How to Visit Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Ranked among the country's most breathtaking wildernesses, the Khao Yai National Park is no ordinary tourist highlight in the country. Surrounded by limestone cliffs, the expansive nature reserve is not only home to a lake but also a large number of wildlife inhabitants. Considered a nature lover's dream destination, there's much more to do than simply hiking around this leafy sanctuary. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Khao Yai National Park on holiday.

Best Time to Visit

As a rainforest, it is difficult to predict when a tropical downpour will take place at Khao Yai National Park but there are certain periods of the year when the heavy rains are prevalent. But this is also the time of the year when the park looks lush and verdant so the timing of your tour really depends on personal preference and what you wish to experience. Those heading to Khao Yai National Park in the dry season from November to April will find that the roads are much easier to navigate and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher. The wet season from May to October is quieter in terms of wildlife roaming the park as most animals retreat into the deeper recesses of the jungle during the rain but the period can be fantastic for bird watching and exploring the park without too many other safari-goers.

Getting There

The most convenient way to reach Khao Yai National Park is to first travel from Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Station and reach Pak Chong. The 3.5-hour journey can also be completed via taxi although it will cost more. Those who are based at any of the hotels Bangkok, Thailand, has to offer, such as the ones offered by popular chains such as Chatrium Hotels and Residences, can alternatively take a train from Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok to reach Pak Chong as the journey also takes no more than 3 and a half hours.

Cave Tours

Khao Yai National Park is perhaps best known for its caves and the bats that occupy these areas in large numbers. A hike up to the Temple Cave is a must for all first-time visitors, as there are a large number of bat species occupying the cave including Horseshoe and Roundleaf bats. The Khao Luk Chang Bat Cave, which is a few kilometres away, is the dark residence of millions of Wrinkle-lipped bats while the Fruit Bat Cave is where Cave Fruit bats are found among Long-tailed Broadbills and other wildlife.

Explore the Waterfalls

No tour of Khao Yai would be complete without marvelling at its captivating waterfalls, which are at their frothy best during the wet season. Those who tour the park during the dry season will find that the four waterfalls inside the park do not dry out and do look impressive even if the sights are not as awe-inspiring as those accessible in the rainy period. The Haew Narok Waterfall is the largest among the four and it towers above the park at a height of 80m. The Haew Suwat Waterfall, in contrast, is Hollywood royalty as the cascade was famously featured in The Beach starring Leonardo Dicaprio. The 70-metre-tall Haew Sai Fai Waterfall is no less impressive while the Haew Pratoon Waterfall is a hidden gem that's rarely visited by the travelling masses.

Take in the Views

Khao Yai National Park also boasts several observation points that provide panoramic views of the park and beyond. The Nong Phak Chi Watchtower, which is part of a well-known hiking trail through the park, is the most accessible among the viewpoints and is fantastic for spotting wild inhabitants. The Yod Khao Khieo Mountain, which is the highest peak in the park and Nakhon Nayok Province as a whole, offers 3 lookout points including the one from the Pha Deaw Dad Cliff.