Take a break from the bustle of Bangkok city and get a taste of the beautiful Khao Yai attractions!
Khao Yai National Park is located about 120 km northeast of Bangkok. It is not only the first national park in Thailand but also the second largest national park in Thailand. In 2005, Khao Yai National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Khao Yai National Park itself is a good reason to visit Khao Yai. But its whole surrounding area offers so many attractions that will make you want to spend days there!
If you plan to visit Khao Yai National Park, make sure to read this blog to get some travel tips on Khao Yai attractions.
1. Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is well known not only for its amazing landscape but also for its wondrous flora and fauna.
– Flora
More than 80 percent of the park is forested and 70% of the park consists of tropical rainforest. You can see the rich diversity of plants (about 2,000 species) in this park including towering trees draped in mosses, drooping lianas, and spiny rattan palms, and multicolored lichens.
– Fauna
When you are indulging in its natural landscape, there are high chances that you might encounter the wildlife.
Khao Yai’s wildlife is plentiful (46 mammal species, at least 74 species of herptile and thousands of invertebrates). Gibbons and macaques can be spotted relatively easily. Civets, squirrels, porcupines, and wild pigs add a bit of variety. Elephants are sometimes spotted at salt-licks or on the road in the evenings or even during the day if lucky.
Khao Yai National Park is also very known for its diverse array of birds as well. At least over 320 species have been recorded. Hornbills are quite easy to spot. You can hear the “gok gok” sounds of the Great Hornbill (usually seen in pairs or alone, the biggest of Khao Yai’s hornbills).
– Things to do
1) Watch some of the spectacular waterfalls. The rainy season is the best time to see spectacular falls. During the months of June, July, August they can have plenty of water. Under these wet conditions, flora also will be at its best. Note that swimming is not allowed at the falls.
Haew Narok falls is the largest waterfall of Khao Yai’s waterfalls – with its height of around 150 meters. The top of the falls has been surrounded by an ‘elephant fence’ since 1993 when seven elephants were swept over the falls.
2) Go trekking. The main reason for coming to Khao Yai is to see the amazing wildlife and scenery. The best way to see this is by walking one of the many trails in the park.
Km. 30 Viewpoint is the most popular viewpoints in Khao Yai National Park. It is a relatively easy but rewarding trail where you can see the wonderful view once you make it.
3) Visit the elephant sanctuary. If you are an animal lover, check out the elephant sanctuary in Khao Yai National Park. You can meet the adorable elephants living happily in their natural habitat and make precious memories with them.
Click here to book a Khao Yai National Park & Elephant Sanctuary 1 Day Tour.
2. Khao Yai Attractions
Khao Yai has so much more to offer than just its national park. In fact, there are many fantastic tourist attractions waiting for you to explore. The easiest and most convenient way to explore this area is to book a private taxi tour. Due to lack of transportation, it is highly recommended to have your own personal driver for a day or even more!
Click here to book your own private taxi tours to Khao Yai attractions from Bangkok.
The best part is you can pick everything for your liking from the pickup & dropoff spot in Bangkok to the itinerary in Khao Yai. Once you decide the Khao Yai attractions you want to visit, this hassle-free private car charter will take you there safe and sound.
Are you ready to plan your own Khao Yai itinerary? Let’s have a glimpse of Khao Yai attractions here.
– PB Valley Khao Yai Winery
Much to your surprise, you can find a huge vineyard called “PB Wine Valley” on the northwest of Khao Yai National Park. The temperature here is about 24°C during the winter season thanks to its high elevation. This beautiful vineyard runs daily tours 4~5 times offering wine factory visits and wine tasting experiences as well.
– Primo Piazza (aka Little Italy)
You can totally feel the Italian atmosphere at Khao Yai if you go to Primo Piazza which is located near PB Valley Khao Yai Winery. Primo Piazza, aka Little Italy, is a little town built in Italian architecture style. The buildings, streets, and even the scenery will make you feel like you are actually in Italy. One of the fun things to do at Primo Piazza is to feed the alpacas. You can buy the hays at a reasonable price at the barn.
– Chocolate Factory
The Chocolate Factory is located on the east side of Primo Piazza, with 10 minutes driving distance. It is not an actual chocolate factory, unfortunately, but it is an Italian restaurant and chocolate shop. The chocolate here is freshly made daily, using the finest and best ingredients imported from Belgium, France, and Switzerland. There are more than 30 chocolate desserts here that are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Don’t miss out on these yummy treats!
– Farm Chokchai
Farm Chokchai is the largest dairy farm in Thailand where you can see and experience the real farm life. You can try milking cows and watch some great shows such as cowboys show and sheepdogs show. You can also try the freshest ice cream made of the milk from the cows. It would make an ideal destination for those traveling with kids, as the farm will bring joy for children who love animals.
– Hobbit Houses
If you can’t go to Hobbiton in New Zealand, let Khao Yai bring it to you in Thailand! The Hobbit House is actually a Hobbiton-themed resort. Even if you are not staying there you can still enjoy their cute houses and park and even try some costumes from the movie The Lord of the Rings as well. It is a bit further from Khao Yai National Park than the other attractions, but still worth visiting.
– Jim Thompson Farm
The famous Thai silk company “Jim Thompson” has a beautiful farm near Khao Yai. They present a unique opportunity to see the full life-cycle of silkworms and the silk farming process. Also, they have an array of stunning gardens of sunflowers, pumpkins, and colorful hydroponic flowers.
The farm is open to the public only from December to January for 5 weeks. Make sure if it is open before you make your itinerary.
Click here to book your own private taxi tours to Khao Yai attractions from Bangkok.
3. Where else to visit near Khao Yai National Park
Nakhon Nayok Province
Nakhon Nayok is a small province in the northeast of Bangkok. It is a nice little stop to experience the local life of small town if you are making a trip to Khao Yai from Bangkok because it is on the way to it.
It is a definitely less known destination, but one of Thailand’s most scenic regions. Here are a few things recommended to do in Nakhon Nayok.
First, hop on an ox carriage which has been a traditional form of transport in Thailand for centuries. It is a great way to look around the town.
Also, make a quick stop at a local market where you can find fresh vegetable and fruits. You can also try local delicacies and other local food here as well.
And, join a cooking class and learn to cook some authentic Thai dishes by the local family. There’s nothing like a homemade dish, especially by yourself!
Click here to book a Khao Yai National Park & Nakhon Nayok 1 Day Tour.
If you are looking for a peaceful and unique getaway near Bangkok, Khao Yai will make a perfect answer to you.
For more travel tips and ideas for your next trip to Thailand, make sure you visit Trazy.com, Asia’s #1 Travel Shop!
