Visit Khao Yai, Thailand’s first national park
Nestled in the western reaches of Thailand’s Sankamphaeng Mountain Range, Khao Yai National Park is a region as diverse as it is beautiful. Established in 1962 as Thailand’s first national park, it covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers, primarily within Nakhon Ratchasima province, but also extending into surrounding regions such as Saraburi.
It plays host to some 3,000 plant species, more than 400 bird species, and dozens of animal species, many of which are endangered. In fact, it’s one of the few places in Thailand where you can actually see wild elephants in their natural habitat!
Photo Credit: Josch13 on Pixabay
In 1984, Khao Yai was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park, and in 2004, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it’s the third largest national park in Thailand, and a hot spot for tourists all over the world.
Of course, to experience everything that it has to offer, you’d have to explore a sprawling 2,000 square kilometers of jungle, forest cover, and grassland. The term “walk in the park” certainly doesn’t apply here — chartering a private car is definitely the best way to discover Khao Yai's best attractions!
Khao Yai Attractions: A Patchwork of Diverse Activities
When it comes to Khao Yai, things to do are in ample supply. Let’s go over some of the best sites to visit:
1. Palio Village
Photo Credit: Richard442 on Pixabay
Amidst the park’s natural landscapes and diverse flora and fauna lies Palio Village, a recreation of a typical village in the Italian region of Tuscany. From winding cobblestone streets to walls and buildings made of terracotta, it’s an intimate slice of the quaint countryside life.
Visitors can witness a variety of street performances held all over the town, as well as authentic vineyards where they can indulge themselves in local wine. There are also fruit stands with delicious fruit picked and grown in the region, while souvenir shops, clothing stores, and even local craftsmen’s wares are all available for one’s shopping needs!
2. GranMonte Vineyard
If the traditional wineries of Palio Village weren’t enough to satisfy your passion for wine, GranMonte Estate lets you explore the wonders of modern wine production. It spans a grape planting area some 15 hectares wide, and employs advanced technology such as precision farming and microclimate monitoring. You can also sample wines from the estate, all of which are produced exclusively from grapes grown at GranMonte!
3. Scenical World
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva on Flickr
Who doesn’t love a good amusement park — what more one surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and other remarkable scenery? That’s where Scenical World comes in, an exciting playground of activity for all ages, set against the backdrop of Khao Yai’s natural beauty.
Enjoy more than 20 rides, attractions, and activities at the Excite Zone. Or dive into the Splash Zone, a world-class waterpark where water slides and a huge wave pool await you! There’s definitely something for everyone in this gorgeous attraction in the heart of Khao Yai.
4. Farm Chokchai
Photo Credit: Thanate Tan on Flickr
Farm Chokchai is one of the largest dairy farms in Asia, and it definitely has a lot of activities that make it a worthwhile stopover. Here, you’ll get to see cowboys wrangling cattle on the open plains, watch exciting rodeo events, and even experience a milking show — truly a piece of the Wild West all the way over here in the Southeast (Asia)! All of this excitement is interwoven with picturesque rural Thailand farm life, a placid moment of peace in a fast-paced world.
5. Saraburi Sunflower Fields
Photo Credit: Diomari Madulara (@diomari) on Unsplash
Sunflowers bloom in Thailand between December and January. If you happen to be visiting Khao Yai during this season, you’ll be able to walk through chest-high sunflower fields in full bloom. We’re certainly not in Kansas, but the sunflowers are just as at home in Saraburi as anywhere else!
6. Khonyok Sheep Farm
When you think of visiting sheep, certainly countries like Australia, New Zealand, or Switzerland come to mind. But did you know that there’s a little slice of the shepherd life right here in Khao Yai? Khonyok Sheep Farm lets you feed and take photos with these fluffy creatures, surrounded by beautiful green pastures reminiscent of rural Swiss life.
7. The Bonanza Exotic Zoo
A trip to a biodiversity hotspot wouldn’t be complete without a showcase of exotic animals, and The Bonanza Exotic Zoo definitely ticks that checkbox. With activities ranging from feeding deer to hugging a lion cub, the zoo features all sorts of wonderful creatures, both endemic to the national park and found beyond the country’s borders.
Get around with a custom Khao Yai National Park tour by car!
Winding mountain roads, forestry, and wildlife — Khao Yai is a majestic place to visit, and it can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. You’d want a fuss-free way of getting around with a Khao Yai National Park tour itinerary centered on the places you want to check out. The best way to get started is with a custom car tour, where you can hire the services of a driver and car to take you around the National Park.
Some things you need to know:
- The entrance fee is different for foreign visitors.
- You also have to pay a fee for every 4-wheeled vehicle that enters the park.
And if you want to make this even more convenient, we got you covered! You’ll be able to book a custom private car charter tour around Khao Yai for a fully customizable tour tailored to the sights you truly want to see. Choose from a duration of one to five days, select your vehicle and attractions, and you’ll be right on your way!
You’ll have a car service that picks you up from your hotel in the area, takes you to each attraction, and brings you right back. You’ll be able to focus on what really matters — enjoying what Khao Yai has to offer.
Need transfers? Hop on the Klook Bus!
If you're thinking of traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya or vice versa, then our Klook Bus City Transfer is your best bet! Enjoy a comfortable ride with the cleanest seats, a professional driver, and spacious storage for your bags. Just choose your preferred pick-up time then head on to the pick-up location. Once aboard, sit back and relax until you've reached your destination!
