National Park Area
Dense jungle, wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and some of Thailand's finest wildlife watching
Best For
About National Park Area
Khao Yai National Park itself — established in 1962 as Thailand's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — covers 2,168 sq km of tropical forest straddling the Dong Phayayen mountain range northeast of Bangkok. The park is one of the best places in Thailand to see wild elephants (herds are regularly spotted on the main road after dark), along with gibbons, hornbills, barking deer, and occasionally gaur. The road through the park traverses several distinct forest zones, and night drives with a spotlight (organised by licensed tour guides) are the highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. The park's waterfalls — Haew Narok (the largest) and Haew Makok — require short hikes through pristine jungle to reach.
Highlights
- 1Wild elephant sightings along the main park road — frequently at dusk
- 2White-handed gibbons calling at dawn in the upper forest canopy
- 3Haew Narok Waterfall — 150-metre cascade at the end of a jungle trail
- 4Night spotlighting tours for owls, civets, and deer
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding wildlife diversity accessible from Bangkok in 2.5 hours
- UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-maintained trails
- Excellent guide network based in Pak Chong — highly recommended
Cons
- No public transport inside the park — a car, tour, or rented vehicle is essential
- Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed — patience and flexibility required