Khao Yai National Park

About this Place

Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's oldest national park (established 1962) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — 2,168 sq km of forest protecting one of mainland Southeast Asia's last intact monsoon forest ecosystems. The park shelters over 300 Asian elephants, Indochinese leopards, hundreds of gibbon families, rare wild orchids, and the most accessible populations of gaur (Indian bison) and hornbills in the country. The paved road through the park offers excellent wildlife-viewing from vehicles at dawn and dusk, with elephant sightings remarkably common near the headquarters area. Major waterfalls include Haew Narok (a dramatic 150m drop) and Haew Suwat (immortalised in The Beach film, accessible on foot). Night safaris with park rangers reveal civets, barking deer, and occasionally leopard. Guided trekking is available from the visitor centre for groups. The park entrance near Pak Chong (2.5 hours from Bangkok) makes Khao Yai Thailand's most accessible major national park for Bangkok-based travellers and day-trippers.