Khao Yai
เขาใหญ่ · Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Best Season
November to February (cool, dry, best wildlife viewing)
Score
8.2 / 10
Elevation
400 m
Area
2,168 km²
About Khao Yai
Khao Yai is Thailand's most visited national park and one of Southeast Asia's finest wildlife areas. Just 2-3 hours from Bangkok, it offers remarkably accessible encounters with wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and — with luck — tigers and bears. The park covers a vast monsoon forest ranging from grasslands to dense evergreen canopy.
Outside the park gates, the Pak Chong / Khao Yai gateway area has developed into a curious mix of Italian-themed restaurants, boutique wineries, farm-stay resorts, and adventure outfitters. It is simultaneously a serious nature destination and Bangkok's favorite weekend escape.
The park was established in 1962 as Thailand's first national park and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 as part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. At 2,168 square kilometers, it supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife across multiple habitat types.
Historical Note
Established in 1962 as Thailand's first national park. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 as part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. The park protects 2,168 square kilometers of monsoon forest across four provinces.
Best time to visit: November to February (cool, dry, best wildlife viewing)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เขาใหญ่
Province
Nakhon Ratchasima
Region
Isan (Northeastern)
Area
2,168 km²
Elevation
400 m
Established
1962
Costs
Typical prices you'll encounter when visiting Khao Yai. Grouped by category.
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Park entrance (foreigner) | 400 | 400 |
| Night safari tour | 1,000 | 2,000 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse (Pak Chong) | 400 | 800 |
| Mid-range resort (gateway) | 1,500 | 4,000 |
| Boutique resort | 4,000 | 12,000 |
| Park campsite per person | 30 | 30 |
| Park bungalow | 800 | 3,000 |
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal (Pak Chong) | 40 | 80 |
| Restaurant meal (gateway) | 150 | 500 |
| Coffee at farm cafe | 80 | 150 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 15 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental per day | 250 | 350 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rent (Pak Chong) | 4,000 | 8,000 |
Weather & Climate
November to February for cool, dry weather and the best wildlife viewing (elephants at waterholes, comfortable hiking). June to October brings lush green scenery and waterfalls at peak power but active leeches. Avoid April-May extreme heat.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 | 12 | 10 | 55% |
| Feb | 30 | 14 | 15 | 50% |
| Mar | 33 | 18 | 30 | 50% |
| Apr | 34 | 21 | 70 | 60% |
| May | 33 | 22 | 160 | 75% |
| Jun | 32 | 22 | 150 | 78% |
| Jul | 31 | 22 | 180 | 80% |
| Aug | 31 | 22 | 200 | 82% |
| Sep | 31 | 21 | 250 | 85% |
| Oct | 30 | 20 | 180 | 80% |
| Nov | 29 | 16 | 40 | 65% |
| Dec | 27 | 12 | 10 | 55% |
Things to Do
Wild Elephant Watching
Nong Phak Chi watchtower and Mo Singto reservoir are prime spots for wild elephant encounters, especially at dusk.
Haew Narok Waterfall
น้ำตกเหวนรก
The park's most dramatic waterfall with a 150m drop in three tiers.
Haew Suwat Waterfall
น้ำตกเหวสุวัต
Featured in the film 'The Beach' (2000), with a swimmable pool at the base.
Night Safari
Guided spotlight tours to see civets, porcupines, deer, slow lorises, and occasionally elephants.
GranMonte Winery
Surprisingly good Thai wine tasting at a boutique winery in the gateway area.
Pha Diao Dai Viewpoint
ผาเดียวใจ
Sunrise over a sea of mist, accessible by car.
Food Nearby
ส้มตำ
Som Tam
Papaya salad at the Pak Chong night market — classic Isan preparation.
30-50
Pak Chong night market
ไก่ย่าง
Gai Yang
Charcoal-grilled chicken with sticky rice — Isan staple.
40-80
Pak Chong night market
นมสดและผลิตภัณฑ์
Fresh Dairy Products
Fresh milk, yogurt, and ice cream from Chokchai and other local dairy farms.
30-80
Chokchai Farm and dairy shops
สเต็กเขาใหญ่
Khao Yai Steak
The area is oddly famous for steak restaurants using local dairy beef.
200-500
Steak restaurants along Thanarat Road
Night Markets
- Pak Chong Night Market
Food Streets
- Thanarat Road restaurant strip
Where to Stay
Hostel Dorm
250 - 400
THB / night
Budget Hotel
400 - 800
THB / night
Mid-Range
1,500 - 4,000
THB / night
Luxury
4,000 - 15,000
THB / night
Best Areas to Base Yourself
Booking Tip
Weekend prices can be 2-3x weekday rates. Park bungalows sell out weeks in advance for weekends. Book via nps.dnp.go.th.
Getting There from Bangkok
Car
2-2.5 hours
Fuel + tolls THB
Bus to Pak Chong
3 hours
150-250 THB
Train to Pak Chong
3-4 hours
60-300 THB
Festivals & Events
Cool Season Wildlife Viewing
Best period for elephant encounters at waterholes, comfortable hiking temperatures, and orchid blooms in February.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water festival celebrations in Pak Chong town.
Practical Info
Hospital
Pak Chong Nana Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Basic English at resorts and tour operators. Minimal in the park itself.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bring water into the park — no shops inside.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Khao Yai as a day trip from Bangkok?
Yes, but it's rushed. A 2-3 day stay is far better. Day tours exist but you spend half the time driving.
Will I see elephants?
Good chance, especially November to February at dusk near Mo Singto reservoir. Not guaranteed but common sightings most days during peak season.
Do I need a guide?
Not for main roads, viewpoints, and short trails. Required for multi-day treks and off-trail routes. Highly recommended for night safaris.
How cold does it get?
December-January nights at elevation can drop to 8-12°C. Bring a jacket. Days are pleasant at 20-28°C.
Can I do Khao Yai without a car?
Difficult independently. The park is vast with no internal public transport. Rent a motorbike at minimum.