Khaoyai - Things to Do in Khaoyai in November

Khaoyai in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Khaoyai

31°C (88°F) High Temp
19°C (66°F) Low Temp
25mm (1 inch) Rainfall
65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect hiking weather - cool mornings at 19°C (66°F) ideal for 6am wildlife spotting walks, with comfortable 31°C (88°F) afternoon temperatures
  • Peak wildlife visibility season - cooler dry weather means animals are more active and visible at waterfalls and salt licks throughout the day
  • Minimal rain disruption - only 3 rainy days average with 25mm (1 inch) total rainfall means outdoor activities rarely get cancelled
  • Post-rainy season lush landscapes - October rains have ended, leaving waterfalls at full flow and vegetation busy green without the mud

Considerations

  • Peak season pricing begins - accommodation rates increase 30-40% compared to September/October as cool season tourism starts
  • Weekend crowds surge - Saturday/Sunday visitor numbers triple as Thailand residents escape to cooler mountain air, especially at popular viewpoints
  • Early morning chill requires layers - temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) at higher elevations like Khao Rom viewpoint, catching tropical-climate visitors unprepared

Best Activities in November

Dawn Wildlife Spotting Hikes

November's cool 19°C (66°F) mornings make 5:30am starts comfortable for spotting elephants, gibbons, and hornbills. Animals are most active before 8am when temperatures rise. The post-rainy season means clear trail conditions and full waterfalls as wildlife gathering spots.

Booking Tip: Book guided wildlife walks 7-10 days ahead through park-certified guides. Tours typically cost ฿1,500-2,500 per person and include 4-6 hours with transportation. Look for guides with wildlife photography experience. See current tour options in booking section below.

Waterfall Photography Tours

Haew Narok and Haew Suwat waterfalls are at peak flow from October rains but accessible due to November's dry conditions. Cool weather means comfortable 2-3 hour hikes with perfect lighting conditions all day. Morning mist creates dramatic shots impossible in hot season.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost ฿2,000-3,500 and include equipment tips and prime shooting locations. Book through operators with professional photography guides. Best tours run 6am-2pm to capture multiple waterfalls. Check current availability in booking widget below.

Scenic Drive and Viewpoint Tours

Clear November skies offer 30km+ (18+ mile) visibility from Khao Rom and Nong Pak Chi viewpoints. Cool weather makes midday driving comfortable through the 2,168 sq km (837 sq mile) park. Perfect conditions for spotting wildlife from vehicles without excessive heat.

Booking Tip: Self-drive permits cost ฿400-600 per vehicle, or join guided drives for ฿1,800-2,800 per person. Book vehicle permits 3-5 days ahead through park headquarters. Tours include multiple viewpoints and wildlife spotting stops. See current tour options below.

Night Safari Adventures

November's comfortable 22°C (72°F) evening temperatures make 3-4 hour night drives pleasant. Cooler weather increases nocturnal animal activity - higher chances of spotting civets, slow lorises, and owls. Clear skies also offer excellent stargazing opportunities.

Booking Tip: Night safari tours cost ฿2,500-4,000 per person and must be booked with licensed operators only. Tours run 6pm-10pm with thermal imaging equipment. Book 10-14 days ahead as groups are limited to 8 people. Check current night tour availability in booking section.

Mountain Biking Trails

Post-rainy season trail conditions are perfect - firm ground without dust or mud. Cool morning temperatures of 19°C (66°F) allow for comfortable rides on the 50km+ (31+ miles) of park trails. Clear weather provides excellent visibility for technical sections.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost ฿300-500 per day, guided tours ฿1,500-2,500 per person. Book through operators providing helmet and safety gear. Best rides start 6:30am to avoid afternoon heat. Tours include skill-appropriate trail selection. Current bike tour options available in booking widget.

Vineyard and Farm Tours

November is harvest season at Khao Yai's vineyards and farms. Cool weather makes outdoor tastings and farm walks comfortable all day. Post-rainy season means lush vineyard landscapes and fresh produce. Many farms offer grape picking experiences unique to this season.

Booking Tip: Vineyard tours cost ฿800-1,500 per person including tastings. Farm tours range ฿600-1,200 with meals. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend visits. Look for tours including multiple venues and transportation. Check current farm and vineyard tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Loy Krathong Festival

Many resorts and venues in Khao Yai area celebrate with floating krathongs on resort lakes and ponds. Romantic evening atmosphere with traditional Thai lantern ceremonies. Smaller scale but more intimate than city celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 19°C (66°F) but reach 31°C (88°F) by afternoon, so pack t-shirts with light fleece or jacket
Closed hiking shoes with good grip - trails can be damp from dew even in dry season, and you'll walk 5-10km (3-6 miles) daily
Light rain jacket - even with only 3 rainy days, afternoon showers can be sudden and last 30-45 minutes
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 is strong at altitude, especially during midday viewpoint visits
Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes and leeches are active in forest areas despite cooler weather
Headlamp or flashlight - essential for dawn wildlife walks starting at 5:30am and night safari activities
Binoculars 8x32 or 10x42 - wildlife spotting distances often exceed 100m (328ft) in open grassland areas
Power bank 10,000+ mAh - limited charging opportunities during full-day park activities and wildlife photography
Water bottles 2+ liters - November's dry air and hiking require more hydration than expected in cooler weather
Quick-dry pants - morning dew on trails and occasional stream crossings make regular jeans impractical for hiking

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by early October - many Thailand residents make November mountain getaway reservations months ahead for weekend escapes from city heat
Start activities at 6am not 8am - locals know the 2-hour window before tourist buses arrive offers the best wildlife sightings and parking spots
Bring warm clothes for elevation - Khao Rom viewpoint at 1,351m (4,432ft) can feel 10°C (18°F) cooler than base elevation, especially at sunrise
Visit waterfalls on weekdays - weekend crowds at Haew Suwat can exceed 500 people, while Tuesday-Thursday sees fewer than 50 visitors per hour

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists arrive with only summer clothes and shiver through dawn wildlife walks at 15-19°C (59-66°F)
Arriving without vehicle reservations - park vehicle entry permits sell out on weekends, forcing visitors to use expensive resort shuttle services
Booking only weekend stays - missing the dramatically better wildlife spotting and uncrowded trails available Monday through Thursday

Activities in Khaoyai