Thailand / Bangkok & Central Thailand / Khao Yai National ParkKhao Yai National Park
Wild Elephants, Gibbons and Waterfalls Three Hours from Bangkok
Thailand's first national park and part of a UNESCO forest complex, on the edge of the north-east plateau: wild elephants on the park road, gibbons and great hornbills at dawn, the Haew Suwat and Haew Narok waterfalls, and millions of bats leaving a cave at dusk. Outside the north gate, Thanarat Road near Pak Chong has resorts, vineyards and farm cafés that fill with Bangkok weekenders. There is no public transport inside the park, so come with a car and driver or a guided tour.
Highlights
- Wild elephants on the park road
- Gibbons and great hornbills at dawn
- Haew Suwat Waterfall
- Three-tier Haew Narok Waterfall
- Bat exodus at Khao Luk Chang at dusk
- Pha Diao Dai sunrise viewpoint
- Night spotlight drive
- Vineyard lunch at PB Valley or GranMonte
- Farm cafés on Thanarat Road
Things to do
- Guided wildlife day in the park with a spotting scopeMorning · 7h
- Haew Suwat and Haew Narok waterfallsAfternoon · 3h
- Bat exodus at Khao Luk Chang caveEvening · 1h 30m
- Night spotlight safari driveEvening · 1h 30m
- Pha Diao Dai viewpoint at sunriseMorning · 2h
- Vineyard tour and lunchAfternoon · 2h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: November – February
Heads up
Khao Yai Rainy Season
The waterfalls are at their fullest from June to October, but the trails are muddy and full of leeches (wear leech socks), and rangers can close trails and swimming spots after heavy rain. Wildlife is harder to see in the thick green.
Heads up
Bangkok Weekenders at Khao Yai
In the cool season, at New Year and over Songkran, Bangkok fills Khao Yai from Friday to Sunday: queues at the park gate, a slow park road and resort prices up to double. Come on weekdays if you can, and book weekend rooms early.