Khao Yai National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Khao Yai National Park in Thailand offers rainforest trails, waterfalls, wildlife watching, mountain viewpoints and access from Pak Chong and Nakhon Nayok.

Rainforest, Mountains and Wildlife

Khao Yai National Park occupies more than 2,000 square kilometres across four provinces in central and north-eastern Thailand: Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok and Saraburi. Its forested mountains form the western section of the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage property extending towards the Cambodian border. The park’s elevations, evergreen forests, grasslands and streams create a varied landscape that feels markedly cooler and wilder than the surrounding lowlands.

Waterfalls and Viewpoints

The main visitor areas are reached from gateways near Pak Chong and Mu Si in Nakhon Ratchasima, or from Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok on the eastern and southern approaches. Roads cross the uplands between forested viewpoints, trailheads and waterfalls, including Haew Narok, one of the park’s highest cascades, and Haew Suwat, a broad waterfall popular for its forest setting. Pha Diao Dai and other high viewpoints open across layers of woodland and distant agricultural country, although cloud and seasonal conditions can affect visibility.

A Living Forest Landscape

Khao Yai supports Asian elephants, gaurs, barking deer, sambar deer, macaques, gibbons and a remarkable range of birds, including hornbills. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and visitors are expected to observe animals quietly from roads, designated viewpoints and permitted trails. Walking routes range from short forest excursions to guided trails requiring local knowledge. Inside the park, facilities are concentrated around the visitor centre and established camping areas, while hotels, resorts, restaurants and evening entertainment are mainly found in nearby settlements such as Pak Chong, Mu Si and Nakhon Nayok.

When is the best time to visit Khao Yai National Park?

Best: December–February · 31–32°C

Best 32° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 18.5°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 5 mm, High: 15 mm J

Best 32° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 19°C, High: 32°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 5 mm, High: 15 mm F

33° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 20°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 10 mm, High: 20 mm M

33° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 21°C, High: 33°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 20 mm, High: 30 mm A

34° Temperature Range for MayLow: 21.5°C, High: 33.5°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 50 mm, High: 70 mm M

33° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 21.5°C, High: 33°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 70 mm, High: 90 mm J

33° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 21°C, High: 33°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm J

33° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 21°C, High: 32.5°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 80 mm, High: 100 mm A

32° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 20.5°C, High: 32°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 70 mm, High: 90 mm S

32° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 20°C, High: 31.5°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 60 mm, High: 80 mm O

31° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 19.5°C, High: 31°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 30 mm, High: 50 mm N

Best 31° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 18.5°C, High: 31°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 10 mm, High: 20 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January (best)	32	10
February (best)	32	10
March	33	15
April	33	25
May	34	60
June	33	80
July	33	90
August	33	90
September	32	80
October	32	70
November	31	40
December (best)	31	15

Getting to and around Khao Yai National Park

How to get there

Most visitors approach Khao Yai from Bangkok by road, travelling towards Pak Chong and the park’s north-western entrances, or through Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri on the southern and eastern sides. Pak Chong is a principal gateway for the popular Mu Si entrance, while Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri serve different approaches to the park. Trains and buses connect Bangkok with regional towns, but the final journey to park entrances usually requires a taxi, private vehicle or organised transfer. There is no airport inside Khao Yai National Park, so visitors should plan a road connection from Bangkok or a nearby provincial transport hub.

Transportation

A private car, hired vehicle or organised tour is usually the most practical way to reach viewpoints, waterfalls and trailheads spread across Khao Yai. The park’s main roads are paved, but they are winding and can be affected by rain, mist, wildlife and slow-moving traffic. Walking is best suited to designated trails and short routes unless accompanied by an authorised local guide. Public transport inside the park is limited, and visitors should not assume that buses or taxis will be available at every attraction. Cycling is possible on suitable roads, but heat, gradients, traffic and wildlife require careful judgement.

