Khao Yai Travel Guide 2022: A Scenic Road Trip Just 3 Hours From Bangkok

Eunis Ong

Last updated 14 Mar 2024

A guide to visit Khao Yai, located just 3 hours from Bangkok

Located a mere 3-hour drive away from Bangkok, the picturesque town of Khao Yai can't be more different from Thailand's bustling capital. Apart from quirky European villages, sprawling sunflower fields, and some of the most bizarre accommodation options, Khao Yai is also home to Thailand’s largest national park where wild elephants roam free.

The best part? You can Klook yourself a hassle-free private car charter to tour around the region at your own leisure from under RM150 per person per day! Researching on what to see and do in Khao Yai? We've got you covered.

How To Get To Khao Yai

Not sure how to get to Khao Yai? Fret not, as there are many hassle-free options to do so considering its close proximity to Bangkok. We'd highly recommend either booking a hassle-free private custom tour or renting a car if you're up for a road trip! Both options are bookable on Klook and can cater to different types of travellers:

Transport option	Pros	Price
Private Car Charter Custom Tour	This tour comes inclusive of a 12-hour charter service (with a private driver), insurance, as well as all toll and fuel fees. You can customize your own itinerary and basically sit back and relax while being ferried around by a driver. ✨	From RM563/day (per car)
Self-drive Road Trip	Rent a car and embark on a road trip with your loved ones! This option is perfect if you enjoy getting behind the wheel yourself, and having full flexibility in what to do and where to stop, anytime, anywhere.	From RM85/day (per car)

Whether you're thinking of renting a car or booking a private tour, you'll get to take your pick from compact cars to spacious SUVs or commercial vans depending on your travel group size.

Book your Khao Yai tour here!

When To Visit Khao Yai

The weather in Khao Yai is also generally a few degrees cooler than Bangkok, making it a perfect escape from Malaysia's sunny weather. Do note though that while the charming region is full of fun things to do all year round, some seasonal attractions such as the Saraburi Sunflower Fields, Jim Thompson Farm and strawberry picking are only open in the cooler months.

The best time to visit Khao Yai is between November to April, when you'll be able to enjoy clear skies, cool weather, and little rain. We'd recommend avoiding the wet season (May - October) if you'd like to make the most out of your trip without getting your plans dampened by rain.

Klook Tip: It’s best to sit down and decide which attractions you’d like to cover and make sure they are open before you pick a date to visit! Check out some of our Khao Yai highlights below.

Best things to do in Khao Yai

1. Sample wine produced entirely in Khao Yai at PB Valley Estate

If you thought wine is only produced in cold European countries, think again! PB Valley Estate is the largest vineyard in Khao Yai and the birthplace of the Khao Yai wine region. While you're here, you can learn about the process of wine-making with a wine tour that will take you through the delicate steps of producing locally-brewed wine. Our favourite was the rose, but even if you’re not a fan of wine, you can try a glass of pure Shiraz grape juice!

Address: 102 Moo 5, Phaya Yen, Pak Chong Nakorn Ratchasima 30320 / Thailand

Book Your Wine Tasting Tour and Lunch Set on Klook!

2. Bask in endless flower fields

You don’t have to travel all the way to Provence to frolic in lavender fields when you have one right here in Khao Yai! The Bloom is home to a multitude of different flora and fauna that bloom throughout the year so you won’t have to worry about when you arrive in Khao Yai. Guests can also choose to stay at The Bloom if they wish, and can select from a variety of different-themed rooms.

This is the perfect alternative to the Saraburi Sunflower Fields or Jim Thompson Farm if you happen to visit when these parks are closed (do take note that flower blooming periods are seasonal, so remember to do some research before heading to any flower field parks!).

Address: Phaya Yen, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand

3. Enjoy a royal high tea at Thames Valley

khao yai from bangkok car rental tour itineraryFrom castles to moats and even the iconic phone booth, Thames Valley is the perfect place for every London-fan. The iconic bridges and buildings are only accessible by hotel guests, but you can still enjoy a Mellow Meadow Afternoon Tea Set at the hotel restaurant. The tea set comes with finger sandwiches, cakes and a pot of tea perfect for sharing with your BFF. Food aside, the restaurant is filled with bookshelves and delicate cutlery – it’s every shutterbug princess’ dream come true!

💡 If you're looking for a place to stay in Khao Yai, Thames Valley is an amazing choice! This picturesque 4-star hotel is perfect for a relaxing getaway and is located close to many attractions in Khao Yai, being just 10 minutes from the Khao Yai National Park.

Address: 999 Moo 4, Moosi, Pakchong,Nakorn Ratchasima 30130

Spend a night at Thames Valley Khao Yai!

4. Stay in a bubble tent or caravan that goes nowhere at Casa De Montaña

Ever wanted to try caravan living but don’t know how to drive? Make your dreams come true at Casa de Montana! Visitors can choose to stay in one of the many stationary caravans dotting the park that each come fitted with a bed big enough for 2, kitchenette, toilet and sofa! If you’re worried about the sweltering Thailand heat, don’t worry! Each caravan is air-conditioned.

But let's be real, while the thought of having a fun stay in a caravan is fresh and exciting, have you seen Casa de Montana's bubble tents? These gorgeous glamping tents come in two styles - Bubble Igloo and Camp Igloo.

Bubble Igloo offers a more private experience while Camp Igloo is made up of four bubble tents located in closer proximity to each other. Each tent comes with amenities like a 49" Smart TV, coffee maker and even an indoor jacuzzi so you can 'camp' in style!

Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

5. Live out all your Lord of the Rings fantasies

Hide in your own hobbit hole at the Hobbit Hotel, also known as Baan Suan Noi! Middle Earth is just a 45-minute car ride away when you’re in Khao Yai. The owners have paid extreme attention to detail and have recreated the hotel in every likeness of the popular Lord of the Rings franchise.

Visit the tavern, or play dress up with many different costumes to choose from. If you’re not a LOTR fan you can dress up as Harry Potter or even Elsa from Frozen, but how you’ll fit into this little Hobbit Town we have no idea!

Address: 292 Moo 15, Tambon Lat Bua Khao, Sikhio, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30340, Thailand

6. Make animal friends at Primo Piazza

Primo Piazza is one of Khao Yai's top attractions, famous for its stunning scenery and elegant Italian architecture. Besides being able to stroll through the lovely Tuscan village-themed square, you can also get acquainted with furry animals at the little farm here. It costs about 200THB to feed alpacas, merino sheep and donkeys, plus you’ll get to take photos with your new animal friends!

Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

7. Have lunch in a Museum Restaurant

If you love all things vintage and retro, you should definitely pop by Baan Mai Chat Nam! Located by the river, Baan Mai Chat Nam is a three-in-one unique restaurant, hotel, and museum, and is 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 หมู่บ้านเกาะแก้ว Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

8. Spot baby elephants on a Night Safari

By far one of the greatest highlights of Khao Yai is the opportunity to spot majestic wild Asian elephants roaming free in their natural habitat! Even though there are close to a few thousand elephants in Khao Yai alone, it is still extremely rare to be able to spot them.

There’s even an elephant shrine in Khao Yai National Park itself testament to the reverence and respect the locals have for this incredible animal. The best way to see them is to book yourself into a Night Safari tour at the visitor centre at the National Park. The guides are extremely knowledgeable with eagle eyes that can pick out any moving animal in the dark like civet cats, porcupines and deer.

9. Have dinner at Midwinter Green

Feast on delicious pizza and other Western dishes in the beautiful castle setting of Midwinter Green. This extensive compound features several turrets and brick walls similar to that of Scottish castles in the countryside.

The staff highly recommend the Midwinter Pizza with their own refreshing take on the Italian staple – the pizza comes folded and served in a manner similar to pita bread. It’s also the perfect venue for weddings and celebrations – something you can consider if you’re looking for a unique way to spend an occasion!

Address: Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

10. Go cafe hopping

Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank. Source.

With it's gorgeous surroundings, it's no surprise that Khao Yai also doesn't fall short when it comes to Instagrammable cafes. One of our favourites that we got to visit was the Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank, which is a cool industrial-themed cafe that not only serves up great drinks and desserts, but awesome photo spots at every corner.

Address: 149 Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130

Ready for your road trip to Khao Yai?

Book your private custom tour on Klook for an adventure of a lifetime! With multi-day tours available (1 - 5 days) and various vehicle types to cater to big or small travel groups, it's the most hassle-free way to explore the scenic region.

Klook's private custom tour comes inclusive of: