Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park: The Complete Guide

January 6, 2021 / Destinations/Tips

Khao Yai national park is one of the prettiest places in the world to visit. If you have plans to travel to Thailand, then Khao Yai national park should be your first stop. It Thailand’s first national park, and covers over 2,100 kilometers of inspiring natural beauty.

Haew Narok and Haew Suwat Waterfalls

If you’ve ever been to Niagara Falls, then few things will compare. Haew Narok and Haew Suwat Waterfalls aims to change that by introducing visitors to the highest waterfall in the park. It is one of several waterfalls, and has been seen in several shows and movies. 

Khao Laem and Khao Khiau Viewpoints

If mountain climbing is more your thing, then check out the Khao Laem and Khao Khiau Viewpoints. Day tours have made the climb up the mountains safe, with clear paths marked for difficulty. If the path is considered too difficult, guides are available to help individuals or families. 

Hiking

There are more than 50 kilometers to hike through, and each trail has something different to see. Terrain will change, going from waterfalls, to jungles and even grasslands. There are six main trails, but many smaller ones with detours for frequent visitors that want a new experience. 

Wildlife

There are many species of animals to watch in Khao Yai. They’re active, and a big part of the environment. Wild Elephants are common, with hundreds making their home on the lands. They roam in a natural habitat with over 70 different mammal species. 

Safaris

To see some of the more elusive animals in the park, night safaris are provided. It is a great way to see nocturnal animals when they’re active. Rangers will give visitors one of the most thrilling night tours available in Thailand. Everything is safe, and you’ll come away with a unique travel story. 

Meet the Bats

The Khao Luk Chang bat cave is where several hundreds of nocturnal bats make their resting place. If you arrive before sunset, you can see the sky filled with hundreds of them at a time. It’s a sight that is not easily forgotten, and is exclusive to Khao Yai national park. 

Whitewater Rafting

During the rainy seasons, Sai Yai River is the perfect place to catch class 4 and 5 rapids. You can go whitewater rafting according to your level, but guides are required for each trip. Beginners can learn a lot by whitewater rafting in Thailand. With set one-hour rafting tours, it is the best place to get experience. 

Pak Chong

Before you visit the park, relax in the small town of Pak Chong. It’s a welcoming place that has some of the friendliest people in Thailand. The town naturally opens up to Khao Yai, so it serves as the perfect hub before you go out adventuring. 

Wrap Up

Once you arrive in Thailand, there will be several places that grab your attention. But few can match the raw beauty of Thailand’s Khao Yai national park. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve gone back home.