Things to Do at Khao Yai National Park
Complete Guide to Khao Yai National Park in Khao Yai
About Khao Yai National Park
What to See & Do
Haew Narok Waterfall
The park's most impressive waterfall, especially dramatic during rainy season. It's a fairly easy walk from the parking area, and you'll likely hear it before you see it.
Wildlife Watching
Early morning and late afternoon drives often yield elephant sightings, plus gibbons, hornbills, and if you're lucky, maybe even a sun bear. The animals here seem genuinely wild, not habituated to tourists.
Night Safari
Guided night drives reveal a completely different side of the park. You might spot civets, slow lorises, or the glowing eyes of various nocturnal creatures in your headlights.
Nong Pak Chi Watchtower
A wooden observation tower that gives you a sense of the park's scale. Best visited early morning when the mist is still hanging in the valleys and bird activity peaks.
Hiking Trails
Various trails wind through different forest types, from the easy nature trail near headquarters to more challenging routes that lead to remote waterfalls and viewpoints.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open daily 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Gate closes at 3:00 PM for day visitors (you need to be out by 6:00 PM)
Tickets & Pricing
Adults 400 THB, children 200 THB. Vehicle entry additional 50 THB for cars, 20 THB for motorcycles. Pay at park entrance - cash only
Best Time to Visit
Cool season (November-February) offers the most comfortable weather, but rainy season (July-October) brings the most dramatic waterfalls and lush scenery
Suggested Duration
Full day minimum, though 2-3 days lets you properly explore different areas and increases wildlife spotting chances
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Surprisingly decent vineyard about 30 minutes from the park entrance. The wine might not win international awards, but the setting is lovely and it makes for a nice contrast to jungle hiking.
A somewhat surreal Italian-themed village complete with sheep farm. Feels a bit like a theme park, but families seem to love it and it's genuinely well-executed.
Another themed development, this one mimicking an Italian hillside town. Good for shopping and dining, though it's pretty artificial - depends on your tolerance for that sort of thing.
A proper local market in the nearest town, great for authentic street food and a glimpse of non-tourist Thailand after your park visit.