Khao Yai National Park Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know (2025)

Are you also planning to explore Khao Yai National Park on your trip to Thailand? If yes, then you are at the right place. This national park in Thailand is the perfect place to enjoy a vacation amidst nature, just 3 hours away from the capital. It is Thailand's first and third largest national park, which earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park is a paradise where you can spot Asiatic elephants, white-handed gibbons, hornbills, several waterfalls and many more. But you are confused about how to plan your perfect getaway? Then read our complete guide on Khao Yai National Park Thailand, for how to reach, attractions, and activities to do. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book your flights to Thailand now and dive into our guide for all the details. 

How To Get to Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok

Now, when we thought of exploring Khao Yai National Park, the first thought that came to our mind was how to reach Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok. So, let us tell you that you can visit this national park very easily, either independently or through a Khao Yai national park tours. But if you prefer to reach the national park independently, then here is all the important information you need to know. 

Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok:

As per the Khao Yai National Park location, it is just 2 2-hour and 51-minute (depending on the traffic) drive away from Bangkok. The national park is accessed through 2 main gates - Northern Entrance (Pak Chong) and Southern Entrance (Neon Hom). You can enter the national park through either of the gates after paying the National Park entrance fees. You can either enter from one gate and exit from the other, or you can come back to the same gate from where you started. Now, there are 3 ways to reach Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok. 

1. By Private Car

If you are planning to reach Khao Yai National Park by renting a car, then you need to have an International Driving Permit, which is mandatory for international travelers. There are 2 routes from Bangkok which you can choose - 

• Bangkok to Chao Por Khao Yai Shrine Visitor Center

• Bangkok – Noen Hom Visitor Center

Choosing your private car to visit Khao Yai National Park is one of the best ways you explore the national park easily without any hassle. 

2. By Bus

Another option to reach Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok is to take a bus like the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima coach or the Bangkok-Pak Chong private minivan. This will drop you at Pak Chong, which is the closest town to the national park, and from there you can hire a taxi to explore the national park or take the Pak Chong-Khao Yai Bus, which runs from 06:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day with a bus fare of 15THB. 

3. By Train

If you are planning to travel by train, then you can take the North Eastern line train from Bangkok to Pak Chong. Get off at the Pak Chong Station, and from there you can take a songthaew bus (shared taxi) from Pak Chong market to Khao Yai National Park. This will drop you off at Chao Por Khao Yai Shrine Visitor Centre, which is one of the entrance gates of the national park. To explore further attractions, you can take visitors' vehicles at the entrance gate. 

Pro Tip: Since Khao Yai National Park is away from the mainland, there can be chances of zero to low network connectivity, so we recommend downloading the Khao Yai National Park map for a smooth trip.

Khao Yai National Park attractions

Being the biggest national park in Thailand, there are many Khao Yai National Park attractions that you can explore. Let’s check them out: 

Khao Yai National Park Waterfalls: 

Khao Yai National Park Thailand, is well known for its waterfalls, which you cannot miss. The national park has 4 major waterfalls - Haew Narok Waterfall, Haew Suwat Waterfall, Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall and Kong Kaew Waterfall. Out of these 4 waterfalls, Haew Narok Waterfall is the largest and tallest waterfall cascading from the 150 meters high falling in three tiers. Then there is Haew Suwat Waterfall, which comes from the volcanic rock, making it another beautiful Khao Yai National Park attraction to witness. 

Khao Yai National Park Viewpoints: 

When you are visiting Khao Yai National Park Thailand, you will get to visit some of the stunning viewpoints. Imagine you are on the top of a mountain, witnessing the Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, landscape with a sea of mist below the mountain. Km. 30 Viewpoint is the first viewpoint you will encounter, which is perfect for photographing the panoramic view of the national park. Another viewpoint that you should definitely visit is the Pha Diaw Dai Viewpoint, which is at an elevation of 900 meters above sea level. From this viewpoint, you can see Thung Nguluam mountain on your right, known for its pythons. It is also the perfect place to catch the sunrise early in the morning. 

Khao Khieaw Viewpoint (Pha Trom Jai) is the highest viewpoint at an elevation of 1290 meters above sea level. Sounds amazing, right? Book your flights to Thailand now and experience this adrenaline rush at Khao Yai National Park. 

