[Thailand] How to enjoy Khao Yai National Park? | Introducing entrance fees and how to get around

Introducing how to enjoy Khao Yai National Park, a tourist destination in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Khao Yai National Park is located in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, about 200 km from Bangkok. Despite Thailand's generally hot and humid image, the area near the park has a relatively cooler climate, making it a popular summer retreat.

This article provides useful tourist information such as entrance fees and how to get around the park. Although it is a vast national park far from the city, what are the ways to enjoy it?

What is Khao Yai National Park?

Khao Yai National Park is a tropical and temperate mixed forest located northeast of Bangkok. Its area spans 2,168 square kilometers.

Within the park live elephants, gibbons, slow lorises, and even endangered species. The flora is also abundant, with over 2,000 species of plants recorded.

From this alone, the park may sound like a treasure trove of nature and wildlife, but in recent years, its pleasant climate has led to its development as a resort area. It is now also known as a convenient getaway resort from Bangkok.

Designated as a World Natural Heritage Site!

Both the animals and plants that inhabit this park are rare, and together with surrounding national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, it was registered as part of the "Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex" as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2006.

This natural heritage includes the forests of "Thap Lan National Park", "Pang Sida National Park", "Ta Phraya National Park", and the "Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary". These forests extend all the way to the Thai-Cambodian border, showing just how vast the area is.

Entrance fees for Khao Yai National Park

The entrance fee for Khao Yai National Park is around 400 Baht for adults and 200 Baht for children.

Tour prices vary greatly, ranging from about 2200 Baht to 6600 Baht or 8900 Baht. The park offers a wide variety of activities, and how you enjoy it depends on the individual. The experiences also vary by tour, so be sure to check the details in advance before booking.

How to enjoy Khao Yai National Park ① Trekking Courses

Khao Yai National Park features six hiking and trekking courses totaling up to 40 km, ranging in difficulty from family-friendly paths to ones for experienced hikers.

Scenic waterfalls are scattered throughout the park, often serving as trekking destinations. The chosen waterfall often depends on the difficulty level of the course.

Inside the jungle, you may encounter not only monkeys and deer but also rare animals. It’s also recommended for those interested in birdwatching.

What is the park’s highest peak trekking course?

The highest trekking courses in Khao Yai National Park are Khao Laem and Khao Rom.

These trails are considered quite challenging, so they are recommended for those confident in their stamina or for those hiking with a guide.

However, the view is absolutely breathtaking. You can take photos of vast natural landscapes that seem to stretch on endlessly. Along the way, you may also encounter a variety of plant and animal life.

Thrilling night safari also recommended

The jungle transforms between day and night. The Night Safari is a tour that lets you experience the jungle at night, where you can spot nocturnal animals that you wouldn’t see during the day — offering a completely different atmosphere.

At night, the jungle is filled with the calls of wild birds and other animals, creating a primitive and immersive environment.

In the dark, you can hear the sounds but not see what’s making them… offering a thrilling and extraordinary experience.

How to enjoy Khao Yai National Park ② Take a walk while riding an Elephant!?

At “The Jungle House Khao Yai,” a lodge near Khao Yai National Park, there is an activity where you can ride an elephant along a trekking course.

It’s not just a simple elephant ride within the premises — this trek includes slopes and rivers, making the ride full of thrills. Another extraordinary experience. It will surely become an unforgettable memory from your trip to Thailand.

How to enjoy Khao Yai National Park ③ Rafting Adventure

Beyond exploring by land, you can also immerse yourself in nature by following the river's flow.

The Sai Yai River, which flows through the northern part of Khao Yai National Park, is a popular rafting spot. Thailand’s rainy season runs from May to October, and this rain creates strong currents that enhance the intensity and excitement of rafting. It is guaranteed to be a thrilling experience.

Rafting courses are divided into classes, ranging from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels. For safety, it is mandatory to attend a briefing (pre-ride lecture), so don’t forget to participate.

How to get to Khao Yai National Park

Here’s how to get to Khao Yai National Park. Excluding transportation via tour packages, the most common way is to access it from Bangkok. Departing from Bangkok, your first destination should be the nearest station, "Pak Chong Station."

Transportation options include trains, buses, or cars. If traveling by train or bus, you will pass through or arrive near Pak Chong Station, and from there the route to the park is the same.

For trains, depart from “Hua Lamphong Station” and arrive at “Pak Chong Station” in about four and a half hours. From there, take a shared taxi called “Songthaew” or rent a motorbike to get closer to the park.

For buses, depart from “Mo Chit Station.” There are both minivan-type and large buses, and the fares are not significantly different. Both types of buses can take you to Pak Chong Station.

Recommended hotels near Khao Yai National Park

Since Khao Yai National Park is far from Bangkok, it is recommended to stay overnight at a local hotel before visiting the park.

If staying in Bangkok, there are direct travel packages that include both airfare and hotel. These packages can sometimes be more affordable than booking separately, so it’s worth comparing options when planning your trip.