Best attractions in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai’s attractions are distributed across a large protected landscape rather than concentrated in one visitor centre. Haew Narok Waterfall plunges through steep forested country in the southern part of the park, while Haew Suwat is an accessible cascade near the main visitor areas and is associated with the region’s film tourism. The park headquarters and visitor centre provide orientation, and nearby trails lead through evergreen forest where gibbons, macaques and birds may be encountered. Nong Pak Chi is a recognised wildlife-viewing area, particularly for patient observation from a designated viewpoint, while Pha Diao Dai offers a high outlook over the surrounding forest and plains. Roads crossing the park also pass grassland clearings, streams and smaller scenic stops, but conditions and access can vary. Longer walks into the forest are best undertaken with an authorised guide familiar with current routes and wildlife activity.

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Best landmarks in Khao Yai National Park

The most recognisable landmarks of Khao Yai are natural: the forested Sankamphaeng Range, high ridges such as Khao Rom, and the dramatic waterfalls of Haew Narok and Haew Suwat. Pha Diao Dai is notable for its open mountain outlook, contrasting with the enclosed atmosphere of the evergreen forest below. The park’s roads, streams and grassland clearings form part of a larger ecological landmark, the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, whose protected areas preserve a major tract of mainland South-East Asian forest. Wildlife is also central to the park’s identity, particularly Asian elephants, gaurs, hornbills and gibbons, although animals should be observed only from appropriate distances. The visitor centre and ranger facilities represent the park’s conservation role, while established campsites mark the carefully managed areas where overnight recreation is permitted.

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Explore Khao Yai National Park on the map

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Best restaurants in Khao Yai National Park

Dining inside Khao Yai is limited compared with the surrounding tourism region, with basic food and refreshments available around established visitor facilities and camping areas rather than a broad restaurant scene. Most choice is found outside the park in Pak Chong, Mu Si, Nakhon Nayok and nearby resort communities. Central Thailand and the Khorat Plateau meet in this area, so menus commonly include Thai rice and noodle dishes, grilled meats, spicy salads, soups and freshwater or farm-sourced ingredients, alongside fruit and produce from the surrounding agricultural districts. Pak Chong is also associated with dairy farming and food production, while roadside stalls and local markets offer practical meals for visitors heading into the park. Visitors staying in rural resorts may find on-site restaurants, but opening arrangements vary and provisions should not be assumed inside the protected area.

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Best bars in Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park itself has no substantial nightlife district, and evenings are generally quiet, shaped by forest sounds, dark skies and the routines of campsites and rural accommodation. Some resorts, hotels and restaurants near Mu Si and Pak Chong provide a drink or relaxed evening meal, while local pubs and casual bars are concentrated in the gateway towns rather than beside remote waterfalls or trails. Nakhon Nayok offers further low-key dining and evening options for visitors using the southern approach. Entertainment is usually informal rather than club-oriented, and visitors should respect park quiet hours, avoid loud music and never leave food or alcohol accessible to wildlife around campsites.

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Best nightclubs in Khao Yai National Park

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Best shops in Khao Yai National Park

Shopping opportunities are concentrated outside the park, especially around Pak Chong, Mu Si, Nakhon Nayok and the roads serving the surrounding resort area. Visitors can find fresh fruit, farm produce, snacks and prepared food from local markets and roadside stalls, while Pak Chong and nearby agricultural districts are known for dairy products and farm-based businesses. Small shops around the gateways sell drinks, practical provisions and outdoor essentials, but the selection becomes limited once visitors enter the protected area. Regional souvenirs may include locally produced food, fruit preserves, textiles and handicrafts, although availability varies between settlements and seasons. Khao Yai is better suited to buying edible regional products and supplies for a forest visit than to extensive retail shopping, so essential purchases should be made before travelling into the park.

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Khao Yai National Park essentials

Currency and Payment

Thailand’s currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards and contactless payments are common in larger hotels, resorts, supermarkets and established businesses around Pak Chong, Mu Si and Nakhon Nayok, but cash remains useful for smaller food sellers, local transport, park-related purchases and rural services. Cash machines are more likely to be found in gateway towns than deep inside the park. Carrying a modest supply of baht before entering remote areas is sensible, while international visitors should inform their bank about travel and check any foreign-transaction charges.