Nong Phak Chi Observation Tower

The list of Khao Yai National Park attractions also includes Nong Phak Chi Observation Tower, which is 20 meters tall and located in the area of Nong Phak Chi. From this observation tower, you can witness many animals like sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, elephants, gaur and dhole roaming around the grasslands. You can park your cars at the 35 km milestone on Thanarat Rd, and from there you can hike for 1km. 

Chao Phor Khao Yai Shrine

Last but not least, Chao Phor Khao Yai Shrine near the 23 km milepost on Thanarat Rd is a shrine in the memory of  Mr Jang Nisaisat, who was a native of Nakhon Nayok Province. He has helped the local villagers in many ways when he was a clerk in the army. On 26th January every year, many ceremonies are held to honour him. You can visit this shrine to pay your respects and honour the shrine. 

Also Read: Railay Beach Thailand Guide

Khao Yai National Park activities

There are many Khao Yai National Park activities that you can do during your trip to this national park in Thailand. Some of these activities are: 

• Did you know Khao Yai National Park is listed as an Important Bird Area and is home to over 282 bird species? Amazing, right? You can enjoy birdwatching here as you can see Siamese Fireback, Blue-winged Pitta, Coral-billed ground cuckoo and the four species of Hornbill easily. 

• If you are planning your trip to Khao Yai National Park Thailand, then one thing you cannot miss is camping amidst nature. At night, you can witness the sky full of stars because of no pollution. November to March is the best time to enjoy camping in the national park. 

• If you are someone who loves adventure, then the Khao Yai National Park hike and trails are something you should definitely sign up for. Surprisingly, the national park is home to 7 short trails, which are 1.2 km to 8 km, ranging from 45 minutes to 6 hours. So, you can choose according to your schedule. 

• Another activity which you should definitely try is the night safari in Khao Yai National Park. You can witness animals like Malyan porcupine, large Indian civet, wild elephant, nightjars and more. You can sign up for it before 06:00 PM at the visitor center. 

Khao Yai National Park accommodations

Khao Yai National Park provides various accommodation options so that you can enjoy your stay in the national park. The stay options are in 4 zones from which you can choose as per your preferences. 

• Zone 1, known as Kong Kaew, has Khao Yai National Park hotel such as Kong Kaew 1, Kong Kaew 2, Kong Kaew 5, Kong Kaew 6, Chaiyapreuk and Panasan. 

• Zone 2 has two Khao Yai National Park accommodation options, like  Ornrapim 3 and Tiewtat 2. 

• Zone 3 has a campsite and a Youth campsite with a shared bathroom and bunk beds. So, if you are on a budget, you can choose from this accommodation option. 

• Zone 4, known as Thanrat Zone, has villa-style accommodation options ranging from 2,450 THB to 840 THB per person. 

Conclusion

We hope that this complete guide on Khao Yai National Park will help you plan your getaway smoothly. We are sure that its natural flora and fauna with stunning viewpoints will steal your heart away. Just book your flights to Thailand with Experianairfare now and relish your time at this amazing place to visit in Thailand. 

FAQs

Q- What are the timings and entrance fees of the Khao Yai National Park Thailand?

The opening hours of the Khao Yai National Park are from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM. You have to pay Khao Yai National Park entrance fees both for persons and for vehicles as well. Entrance fees ( foreign visitors) for children are 100 THB and 200 THB for adults. Moreover, you have to pay 30 THB for 4-wheeler vehicles and 100 THB for 6-wheeler vehicles. 

Q- What is the best time to visit Khao Yai National Park?

The best time to visit Khao Yai National Park is during the cool season, which is from October to February. You can witness clear skies with mists around the mountains and perfect sunrises and sunsets. 

Q- What are the timings of the night safari in Khao Yai National Park Thailand?

If you wish to book for the Khao Yai National Park Thailand night safari, then you can choose from two time slots running from 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM and 08:00 PM to 09:00 PM. You can book this at Khao Yai Visitor’s Center before 06:00 PM. 

Q- Can I take a day trip to Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok?

Yes, if you have less than 24 hours for a day trip, then we recommend you opt for Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok. The largest national park in Thailand is just 2 hours and 51 minutes away from Bangkok.