Follow Jessica Chaw’s 3D2N Khao Yai itinerary!
From Italian villages to sunflower fields and a glass of wine, Khao Yai certainly lives up to its name of “Europe in Asia”. Recently, beauty and travel content creator, Jessica Chaw Klook-ed her way to Khao Yai together with her BFF, Joanne Chan.
If you’ve been wondering where they took those amazing photos, you can follow in their footsteps to recreate those shots!
About Khao Yai
Khao Yai is a picturesque town located just 3 hours from Bangkok – making it the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can plan a day trip here, or spend a few days exploring the amazing sights this pretty place has to offer from lovely Italian villages to sprawling sunflower fields.
Jessica and Joanne had a 3D2N visit to Khao Yai early this year with Klook’s Khao Yai Custom Tour, so keep reading for their full itinerary that you can follow to a tee!
Getting to Khao Yai
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Khao Yai from Bangkok is by car! Klook offers custom tours from Bangkok whereby you can customize your own itinerary and explore Khao Yai comfortably with a personal driver. Perfect for road trip adventures with friends or family!
Opt for pick-up from either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport – simply look for the Klook signboard outside the Arrival Hall. Alternatively, if you’re intending to stay in Bangkok for a few days first, you can also opt for convenient pick-up from your hotel lobby.
Choose either a car or van – the car can accommodate up to 3 people and the van up to 10 people. Depending on your holiday plans, you can also choose from 1-Day to 5-Day packages.
Each custom tour includes the following at no additional cost:
- 12-hour charter service (per day)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced driver
- Fuel costs
- Toll charges
- Insurance
- Car seat (available on request)
Day 1
Primo Piazza
The first stop in Khao Yai would have to be Primo Piazza, a picturesque “Tuscan Village” affectionately known as the Little Italy of Thailand. The beautiful terracotta-toned buildings in Primo Piazza will easily win your heart over with stunning sceneries at every corner and its architecture.
Looking like a scene right out of the Italian countryside, it’s no wonder Jessica and Joanne forgot they were in Thailand. Full of places and corners to take your perfect #OOTD, this is a heaven for photographers & those looking to take beautiful shots! The space is also dotted with little cafes, cosy restaurants, souvenir shops and gelato stalls.
There’s even a petting zoo, home to some gentle animals! You can interact with the alpacas and feed them too. Besides the alpacas, there are sheep, donkeys, and other furry friends as well. Beyond just a picturesque scene, Primo Piazza is a great place for kids and animal lovers too.
Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Afternoon tea @ Thames Valley
After visiting Primo Piazza, it’s time for an afternoon tea at the hotel, Thames Valley. At the Clotted Cream Tea Room, you will be served tea from the luxury brand, TWG Tea, accompanied by cut sandwiches and delicious freshly-made pastries and confections. Best of all, you can have your high-tea while enjoying the beautiful surrounding view!
Address: 999 Moo 4, Moosi, Pakchong,Nakorn Ratchasima 30130
Spa @ Thames Valley
Come evening time, head over to Rose Spa at Thames Valley for a full body oil and aroma massage. The well-trained therapists will melt your stress and worries away with a healing massage. The spa also uses Dermalogica products, to provide the best for its visitors!
Dinner @ Thames Valley
Following the relaxing massage is dinner with a magnificent view at the English-style countryside hotel. Depending on the season, you can experience 18-degree Celsius nights, a cool weather that you rarely chance upon in Southeast Asia! It’s certainly the perfect way the end the night of day 1 in Khao Yai.
Day 2
Breakfast @ Thames Valley
Kickstart Day 2 with a wide breakfast spread at the hotel before a full day of exploring. Who wouldn’t want to wake up and have breakfast to this view every day? It’s certainly something that Jessica and Joanne wouldn’t get bored of.
Palio Village
After breakfast, let the driver bring you to your first destination – Palio Village. Another space that exudes Italian charm, Palio Village is a colourful old town with narrow streets filled with small shops, cafes, restaurants, stone bridges. You can even find an art gallery, wine cellars, a garden, a bakery and a little maze in this quaint space!
Find picture-perfect corners everywhere in this little village. It’s not hard to see why so many couples come here for their wedding shots. There’s certainly no need to fly to Europe for these picturesque scenes!
Address: Thanarat Rd, Mu Si, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 30130, Thailand.
Sunflower Fields
Depending on the season, a must-visit when in Khao Yai is one of the many sunflower fields! In fact, it was one of the main reasons why Jessica visited Khao Yai. Some fields might close earlier or later in the season, so it’s good to have a local driver who can find out and locate ones that are still in bloom.
Klook Tip: The sunflowers bloom only from late November to January – so plan your trip around these months to catch these beauties! Not only are the flowers in full bloom during these few months, the weather is also very pleasant, promising clear skies and cool winds. The average temperature during these ‘winter months’ linger around mid-20 degrees and can even go down to 10 degrees at night!
My Ozone
My Ozone is a hidden gem in Khao Yai that’s worth a visit. While not exactly a tourist attraction (it’s a luxury hotel), the place is absolutely beautiful. This castle-like resort is also a favourite spot for wedding photography!
Not originally in Jessica and Joanne’s itinerary, it was actually a suggestion by the driver. You can pay a small fee to ride the horse on the premise as well. It’s definitely a great photo-op moment, riding a horse in front of the castle-like resort!
Address: Wang Sai, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Baan Mai Chat Nam (Museum Restaurant)
If you love all things vintage and retro, you should give this restaurant cum museum a visit. It’s a unique restaurant and museum filled with retro items and antiques that will transport you back to your childhood days.
Besides the unique vintage atmosphere, Baan Mai Chat Nam is also famous for its delicious, authentic Thai cuisine. You’ll be offered a menu with various options from tom yum, fried fish cake to papaya salad, green curry, and more!
Address: 21, Mittaphap Road, Tambon Pak Chong, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130, Thailand
Baan Suan Noi (Hobbit House)
Did you know that there are hobbit houses in Khao Yai where you can actually even spend a night in? A favourite spot for many visitors in Khao Yai, you’ll love this place even if you’re not a fan of The Lord of the Rings!
For those who are not spending a night at Baan Suan Noi, no fret. You’re free to visit, soak in the unique atmosphere, and take many beautiful photos!
Address: 292 Moo 15, Tambon Lat Bua Khao, Sikhio, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30340, Thailand
Day 3
The Bloom
For the final day, after checking out from the hotel, make a quick stop to smell the roses at The Bloom. Another stop for flower lovers, The Bloom is the largest flower garden in the vicinity, with over 100 acres of flower fields and more than 30 specifies of flowers!
Address: 57, Moo 5, Khao Yai National Park 30320, Thailand
PB Valley Winery
Is there any better way to conclude your final day in Khao Yai than with some wine? Cheers to your great trip with a glass of red or white from PB Valley Winery, the largest vineyard in Khao Yai. You can also learn how wine is produced there, with an area spanning across 1000 acres of vineyard and plantation.
The tour lasts approximately an hour so you’ll have the chance to walk through the beautiful vineyards, learn about the delicate steps of producing locally-brewed wine, visit the wine production center and museum. Sample a range of white, rosé, and red wine at the winery in the comfort of an air-conditioned room overlooking the sprawling vineyards.
Address: 102/2 Moo5, Mitraparp Road Payayen Pakchong นครราชสีมา 30320, Thailand
After PB Valley Winery, it’s time to officially bid Khao Yai goodbye and head to Bangkok. A short yet memorable trip, you will come home with a collection of beautiful, unforgettable memories of this true hidden gem in Thailand.
Photos used in this article are featured with permission from @jojoanneee & @jessicachaw unless stated otherwise.
Discover Khao Yai
With more places to visit in Khao Yai, like the Khao Yai National Park, Chocolate Factory, Midwinter Green, just to name a few, there’s something to do for everyone! Take a look below at the different tours and transfers you find on Klook for a truly memorable trip to Khao Yai.