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Khao Yai National Park

Up there on the podium with some of the world's greatest parks, Khao Yai (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่) is Thailand's oldest and most visited national park. Covering 2168 sq km, Khao Yai incorporates one of the largest intact monsoon forests remaining in mainland Asia, which is why it was named a Unesco World Heritage site (as part of the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex). But despite its size, it's one of the easiest national parks in Thailand for independent travellers to visit.

Explore Khao Yai National Park

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Khao Yai National Park.

  • Waterfall

    Nam Tok Haew Narok

    Nam Tok Haew Narok ('Hell Gorge Waterfall') is in the far south of Khao Yai National Park, 23km from the visitors centre. Its three levels combine to form a 150m drop, making it the park's biggest. It's pretty easy to walk the 800m paved path to the top of the 50m first level, but then it's a 199-step descent to the viewpoint. The second and third levels aren't accessible.

  • Gallery

    Khao Yai Art Museum

    This excellent private gallery has three rooms of modern art from some of Thailand's top artists, including Anupong Chantorn and Lampu Kansanoh, and a sculpture garden. It's 3km east of Th Thanarat; heading towards Pak Chong, turn right at the sign for Belle Villa then bear left, go past the swimmers at Ban Tha Chang spring, then follow the signs.

  • Winery

    GranMonte

    The top-tier winery closest to the Khao Yai National Park entrance, which is 16km away, is home to Thailand's first female oneologist, Nikki Lohitnavy. It's scenically set, offers tours (book in advance), a gourmet gift shop, luxury lodging and a classy restaurant. It lies along the Muak Lek–Khao Yai road, the direct route from Bangkok to Khao Yai (exit at Km 144).

  • Winery

    PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

    One of the first wineries in Thailand (it corked its first bottle in 1998), PB Valley is 22.5km from the Khao Yai National Park gate. It's scenically set, offers tours (book in advance), a gift shop, one luxury room for lodging, and a high-end restaurant. It lies along the Muak Lek–Khao Yai road, the direct route from Bangkok to Khao Yai (exit at Km 144).

  • Waterfall

    Nam Tok Haew Suwat

    The park's loveliest waterfall, 25m-high Nam Tok Haew Suwat scooped a starring role in Danny Boyle's film The Beach. It has water year-round (though very little in the hot season) and you can walk down to the bottom, but swimming isn't allowed. Though accessible by car, Haew Suwat can also be reached by a couple of walking trails.

  • Viewpoint

    Pha Diew Dai Viewpoint

    Up over 1100m, this is the most impressive of Khao Yai National Park's viewpoints. And it's rarely crowded. It's part of an easy 500m boardwalk nature trail starting 14km from the visitors centre.

  • Waterfall

    Nam Tok Kong Kaew

    Little Nam Tok Kong Kaew sits just 150m from the Khao Yai National Park visitors centre.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Khao Yai National Park.

  • Activities