Khao Yai

Asia

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Thailand

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Khao Yai

Khao Yai is one of Thailand's premier tourist spots. Situated in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province, this destination is approximately a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. Khao Yai is known for a national park recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khao Yai National Park was built in 1962 and has a sanctuary for dense forests, majestic waterfalls, diverse wildlife, protected habitats, and hiking trails.

Moreover, Khao Yai caters to tourists with its range of resorts, hotels, and dining options, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene vacation or an adventurous encounter with nature. Additionally, Khao Yai is famed for its vineyards, which add to the allure. Visitors can revel in the sweeping vistas of lush vineyards, indulge in wine-tasting sessions, and embark on guided tours of the estates.

Khao Yai also presents a delectable array of dining options, from authentic Thai cuisine to international fare. Whether savoring local delicacies at bustling markets or enjoying a gourmet meal at one of the city's upscale restaurants, visitors are on a culinary journey that delights the palate.

With its scenic beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous spirit, Khao Yai invites tourists to immerse themselves in an unforgettable experience amidst the wonders of Thailand's countryside.

Get to Know Khao Yai

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Khao Yai

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Khao Yai

A guide to Khao Yai's local transportation

Motorcycle Rental

Songthaews

Tuk-Tuk

Bicycle

Rental shops offer reasonable prices for motorcycles, allowing you to travel around Khao Yai easily.

Practical Tips for Khao Yai

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the famous tourist attractions in Khao Yai?

The most popular tourist attraction is Khao Yai National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest national parks in Thailand. Next is Palio Khao Yai, a village featuring colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants with a charming European ambiance.

You can also visit The Bloom, a flower garden with over 30 different species of flowers, or Haew Suwat Waterfall, the filming location for "The Beach." Remember to visit the Khao Yai Art Museum, a contemporary art museum showcasing works by Thai and international artists. Khao Yai also offers an amusement park with various rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water slides, and a dinosaur-themed area, Scenical World.

How many days should you spend in Khao Yai?

You can explore Khao Yai for three days to have an adventurous holiday in this area. You can observe wildlife or visit natural sites and protected habitats. If you're lucky, you may see endemic animals such as gibbons, deer, hornbills, and various other bird species, monkeys, or elephants. A 3-day experience is an unforgettable moment that will make you want to return to Khao Yai.

How to get to Khao Yai from the airport?

The best way to reach Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok is by bus or taxi. The bus journey takes around 2-3 hours. To save time, you can hire a private taxi from Bangkok directly to Khao Yai. This transportation option is more expensive, but the travel time is quicker.

When is the best time to visit Khao Yai?

The best time to visit Khao Yai is during the dry season, from May to September. During this time, the weather is more comfortable, with less humidity. However, this season is also the peak tourist season, so Khao Yai tends to be busier, and flight and accommodation prices are higher.

During the rainy season, there are fewer visitors to Khao Yai, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, such as waterfalls and hiking trails. However, in rainy weather, outdoor activities may be more challenging to access, and some trails may be closed for safety reasons.

What are the must-try Khao Yai specialties?

To broaden your culinary horizons, try some of Khao Yai's typical dishes such as Gaeng Keow Wan Gai or green chicken curry, which is delicious when eaten with rice. Also, try Tom Yum Goong, or spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili. Other popular dishes include Pad Thai or stir-fried noodles, Moo Ping or grilled pork skewers with sweet and savory marinade, Som Tam or green papaya salad, Khao Soi or curry noodle soup, and one of the best is Mango Sticky Rice, a dessert made from sweet sticky rice and mango slices, topped with coconut milk.