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.
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
Best nature day from Bangkok!
Had the most amazing time today, I was going solo and wanted to get a feel of the jungle on my spare day in Bangkok! It was amazing. Paul the tour guide and Mr Frank was perfect. Two great treks, one short and one long I really felt immersed into the wildlife and the natural beauty. Even spotting monkeys and an elephant amongst lots of creatures. It was a very special day thank you Wandersiam! Perfect!
5
Rainy Season Fun (ft. Phupha the elephant)
Monkeys, waterfalls, an elephant on the side of the road, hiking through a veritable deluge… all led by a great tour guide and driver – what more could you ask for?
5
Nice day in a National Park
A nice day away from the city in the jungle. The rivers were too dry for the waterfalls but we saw pig tail macaques and gibbons . Thanya was a great tour guide.
4.5
What a day……
Not what I was expecting. The photos did not prepare me for the day. It was a challenging walk through the bush, with all the stairs to climb, then the hike over rough terrain. Then I had to climb over a huge tree. I didn’t think I would be able to do it at my age 52yrs young. Glad I got through the anxiety attack when it came to going down the steep steps and almost collapsing coming up all 400 steps. The guide was funny and helpful, made it easier to not give up. The driver was a racing driver in a previous life no doubt. A bit more information on what to expect would be helpful for us older individuals.
5
Stunning park trip
Excellent guided trip to National Park.
Air conditioned SUV as small group. Guide and driver were friendly and polite. We stopped on way there for restrooms and snacks, plus lunch in the park- 60baht for fried rice and veggies with plenty of other options available.
Guide was always on the look out for things to show us, including squirrels, water monitor, aphids, birds, lizards, butterflies and deer, plus bear marks and elephant scat.
Felt like we had plenty of time to take in the scenery and not rushed along.
It was a long day out (12hours), I felt I had truly seen the park and some of it inhabitants whilst enjoying the breathtaking scenery, it was a great!
Please note although it was April and dry season so the waterfalls are trickles however this did permit us to walk along the river bed and go to a cave behind a waterfall basin.
Do wear trainers and long trousers, the terrain is slippy in places and rough, those in sandals slipped a few times and were bitten on the legs so highly recommend taking some insect repellent. I had a sarong over my shoulders which helped keep the critters at bay.