Khao Yai
Thailand's oldest national park, three hours from Bangkok: rainforest, waterfalls, gibbons and vineyards. The easiest wild weekend from the capital.
Khao Yai is Thailand's first national park, 200km north-east of Bangkok, with wild elephants, gibbons and one of the largest monsoon forests in Southeast Asia. Two nights is right, based in Pak Chong.
Wildlife, honestly
Khao Yai has wild elephants, gibbons and hornbills, but you are unlikely to see an elephant from a car. Night safaris with a park ranger and the morning bird walk are the realistic highlights.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay outside the park in Pak Chong, among vineyards and farm stays. Inside the park there are basic bungalows and campsites, which book out weeks ahead.
Where to stay in Khao Yai
Khao Yai is a national park with a tourist town attached, and almost nobody sleeps inside the park. Pak Chong is the transport hub; the resorts are scattered along the valley road between the town and the gate.
- Pak Chong$–$$
Best for: Train arrivals, one night
Transport hub with the cheapest rooms; 40 minutes to the park gate.
- Thanarat Road (resort strip)$$–$$$$
Best for: Two-night stays, families
The main valley road: farm stays, wineries and resorts from budget to five-star.
- Inside the park$
Best for: Wildlife, camping, early starts
Park bungalows and tents booked through the DNP; the only way to be at the trailhead at dawn.
Price bands are for a double room per night in high season: $ under THB 1,800 · $$ 1,800–4,500 · $$$ 4,500–10,000 · $$$$ above 10,000. We book hotels in every band and inspect them in person.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Coming for one day and expecting to see elephants
- Driving yourself without a guide and seeing only trees
- Coming on a public holiday when Bangkok arrives en masse
Is it worth it?
Worth two nights and the best wildlife destination within reach of Bangkok. The forest is genuinely wild, the night safaris are good, and the wineries and farm stays around Pak Chong make it a comfortable weekend. It is not a guaranteed animal sighting.
Things to see in Khao Yai
National park
Khao Yai National Park
Thailand's first national park: 2,168 square kilometres of rainforest, waterfalls, gibbons and wild elephants.…
Winery
PB Valley Vineyard
A working vineyard in the Khao Yai hills, with tastings, a restaurant and vineyard tours.…
Tours that include Khao Yai
Experiences here
Common questions
About 200km, 2.5 to 3 hours by car via Pak Chong. Trains run to Pak Chong, then a songthaew to the park.
400 baht for foreign adults plus 50 baht per vehicle. A night safari is an extra 200 baht.
Possibly — there are around 300 in the park. The Nong Pak Chi grassland at dusk and night drives are the best chance.
November to February for cool, dry weather. The rainy season (June–October) is greener and quieter but leeches are a real issue.
Last updated: October 2026 · JoyoTour editorial team
Add Khao Yai to a longer trip
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