Safety

Khao Yai combines remote forest, steep ground, changing weather and roads used by both visitors and wildlife. Stay on permitted paths, take care near waterfalls and viewpoints, and avoid entering streams or slippery areas during heavy rain. Leeches may be present in wet forest, particularly during the rainy season. Elephants and other animals must never be approached, surrounded, fed or blocked on the road. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent, so longer walks require sufficient water, suitable footwear, weather protection and a clear plan. Conditions, access and wildlife activity can change seasonally, making local park advice important.

Emergency Situations

For urgent police, fire or medical assistance in Thailand, call 191; emergency medical services can also be reached on 1669, and the Tourist Police use 1155. Give the operator the park entrance, road, kilometre marker, trail, viewpoint or other identifiable location, and remain with anyone who is injured if it is safe to do so. Reception may be limited in forested areas, so inform a travelling companion or accommodation provider of your planned route. For minor medical needs, seek assistance in a gateway town rather than relying on facilities inside the park.

Do's and Don'ts

Follow signs and ranger instructions, keep to designated routes and take all rubbish away or place it in the facilities provided. Keep noise low in forest areas, do not feed wildlife, and never leave food exposed in campsites or vehicles. Do not stop dangerously on roads, chase animals for photographs or use flash and loud music around wildlife. Treat local communities, park staff and other visitors courteously, and dress practically for walking and humid weather. Swimming, camping, fires and access to particular areas are subject to park rules, so confirm what is permitted rather than assuming.

Local Tips

Pak Chong and Mu Si are convenient bases for the north-western side of the park, while Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri suit visitors approaching from the south or east. An early start can provide cooler walking conditions and better opportunities for quiet wildlife observation, although sightings remain unpredictable. The rainy season brings fuller waterfalls and lush forest but also wetter paths, while the cooler months are generally more comfortable for outdoor activity. A map, offline navigation and some Thai-language place names are useful because roads, entrances and attractions are widely separated.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	สวัสดี	[sawasdee]
Goodbye	ลาก่อน	[laa kon]
Yes	ใช่	[chai]
No	ไม่	[mai]
Please/You're welcome	โปรด/ยินดีต้อนรับ	[prode/yindee ton rap]
Thank you	ขอบคุณ	[kop khun]
Excuse me/Sorry	ขอโทษ	[khor tod]
How are you?	คุณสบายดีไหม?	[khun sabai dee mai?]
Fine. And you?	สบายดีครับ คุณล่ะ?	[sabai dee khrap khun la?]
Do you speak English?	คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม?	[khun poot phasa angkrit dai mai?]
I don't understand	ฉันไม่เข้าใจ	[chan mai khao jai]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	ขอดูเมนูหน่อยครับ	[khor doo menu noi khrap]
I don't eat meat	ฉันไม่กินเนื้อ	[chan mai gin nuea]
Cheers!	ชนเครื่องดื่ม!	[chon khreung deum]
I would like to pay, please	ขอจ่ายเงินหน่อยครับ	[khor jai ngern noi khrap]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	ช่วยด้วย!	[chuai duay]
Go away!	ไปหายไป!	[pai hai pai]
Call the Police!	โทรตำรวจ!	[thor tamruat]
Call a doctor!	โทรหมอ!	[thor mor]
I'm lost	ฉันหลงทาง	[chan long tang]
I'm ill	ฉันไม่สบาย	[chan mai sabai]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	ฉันต้องการซื้อ...	[chan tong kaan seu...]
I'm just looking	ฉันแค่ดูอยู่	[chan kae doo yu]
How much is it?	ราคาเท่าไร?	[ra kha thao rai?]
That's too expensive	แพงเกินไป	[paeng gein pai]
Can you lower the price?	ลดราคาได้ไหม?	[lot ra kha dai mai?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	เวลาเท่าไรแล้ว?	[wela thao rai laeo?]
It's one o'clock	เที่ยงคืนแล้ว	[thiang keun laeo]
Half past (10)	10 ทุ่มครึ่ง	[sib tum krung]
Morning	เช้า	[chao]
Afternoon	บ่าย	[bai]
Evening	เย็น	[yen]
Yesterday	เมื่อวาน	[meua wan]
Today	วันนี้	[wan nee]
Tomorrow	พรุ่งนี้	[phrung nee]
1	หนึ่ง	[neung]
2	สอง	[song]
3	สาม	[sam]
4	สี่	[see]
5	ห้า	[ha]
6	หก	[hok]
7	เจ็ด	[jet]
8	แปด	[paet]
9	เก้า	[gao]
10	สิบ	[sip]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	...อยู่ที่ไหน?	[... yu tee nai?]
What's the address?	ที่อยู่อย่างไร?	[tee yu yang rai?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	มีที่แผนที่ไหม?	[mee tee paen tee mai?]
When's the next (bus)?	รถเมล์ถัดไปเวลาเท่าไร?	[rot mel tud pai wela thao rai?]
A ticket (to ....)	ตั๋ว (ไป...)	[dtua (pai...)]

