Khao Yai is Thailand's first national park (established 1962) and one of its best. Located 200 km northeast of Bangkok, it forms the core of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering over 6,000 km² of contiguous forest. The park protects one of the largest remaining monsoon forest blocks in Southeast Asia and harbours species that have disappeared from most of Thailand: elephants, gaur, Asiatic black bears, clouded leopards, tigers, and gibbons.
For visitors, the appeal is immediate: well-maintained wildlife viewing trails, a network of unpaved roads that animals cross at dusk and dawn, and three major waterfalls accessible on foot. Haew Narok Falls — dropping 150 metres in two tiers through primary forest — is among Thailand's most spectacular. Night safaris on the park roads by car with a spotlight reliably produce deer, civets, porcupines, and occasional elephants.
Khao Yai is very accessible from Bangkok as a weekend trip, which makes it busy on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday visits are significantly quieter. The rainy season (May–October) turns the forest lush green and waterfalls dramatic but the trails can be muddy. November–February is the best season.
Highlights
- Wild elephant sightings — year-round, especially at dusk on park roads
- Haew Narok Falls — 150-metre two-tier waterfall in primary forest
- Gibbon calls audible throughout the park every morning
- Night safari drives on park roads for deer, civets, and bears
- UNESCO World Heritage Forest Complex
- Hornbill and green peafowl sightings from the visitor centre area
How to Get There
From Bangkok's Mo Chit bus terminal, take a bus to Pak Chong (2.5 hours, 150 THB), then a songthaew or taxi to the park entrance (30 minutes, 200 THB). By car, take Highway 2 to Pak Chong — about 2.5 hours from Bangkok. Many Bangkok tour operators offer weekend packages.
Visitor Tips
Hire a local guide at the visitor centre — they know where the elephants are and significantly improve wildlife sightings.
Drive the main road from the visitor centre to Haew Narok at dusk (5–6 pm) for best elephant encounter probability.
Book accommodation inside the park (park bungalows) well in advance for weekends — they sell out months ahead.
The night safari (8–10 pm) run by the park on their pickup trucks is excellent value and reliable for spotlighting wildlife.
Leeches are present on jungle trails during rainy season — tuck trousers into socks and apply repellent to shoes.
Dress Code Required
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
ThailandKnowledge Editorial Team
Factual claims on this page are sourced and dated. Where something could not be verified, we say so rather than guessing.
Our editorial standards