, and milking cows. The creamy and fresh ice cream was a treat, and we also visited their mini zoo featuring a white tiger. The farm offers a range of activities, including tractor rides and horse-drawn carriage tours, giving visitors a taste of farm life.
Suwan Corn Farm
On our way to PB Valley Winery, we stopped at Suwan Corn Farm, famous for its corn milk. We enjoyed corn ice cream and boiled corn, which were both delicious. The farm also offers tours where visitors can learn about corn cultivation and enjoy various corn-based snacks and products.
PB Valley Winery
One of the well-known Khao Yai winery in the region, PB Valley offers wine tasting sessions. Although the wine wasn’t to my liking, the well-kept grounds and onsite restaurant, which looked impressive, made the visit worthwhile. The winery also offers vineyard tours, giving insight into the wine-making process and the history of wine production in the region.
Places to Eat in Khao Yai
กินดีอร่อยไร้สาร เขาใหญ่ Gin-D Organic Eatery
This farm-to-table organic eatery was a delightful surprise for lunch. The flower salad was fresh and delicious, along with the other dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to using organic, locally-sourced ingredients was evident in the quality and flavor of the food. The rustic, open-air setting added to the charm, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing meal.
Roma Khaoyai Restaurant
Known for its live music, various pizza creations, and homemade sausages, Roma Khaoyai did not disappoint. We enjoyed the smoked platter, which included pork chops, duck, chicken wings, and sausages, as well as a tasty soft-shell crab pad thai. The lively atmosphere and friendly staff made our dining experience memorable.
Laos Puun Khao
Serving traditional Laos and Isan cuisine from Northeastern Thailand, this restaurant offered delicious dishes like som tum, larb, kor moo yang (grilled pork neck), and Isan sausage. The food was incredibly tasty, and I highly recommend this spot. The restaurant’s casual, laid-back vibe and attentive service made it a great place to enjoy authentic regional flavors.
Summary of Khao Yai Travel Guide
Our family adventure to Khao Yai was filled with memorable experiences, from staying in unique accommodations to exploring diverse attractions and enjoying delectable cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, Khao Yai has something for everyone. The blend of natural beauty, cultural sites, and family-friendly activities made it a perfect destination for our trip.
FAQ about Visiting Khao Yai National Park
Q: What is Khao Yai National Park known for?
A: Khao Yai National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, scenic waterfalls, and lush tropical forests. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers activities such as trekking, wildlife spotting, and night safaris.
Q: How do I get to Khao Yai National Park?
A: Khao Yai National Park is about a 2-3 hour drive from Bangkok. You can reach it by car, bus, or train. The nearest train station is Pak Chong, from where you can take a taxi or songthaew to the park.
Q: What is the best time to visit Khao Yai National Park?
A: The best time to visit is during the cool season from November to February, when the weather is pleasant. The rainy season (May to October) offers lush greenery and fuller waterfalls, but trails can be muddy.
Q: Are there any entrance fees for Khao Yai National Park?
A: Yes, the entrance fee for foreigners is 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children. Thai citizens pay a reduced fee of 40 THB for adults and 20 THB for children.
Q: What should I bring when visiting Khao Yai National Park?
A: Bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a raincoat if visiting during the rainy season. Binoculars and a camera are also recommended for wildlife spotting.
Q: Can I camp inside Khao Yai National Park?
A: Yes, there are several campgrounds inside the park. Tents and basic camping equipment can be rented on-site. Make sure to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Q: Are guided tours available in Khao Yai National Park?
A: Yes, guided tours are available, including trekking tours, wildlife watching tours, and night safaris. These can be booked at the Visitor Center or through tour operators.
Q: What wildlife can I expect to see in Khao Yai National Park?
A: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, gibbons, deer, hornbills, and various reptiles and amphibians. The Night Safari offers a chance to see nocturnal animals like foxes and porcupines.
Q: Is it safe to visit Khao Yai National Park?
A: Yes, it is generally safe. However, always follow park rules, stick to designated trails, and avoid feeding or approaching wildlife. It’s also advisable to hike with a group or a guide.
Q: Are there dining options within Khao Yai National Park?
A: Yes, there are several restaurants and food stalls near the Visitor Center and other popular spots within the park. It’s also a good idea to carry snacks and water.
Q: Can I visit Khao Yai National Park with children?
A: Absolutely! Khao Yai National Park is family-friendly with plenty of activities suitable for children, such as easy nature trails, waterfalls, and wildlife watching.
Q: What are some must-see spots in Khao Yai National Park?
A: Must-see spots include Haew Suwat Waterfall, Haew Narok Waterfall, the Visitor Center, the viewpoint at Pha Diew Dai, and the Chao Por Khao Yai shrine. The Night Safari is also a highlight.
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