12 of the best things to see and do in Khao Yai

With convenient access from Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Khao Yai has long been a favourite getaway for Thai travellers. Located approximately 100 miles away from Bangkok, Khao Yai is the most accessible National Park for visitors to the Thai capital. This proximity also makes Khao Yai an ideal add-on to an itinerary featuring Bangkok. The biodiversity of the area has been recognised by UNESCO and spending a few days here is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and unwind.

Visitors of all ages will find an abundance of things to see and do in and around the Khao Yai area. Shown here in no particular order, we’ve picked out a dozen of the best things to see and do in Khao Yai.

1) Visit Leonardo’s waterfall

If you’ve watched the film, The Beach, you will probably remember the scene where Richard (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), Françoise and Étienne jump from a waterfall. That waterfall is Haew Suwat in Khao Yai National Park. The waterfall is hundreds of miles away from Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh which was famously used as the beach in the title so it was a huge leap in more ways than one!

If you fancy recreating the scene in real life, forget it. Diving and swimming are forbidden at Haew Suwat Waterfall. But there are viewpoints where you can appreciate the beauty and admire similar views to Leo and his buddies. When it’s safer to do so in the dry season, a cave near the waterfall can be accessed by visitors.

Haew Suwat is one of several waterfalls in Khao Yai, with the largest being Haew Narok. The waterfall cascades over three tiers with the longest drop at around 80 metres. Khao Yai’s waterfalls are at their most impressive during the rainy season between June and October.

2) Spot the elephants

Khao Yai National Park is one of the best locations in Thailand to see elephants in the wild. An estimated 300 Asian elephants roam free in Khao Yai National Park and are regularly sighted crossing the fields and roads in the park.

3) Go on a safari

Although the elephants are the biggest and most famous inhabitants of Khao Yai, a wide range of mammals and birds live here including gibbons, macaques, deer, gaur, and hornbills.

For the best wildlife spotting opportunities, you can join a day or night safari with expert local guides. The chances of seeing some of the more elusive animals improves in the cool of the early morning or evening.

4) Hit the hiking trails

There are several well-marked hiking trails in Khao Yai which visitors can enjoy by themselves. If you’d like to hike one of the longer trails, you will need to hire a guide which can easily be arranged in Khao Yai.

The seven short trails range from around one to five miles with signs along the way to ensure you stay on the trail. Before you hike on any of the trails, you will need to register at the visitor centre at Khao Yai National Park. All visitors are asked to be responsible travellers and adhere to the Code of Conduct.

5) Try whitewater rafting

Khao Yai is an excellent location to try whitewater rafting. Situated on the Sai Yai River, the Hin Phoeng rapids provide a test for all levels of experience ranging from beginner to advanced.

6) Admire the viewpoints

The hills and mountains in Khao Yai provide some good vantage points. The highest peak is Khao Rom at 1,351 metres, but the most popular viewpoint is at Pha Diew Dai. A winding trail through the forest includes an elevated boardwalk making this a pleasant walk. Another attractive viewpoint located close to the road is the Khao Yai 30km Viewpoint (pictured below).

7) To the bat cave

Located just outside the boundaries of Khao Yai National Park, the Khao Luk Chang bat caves provide a spectacular natural phenomenon. Every evening at sunset, millions of bats swarm from the caves as they depart for their nighttime hunt. The limestone cliffs hide tunnels and caves that are the perfect habitat for the bats and provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

8) Gaze at the stars

Dark-sky tourism has been promoted in recent years by Thai authorities with Khao Yai one of the best areas of Thailand to admire the night skies. The wide open spaces and absence of light pollution mean that many stars and planets can be seen with the naked eye. The cool season months (November to February) with cloudless skies are particularly good for stargazing in Khao Yai with locations like Khao Rom and Lam Taklong Dam also offering camping facilities.

9) Stay in a vintage train-themed hotel

Rail enthusiasts should book a stay at the unique train-themed accommodation at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort. The golden age of train travel was the inspiration for the hotel designer Bill Bensley. Historic railcars have been upcycled and given a luxury twist with features including an outdoor Victorian-era bathtub.

10) Visit the vineyards

The topography and climate of Khao Yai have established this region as one of the best in Thailand for producing New Latitude wines. Several vineyards are located here with tours available to the public. The largest vineyard in Khao Yai is PB Valley Estate while GranMonte Vineyard is another good option for wine lovers.

11) Sample life on the farm

Khao Yai is dotted with family-friendly farms and ranches where children can feed the sheep and goats and adults can channel their inner farmhand. Amongst the most popular with Thai visitors is Khao Yai Farm Village. Other options include the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort which has an organic farm that is open for tours and which can be combined with an organic cooking class.

12) Treat yourself to a wellness break

The natural surroundings and clean air of Khao Yai help to make this corner of Thailand perfect for a wellness break. Travellers can find a variety of outstanding spas and hotels providing world-class wellness facilities. Amongst these are Hansar, Movenpick and Varin Wellness. If you’re staying at the luxurious Intercontinental you can also enjoy their range of spa and wellness experiences.

Good to know

Although having your own transport gives you more freedom, Khao Yai can still be visited by public transport. Take the train or bus from Bangkok to the town of Pak Chong which serves as the main gateway to the National Park. If you book your accommodation in Khao Yai in advance, many places will arrange for your pick-up at the train or bus station. Another option is to hire a car or minivan with a driver.

Khao Yai National Park is open all year round, but during the rainy season (June to September) some areas of the park, such as the viewpoints, are closed to the public. Check out the informative Khao Yai National Park website for more information and Tontan Travel for information on wildlife tours.

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