forestwildlifeadventuretrekkingmountain
Khao Yai National Park
Nakhon Ratchasima 598m⚡ Easy
Best Time
November to February
Difficulty
Easy
Safety
★★★★☆
Solo Friendly
Family
Permit
Required
Gallery
Loading photosAbout Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest and most visited national park, spanning across four provinces with lush forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. Located in Nakhon Ratchasima province, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting over 2,000 square kilometers of pristine tropical ecosystem home to elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and other endangered species.
💡Why Visit?
Khao Yai offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and jungle trekking in one of Southeast Asia's best-preserved forests, with excellent chances to spot wild elephants and other charismatic megafauna in their natural habitat.
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3 Days
Quick Facts
RegionNakhon Ratchasima
CountryThailand
Altitude598m
DifficultyEasy
Solo Friendly✅ Yes
Family✅ Yes
Budget StayTHB 600*/night
Budget FoodTHB 250*/day
Visa & Entry Requirements
Check live entry documents and quarantine rules for Thailand.
Check Entry Restrictions
Co-branded with sherpa°
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Garden
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4.54,328 reviews· 14.1 km
Ratings & reviews from Google Maps
Activities
Jungle Trekking
Guide mandatory; price depends on group size and trail difficulty
Time
Half day to Full day
Cost
THB 400*–THB 800*
Effort
Moderate
Night Safari
Includes guide and vehicle; best for wildlife spotting
Time
3 hours
Cost
THB 600*–THB1.2k*
Effort
Easy
Haew Suwat Waterfall Visit
Included with park entry; no additional cost
Time
1-2 hours
Cost
Free
Effort
Easy
Elephant Watching
Guided tour; sightings not guaranteed but common
Time
Half day
Cost
THB 500*–THB1k*
Effort
Moderate
Bird Watching
Early morning tours recommended; guide included
Time
2-4 hours
Cost
THB 300*–THB 600*
Effort
Moderate
Park Entrance Fee
Standard day entry fee for tourists
Time
One-time
Cost
THB 200*
Effort
Easy
🌡️ Weather & Best Time
Jul · Rain
This destination has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C annually. Avoid travel in Sep due to heavy rainfall.
Temperature range (°C)
Jul
🌧️Rain
🌡️
Temperature21° – 26°C
💧
Rainfall266mm
💡Okay
💡Moderate — expect frequent rain
⚠️ Avoid travelling in Sep due to extreme conditions.
Climate averages based on 10-year historical data · Open-Meteo
When to Visit
💸Best Value
SepOctMarApr
Crowds Medium Prices Medium
Pleasant weather, lighter crowds — the sweet spot.
🔥Peak Season
NovDecJan
Crowds High Prices High
Busiest months — book stays & transport early.
🌙Off Season
MayJunJul
Crowds Low Prices Low
Quietest window with the lowest prices.
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How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok
200 km · 3 hours by road
Nearest Railway Station
Nakhon Ratchasima Railway Station
82 km · 2 hours by road
Nearest Bus Stand
Pak Chong Bus Terminal
30 km · 1 hour by road
From Bangkok, take Highway 2 heading northeast toward Korat. Turn off at Pak Chong town and follow signs to Khao Yai main gate. The park is approximately 2.5-3 hours drive from Bangkok via the expressway.
Local Transport
Cab / Taxi
THB 1,200* – THB 1,800*/day
Local Bus
Local songthaew and minibuses connect Pak Chong town to park entrance; arrange through accommodation or park offices.
Walking
Permit required. National park entrance permit required. Purchase at the main gate. Standard entry fee applies, with additional permits needed for night safari and certain trekking routes.
Where to Stay
🎒 Deluxe
THB 600*/night
- Basic park bungalow
- Guesthouse in Pak Chong
🏨 Premium
THB 1,800*/night
- Park lodge
- Mid-range resort near entrance
✨ Luxury
THB 6,000*/night
- Luxury jungle lodge
- Premium resort with amenities
⛺ Camping available · THB 300*/night
Local Cuisine
⭐ Som Tamlocal
⭐ Larblocal
⭐ Sticky Ricelocal
Pad Thaistreet
Fish Curryrestaurant
Travel Tips
- Visit during November-February for best weather and wildlife visibility.
- Hire a guide for trekking; mandatory and essential for safety and sightings.
- Start early morning for best chance of seeing elephants and wildlife.
- Bring binoculars, camera with zoom lens, and insect repellent.
- Book night safari in advance; popular activity with limited spots daily.
Things to carry
Insect repellent spraySturdy hiking shoesBinoculars and telephoto lensLightweight rain jacketSun protection and hatPlenty of water bottlesFlashlight for night activities
Common questions about Khao Yai National Park
Quick, source-backed answers for planning your trip.