Step into the wild heart of Thailand, where cascading waterfalls, jungle trails, and the calls of roaming elephants await in Khao Yai National Park.
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest and most popular national park, is an extraordinary destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning 2,158 sq km and located approximately three hours from Bangkok, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. Its mountainous terrain, dense forests, and stunning landscapes make it one of the best places in Thailand to experience the country’s rich flora and fauna.
The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, monkeys, bears, deer, and squirrels, as well as snakes, spiders, rodents, and countless insects. Birdwatchers will also delight in the more than 400 species of birds that inhabit the park.
We take one of the trekking trails in the park for a hike through the nature while enjoying the beautiful mountainous landscape. During this jungle hike you learn more about the flora and fauna of this beautiful wilderness. Even if you're not lucky with wildlife encounters, the massive strangler fig trees make it all worthwhile.
Khao Yai is also famous for its waterfalls. Haew Suwat is popular for its cinematic fame as the filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio’s waterfall dive in The Beach (2000). Haew Narok, the highest waterfall in the park, cascades over three tiers, with the final drop plunging 80 meters into a deep pool. Visitors can enjoy a safe hillside viewpoint for incredible photos, particularly spectacular during the rainy season.
One of the park’s highlights is the chance to see Asian elephants in the wild. Many visitors are lucky enough to spot them grazing peacefully in their natural habitat, though sightings cannot be guaranteed.
With its rich biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, Khao Yai National Park offers a perfect escape into Thailand’s wild heart, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Important notes:
- Please note that during the dry season the water flow at Haew Suwat and Haew Narok waterfalls may be lower than usual.
- For your comfort and safety, we recommend wearing hiking-appropriate clothing: lightweight but covering (to protect against insects and leeches), along with sturdy walking shoes.
- Khao Yai is a vast national park with many wild animals, reptiles, insects, and birds. Remember, this is not a zoo; the animals roam freely in their natural habitat, and spotting them can be challenging due to the dense vegetation.
- This tour also includes sections of hiking, so please ensure you are fit for this level of physical activity before booking.
Pick up/Meeting point:
We provide hotel pick-up only from accommodations located on/near Khao San Road and on Siam Square.
If you are not an actual guest at one of the hotels in our pick-up area, the designated meeting point will be our office on Chao Khamrop Road in Chinatown. Our office in Chinatown is just a short 5-minute walk from Wat Mangkon MRT (metro) station.
For the exact location of our WanderSiam office on Google Maps, please click HERE.
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155 Comments
5
Fantastic although long day!
Some people may feel the 3hr trip there and back isn’t worth it but for me to get out of the noise of Bangkok and into nature it definitely was. We saw an elephant, Komodo dragon and monkeys and beautiful waterfalls. Surina was so friendly and knowledgeable although I found her English a little hard to understand. Would thoroughly recommend!
5
Great park to visit
Suriyah was a great guide, and my husband and I really enjoyed our time with her walking through the park. We did 2 walks with her and our small group, and they were nice. I’d recommend anyone with gait issues or bad knees to probably skip this one. I hope to come back and spend more time in this park, and doing some of the bigger hikes.
5
Love Surina and Beer!
Surina was a great guide! She was so kind and friendly and went out of her way for the group. She bought lollies for a little girl we were on the trip with during the 15 minute break. Beer, the driver, was also fantastic. I felt completely safe with him and he offered water. This was quite a long walk so Lee that in mind for your fitness levels.
5
Adventurous break from Bangkok
Serena was the most amazing guide. Her knowledge and friendliness made this adventure a completely memorable adventure!! Highly recommend.
5
Refresh in nature at Khao Yai ask for Surina
Amazing day away from the hustle and bustle of the big city of Bangkok. All transportation provided and the views of countryside beautiful. Elephant sighting possible at the park. Surina was an excellent energetic guide. Definitely so glad to have visited