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Khao Yai National Park
A UNESCO-listed rainforest reserve with wild elephants and waterfall treks close to Bangkok
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2-6 hours depending on trail
- Summit elevation
- 1351 m
Thailand's oldest national park protects over 2,000 square kilometres of forest as part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai UNESCO World Heritage complex. Trails 1 to 7 range from an easy loop near the visitor centre to guided treks through elephant and gibbon territory.
Highlights
- Haew Narok and Haew Suwat waterfalls
- Wild elephant and hornbill sightings on ranger-guided trails
- Pha Kluai Mai and Kong Kaew short waterfall walks
- Night safari drives from the park checkpoints
Getting there
Khao Yai is about three hours by road from Bangkok or ninety minutes from Nakhon Ratchasima; most visitors arrive by rented car or a tour transfer from Pak Chong town.
Safety tips
Wild elephants use the same roads and trails as visitors; keep well back if one is sighted and always follow the ranger guide's instructions on trails 3 to 6.
What to bring
- Rain jacket, since showers are possible year round
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting