Looking for unique spots to visit in Thailand? Then, visit one of the most picturesque areas in Thailand, Khao Yai. Here, you will always be among beautiful nature, stunning architecture, or some lovely animals. Among them, you can be completely immersed in beautiful nature and relaxing leisure. So, are you ready to head off to this idyllic, bucolic district? It only takes 2-3 hours to drive from the bustling Bangkok city center, so there is no reason to hesitate! Read on to learn about the top 10 best places to visit in Khao Yai!
1. Khao Yai National Park
As the third-largest national park in Thailand, Khao Yai National park captures the true beauty of nature. With the Haew Narok waterfall being the star attraction, the park includes rainforests, grasslands, and evergreen forests, covering an area of 2,168km². It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lush mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Visitors will often see elephants, deers, and gibbons here. But if you’re lucky, you might get to see bears, otters, and jackals. If you love birdwatching, visit during March and April to see the bird migration right before your eyes!
[Book a tour to the mesmerizing Khao Yai National Park!]
2. Elephant Visit
If you’re in Thailand, you have to visit its icon, elephants. One of the absolute must things to do in Khao Yai is interacting with these majestic creatures as well. You can simply watch them in their natural habitat, or feed them with some food. Only then will you understand how majestic and beautiful elephants are, and how much they are truly worth a visit!
[Book a tour to visit elephants in the Khao Yai National Park!]
3. Morning & Night Markets
This is certainly not the most popular choice when it comes to the top places to visit in Khao Yai. But trust me, Khao Yai has its unique morning and night markets to offer, where you can get fresh produce and a plethora of Thai spices to take home. Its morning markets especially offer tons of fresh produce where you can shop to cook up some food later on in the day. On the other hand, the night markets are perfect if you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up at night to fill your tummy up with yummy snacks.
[Book a Cooking Class near Khao Yai National Park to cook authentic Thai dishes!]
4. Farm Chokchai
If you want to indulge in the leisure of a farmhouse-life, head to Farm Chokchai. This lovely farm with adorable farm animals holds tours twice a day from Tuesday to Friday. But if you missed the tour, you can ride ATVs around the 100-hectare farm! At this farm, you will get to see all the agricultural processes that go into food production. What’s more, is that you can even go to their open farm to feed sheep and horses. One of the best things to do here is joining in on the cow milk ice-cream making session, for a sweet treat!
[Book a tour to Farm Chokchai to enjoy a bucolic farm life!]
5. Scenical World
Feeling exhausted from Thailand’s hot weather? If you’re in the Khao Yai area, head to Scenical World, an all-in-one water park and amusement park, to blow off the summer heat. Located among Khao Yai’s amazing mountains and landmarks, you can enjoy all their 20 thrilling rides and parades with an awesome view of the great nature of Khao Yai. Splash around, ride adrenaline-pumping rides, and enjoy music performances at Scenical World to beat the summer heat!
[Get your discounted ticket to Khao Yai Scenical World to enjoy the thrill!]
6. Palio Khao Yai
As the local holiday spot for Thais, Palio Khao Yai is an Italian, Tuscany village themed shopping center. If you’re looking to experience something completely new, then head to Palio Khao Yai to be transported to Italy. Among the terracotta-colored walls, flowers, and ivy, you’ll find local goods and a sustainability-focused shopping environment. Stroll around this unique place, snacking away at their macarons and pastries. And of course, make sure to have a good look at their 120 shops, and grab anything you want to bring home!
[Book your visit to Palio Khao Yai to enjoy the Tuscan breeze!]
7. Primo Piazza
Continuing with the Italian themes, Primo Piazza is a bucolic Italian village at the heart of Khao Yai. Head over there to feed sheep, alpacas, and donkeys, and take some adorable photos with animal feed as an exchange. Then, when you’re done having fun with the animals, head over to the streets to truly take in the rural Italian architecture. Visit cafes and ice cream parlors to get something to snack on, and enjoy the kind of leisure you certainly cannot enjoy back home.
[Reserve a tour to Primo Piazza for a rural Italian getaway!]
8. PB Valley Winery
You’re mistaken if you thought Thailand doesn’t produce good wines. If you did, visit PB valley Khao Yai Winery and reconsider! This 350-hectare vineyard and its wine production systems are worth a closer look. If you don’t drink though, you can sample their own coffee, or have a go on their 100% Shiraz grape juice. Also, there are three to five tours a day that bring you around the vineyards, wine factory, and the sampling area. The PB Valley Winery is certainly a place for everyone, wine lover or not. Enjoy the stunning view of the vineyards and taste the tangy wine.
[Book your PB Valley Winery tour for good wine and stunning views]
9. Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram
This impressive Buddhist temple is one of the top places to visit in Khao Yai. Not only can you see the magnificent Buddha surrounded by mountains, but you can also interact with many animals in the area. Take the challenge and climb the 1,250 steps to reach the Buddha. Only then, will you get to have the most relaxing experience at the temple up on the mountain. Don’t worry though, since there are plenty of rest stops on your way up to catch your breath. It’s certainly an absolutely beautiful place to put your mind at peace among nature.
[Book a taxi tour to the Wat Thep Phitak Punneram!]
10. Rai Manee Sorn Sunflower Field
The Khao Yai Sunflower Field is a truly magical place. The stretch of land is completely filled with miles of sunflowers, the field presents a unique photo-taking opportunity, and a chance to take in nature in its most beautiful state! Feel in harmony with these golden flowers. Also, a quick tip – if you want to visit when the flowers are in full bloom, try early November to early January. Although you have to drive a bit to get to the sunflower field from the center of Khao Yai, it’s totally worth a visit.
[Reserve a taxi to the Sunflower Field to see beautiful sunflowers in full bloom]
Did you find a place to go on our list of the top 10 places to visit in Khao Yai? This wonderful land of nature and history is for sure worth a visit. Whether you visit the Khao Yai National Park, the Sunflower Field, or Scenical World, Khao Yai will present you with all its magical natural gems. If you want to find more things to do in Khao Yai, head to Trazy.com, your #1 Travel Shop for Asia!
If you’re in the Bangkok vicinity, check out these blogs to guide you:
