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This is your starting point for planning a trip to Khao Yai: how to get there, when to go, how long to stay, how to get around and what to budget time for. Every section links to our deeper guides.
Khao Yai at a glance
- Where: Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, north-east of Bangkok. The national park extends into neighbouring provinces.
- The park: Thailand’s first national park, established in 1962, covering about 2,166 km². It is part of the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2005.
- Highlights: wildlife, waterfalls, viewpoints, vineyards, farms, cafes, art and an excellent regional food scene.
Getting there
By car
Driving is the most popular option. The route from Bangkok follows Highway 1 and then Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) towards Nakhon Ratchasima, turning off at Pak Chong. Allow around three hours, longer on Friday evenings and holiday weekends. Many visitors hire a car with a driver.
By train or bus
Trains and buses on the Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima route stop at Pak Chong. From there, arrange a resort pickup, taxi or private driver. Shared songthaews run towards the park’s northern entrance, but services are limited.
Getting around
Khao Yai is spread out, and having a car makes everything easier. There are no petrol stations inside the national park, so fill up before you enter. The park speed limit is 60 km/h, and wildlife often crosses the road.
When to go
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | November–February | Dry, comfortable days and cool nights. Peak season with busy weekends. |
| Hot | March–April | Warm days. Some waterfalls run low. |
| Rainy | May–October | Lush and green. Waterfalls are strongest around June–August. Expect leeches on trails, and some viewpoints or trails may close seasonally. |
Visiting the national park
- Gate hours: 06:00–18:00. The tourist information centre is open 08:30–16:30.
- Fees: daily per-person entry fees, which are higher for foreign visitors, plus a vehicle fee. Check the official fee page before you go.
- Vehicles: large and tall vehicles are restricted. See the official page for details.
Our full Khao Yai National Park guide covers routes, trails, waterfalls and wildlife.
How long to stay
- One night: possible, but rushed.
- Two nights: one day in the park, one day for vineyards, cafes and your resort.
- Three nights or more: time for longer hikes, a night safari and a slower pace.
See our luxury weekend itinerary for a ready-made plan.
Where to stay
Thanarat Road and Mu Si are best for park access, Pong Talong for vineyards and the hills for views. Read where to stay in Khao Yai, or go straight to our pool villa resort guide.
What to do
- Top attractions in Khao Yai
- Haew Suwat and Haew Narok waterfalls
- Scenic viewpoints and nature trails
- Wildlife experiences
Eating and drinking
From Michelin Bib Gourmand Thai cooking to vineyard lunches and specialty coffee, see our restaurant guide and cafe guide.
Essential tips
- Do not swim at waterfalls inside the park. Currents are stronger than they look.
- Never approach or feed wild elephants, and keep food away from macaques.
- Bring layers in the cool season and leech socks in the rainy season.
- Book accommodation early for weekends and Thai public holidays.
International visitors should also read our travel tips for international visitors.