Khao Yai
Founded in 1962 as the country’s first national park, it gets very busy, especially on weekends! It’s only about 2–3 hours from Bangkok by car. There are easy trails suitable for children, as well as longer trails offering immersive jungle experiences for more adventurous visitors. Admission: foreigners, 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children.
Getting to Khao Yai
Car
From Bangkok to Pak Chong, at the edge of the park, is about 180 km. A taxi or Grab (part of Uber) costs around 1,500 THB, or €40.
Train
From the new main station, Krung Thep Aphiwat (
Bangkok Bang Sue)
to Ubon Ratchathani on the No. 146 train. €3–10, depending on class.
Book at https://thaitrainguide.12go.asia/en
Minivan
Mo Chit New Van Terminal. Journey time: approx. 3 hours with a stop along the way. 3 times daily. Cost: approx. 7 € (250 THB)
Book at https://thaitrainguide.12go.asia/en
Bus
From Mo Chit Bus Station, about 3 hours with one stop. Cost: VIP bus approx. €8.
Book at https://thaitrainguide.12go.asia/en
Khao Yai with Tontan Travel
For years, I’ve entrusted Toni and Tan with all my jungle tours in Thailand. They’ve given me some breathtaking experiences. And as you can see, Toni takes fantastic photos. He’s considered one of the best nature photographers in Southeast Asia!
Jungle
Tours with
Toni and
Tan
(TonTan Travel)
For the latest updates, visit the Facebook page of Tontan Travel.
Find out more about Toni and Tan’s impressive jungle tours here!
List of animals you can spot in Khao Yai!
But always bear in mind: the jungle isn’t a zoo where you’re guaranteed to see the animals you’re hoping for!
Of course, it makes no sense to trek through the jungle on your own. After years, I’ve finally found my ideal guides: Toni, a native of the Netherlands, and his wife Tan. What makes their agency
Tontan Travel
stand out?
Knowledge of jungle wildlife and plant life, deep respect for nature (we are visitors, not conquerors), and a commitment to keeping their guests safe.
So, taking their strengths and weaknesses into account. In the end, every tour with Toni and Tan is a unique nature experience!
Places to stay outside Khao Yai
The only place to stay overnight inside the national park is the campsite. It’s best to find accommodation north of the park. In my experience, booking through Travelooka is cheaper than with other providers. But it’s worth comparing prices!
The trails in Khao Yai
There are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging and from 800 m to 8 km long. Multi-day treks are also available through an agency. I strongly recommend always going with a guide or a group. First, it’s safer. In the jungle, it’s easy to lose your bearings, even on marked trails! And our eyes, accustomed to cities and monocultures called “forests”, are “lazy”. At first, we miss a lot. Our guide doesn’t! I always put my trust in the excellent guides at Tontan Travel!
01 Visitor Center – Kong Kaew Waterfall Nature Trail
Easy trail. Starts behind the Visitor Centre. Information boards along the way. 1.2 km, about 1 hour.
02 Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall - Haew Suwat Waterfall
From the campsite to the waterfall. The paved footpath is easy to walk. 3 km, approx. 2 hours. Still, I recommend going with a guide! They spot animals we would never notice!
03
Km 33 - Nong Pak Chi wildlife watchtower
This trail is also known as the “km 33” trail. A circular route. 3.3 km long, 2 hours. You can only hike it with a guide. Impressive rainforest giants and lots of wildlife! Starts at Nong Pak Chi Tower.
04 Dong Tiew - Sai Sorn Reservoir
Starts near the restaurant at the Visitor Center, then heads towards Sai Sorn Dam. 2.7 km long, approx. 1.5 hours. Easy, but not very well signposted, so it’s best to go with a guide!
05 Dong Tiew - Nong Pak Chi Tower
Popular 5 km loop trail. 3 hours. Features a large clearing where elephants are often spotted. Guide required!
06 Visitor Center - Haew Suwat Waterfall
The longest trail at 8 km. Takes about 5 hours. Starts at the Visitor Center and ends at Haew Suwat Waterfall. Guide required! Includes some steeper climbs and obstacles.