History of Khao Yai National Park

A Forested Mountain Range

Khao Yai’s landscape was shaped over geological timescales by the uplift and erosion of the Sankamphaeng Range and by streams descending from its uplands into the surrounding plains. The park’s highest point is Khao Rom, rising to approximately 1,351 metres. Evergreen forest, seasonal forest and grassland developed across these elevations, creating habitats that differ from the intensively cultivated lowlands around the mountain range.

Early Routes and Highland Settlement

Before national-park protection, the mountain region was crossed by local routes linking the central plains with the Khorat Plateau. Forest resources, small-scale cultivation and settlement gradually affected parts of the uplands, while the surrounding valleys supported long-established agricultural communities. The name Khao Yai, commonly translated as ‘Big Mountain’, reflects the prominence of this forested highland rather than a single town or compact settlement.

From Forest Reserve to National Park

Khao Yai became Thailand’s first national park in 1962, at a time when concern was increasing over forest clearance, wildlife loss and expanding infrastructure. Legal protection changed the status of the mountain forests from a resource frontier into a managed conservation landscape. Roads and visitor facilities were developed within controlled areas, while restrictions on hunting, logging and settlement helped preserve habitats that had become increasingly fragmented elsewhere in the region.

Tourism and Conservation

As Thailand’s national-park system expanded, Khao Yai became one of the country’s best-known destinations for forest recreation, waterfall visits, camping and wildlife observation. Its proximity to Bangkok and the growing tourism economy around Pak Chong brought more visitors, accommodation and roads to the surrounding region. This growth also made visitor management important, particularly around litter, traffic, noise, wildlife feeding and the pressure placed on popular trails and viewpoints.

World Heritage Forest Complex

In 2005, Khao Yai was included in the UNESCO-listed Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, a chain of protected areas extending eastwards through Thailand. The designation recognises the ecological continuity and biodiversity of the wider forest landscape rather than treating Khao Yai as an isolated park. Conservation today involves protecting habitats and wildlife movement while managing roads, tourism, neighbouring agriculture and the needs of communities around the park’s boundaries.

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Khao Yai National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Rainforest, Mountains and Wildlife

Waterfalls and Viewpoints

A Living Forest Landscape

When is the best time to visit Khao Yai National Park?

Getting to and around Khao Yai National Park

How to get there

Transportation

Best attractions in Khao Yai National Park

Farm Chokchai

Khao Yai Thieng Windmill

Ban Tha Chang Spring

Pak Chong Night Market

Best landmarks in Khao Yai National Park

Ban Tha Chang Spring

Primo Piazza

Khao Yai Art Museum

Pha Trom Jai Cliff

Explore Khao Yai National Park on the map

Best hotels in Khao Yai National Park

Best restaurants in Khao Yai National Park

The Chocolate Factory Khao Yai

Midwinter Khaoyai

Krua Khao Yai Restaurant

Yungkhaow Khaoyai

Best bars in Khao Yai National Park

The Chocolate Factory Khao Yai

Prime 19 Khao Yai

The Witches Brew Restaurant Khao Yai

Studer Restaurant The Best Steak in Khao Yai

Best nightclubs in Khao Yai National Park