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Khao Yai National Park is beautifully nestled in central Thailand. The region is known for its scenery grabbing the attention of a large number of tourists. This national park is one of the oldest national parks in the country which is the most revered too. It is an ideal place for a retreat amidst nature. The park has diverse flora and fauna that beckons you for exploration. The national park also comprises dense forests and majestic waterfalls with large plunge pools while its trails offer you a refreshing experience.
Location
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Khao Yai National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Thailand. This national park was established in 1962. At that time, this park was Thailand’s first national park. Today, this park is the third largest national park in the country. The park lies in the western region of the San Kamphaeng Mountain Range. Precisely, this park lies at the southwest boundary of the Khorat Plateau. The park has many mountains with the highest at an altitude of 1351 metres. It is located in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province, which is also known as Khorat.
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How To Reach
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Khao Yai Park is easily accessible from the country’s capital city, Bangkok. The nearest destination might be Pak Chong. From other destinations too, a journey to this park is hassle-free. As you arrive in Bangkok, take the highway towards Pak Chong. You can either take a taxi or a local bus from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit). Continue and follow the signs for Khao Yai National Park. It might take 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. From Pak Chong, you can take a taxi or local bus to reach the park. It might take at least 20-30 minutes to reach.
Things To Do
1. Birdwatching
Photo: JJ Harrison / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This park is an excellent venue for bird-watching activities as it is home to both residents and migratory birds. Very famous birds like Coral-billed cuckoo and Blue-winged Pitta are largely spotted here.
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2. Camping
Photo: Kevin Ianeselli / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Camping especially in the cold season is something that you should not miss out on. The site is an ideal place for stargazing and living in tents surrounded by rivers and grasslands. These tents and guesthouses are very much similar to Khao Sok floating bungalows.
3. Trekking
Photo: Kir360 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Trek through the trails of Khao Yai Park, which also offers you an opportunity to explore all its offerings as you navigate deeply through the jungle. The trails run through the dense forest with lots of vegetation on both sides.
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4. Night Safari
Photo: Eelco Böhtlingk / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Night Safari gives you an opportunity to spot the wildlife at night. Local guides take you inside the jungles in jeep safaris to help you spot many endangered species and animals like deer and elephants.
Places To Visit Around
1. Pak Chong Town
Photo: Ahoerstemeier / Wikimedia Commons
This is a town in the westernmost district of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This province lies in northeastern Thailand. It is a popular tourist destination and a weekend getaway. There are many resorts and other tourist attractions. It is the main entrance to Khao Yai Park. There are many activities to perform such as visiting vineyards and wineries, exploring local markets and traditional life of locals. It is recommended to try local cuisine and outdoor activities like zip-lining and ATV Tours. The climate of this place is typically rainy. Pak Chong town surely guarantees you a unique experience.
Location: Pak Chong District Nakhon Ratchasima Province Thailand 30130
Distance From Khao Yai Park: 29.8 km
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2. Jim Thompson Farm
Photo: Gina Yen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This farm is within the Pak Thong Chai District of the Nakhon Ratchasima Province. It is approximately 3 hours northeast of the country’s capital city of Bangkok. This place is known for the annual tour that happens within the farm’s premises and is usually held during the months from December to February. The farm has beautiful flower fields and tropical gardens where you get to learn about cultivation and agricultural practices. There is a butterfly garden where the lifecycle of butterflies is depicted from a cocoon to a fully-grown butterfly. Jim Thompson Farm has a pretty ambiance which is loved by many.
Location: Jim Thompson Farm Tambon Takob, Amphoe Pak Thong Chai, Nakhon Ratchasima 30150 Thailand
Distance From Khao Yai Park: 75.7 km
3. Khao Yai Floating Market
Photo: Norbert Braun / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This place is located in the vicinity of Khao Yai Park. The place offers insights into the traditional culture of the region. It is recommended to try shopping for the local products available in this market. A variety of Thai street food is also available for you to get an idea about what Thai cuisine exactly is. There are boat rides around the region and canal and an atmosphere which is very lively. Khao Yai Floating Market is not widely advertised but you must indeed take a ride with the guidance of locals in the region.
Location: Khao Yai Floating Market 99/9 Moo 4, Thanarat Road, Moo Si, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130 Thailand
Distance From Khao Yai Park: 27.9 km
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4. Haew Narok Waterfall
Photo: Tontanthailand / Wikimedia Commons
Haew Narok Waterfall can be reached by trails from the Khao Yai Park. The waterfall has a very great height and offers wonderful scenes. The water cascades down from a limestone cliff at a height of 150 metres. There are viewpoints around this waterfall which are worthy enough to be visited. There lies a plunge pool at the base of this waterfall, but swimming is not permitted for safety concerns. It is advised you to walk on the designated trails with certain safety guidelines.
Location: Haew Narok Waterfall Khao Yai National Park Pak Phli, Nakhon Nayok 26130 Thailand
Distance From Khao Yai Park: 10.1 km
5. Khao Yai Winery
Photo: mohigan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Khao Yai Winery is also known as GranMonte Vineyard. It is located in the Khao Yai region of Thailand. The vineyard covers an area of more than 100 acres. The place offers wine tasting and official tours throughout the winery. They have different types of grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Syrah and Chenin Blanc. The soils are fertile and suitable for grape cultivation and wine production. You can also see the wine-making process and taste it further. Khao Yai Winery has won many awards internationally for their delicious wines. The place also holds special events on certain occasions.
Location: Khao Yai Winery 52 Moo 9, Phayayen, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130 Thailand
Distance From Khao Yai Park: 23.4 km
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Khao Yai National Park is an interesting place in Thailand to visit. The place showcases its amazing biodiversity and beautiful landscapes. It also has guest houses for accommodation and campsites for you to spend a night at this national park. With many iconic landmarks, this place caters to all your interests, thus offering an amazing experience. For a hassle-free journey to Khao Yai Park in Thailand, book a trip with TripXL at your earliest.
