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Things to Do in Khao Yai

UNESCO World Heritage nature, award-winning wineries, and mountain adventures - Thailand's premier highland destination

Khao Yai National Park

Thailand's first and most beloved national park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Home to wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and incredible biodiversity. The crown jewel of Khao Yai.

Park Essentials

Foreign Adult Entry400 baht
Thai Adult Entry40 baht
Vehicle Fee (car)50 baht
Annual Pass1,400 baht
Hours6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Tip: Annual pass pays for itself after 4 visits. Highly recommended for residents.

Wildlife Highlights

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Wild Elephants
Best seen at dusk near salt licks. ~300 elephants in park.
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Gibbons
Heard before seen. Morning calls echo through forest.
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Great Hornbills
Spectacular birds. Look for them in fruiting fig trees.
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Sambar Deer
Commonly seen grazing in clearings at dawn/dusk.

Popular Park Activities

Wildlife Night Safari

Guided drive to spot nocturnal animals

2-3 hours1,000-2,500 baht

Nature Trail Hiking

Self-guided walks on marked trails

1-4 hoursFree (with entry)

Waterfall Visits

Hike to spectacular waterfalls

2-6 hoursFree (with entry)

Birdwatching Tours

Guided tours with expert spotters

4-6 hours1,500-3,000 baht

Camping

Overnight in designated areas

Overnight30 baht tent pitch

Viewpoint Drives

Scenic drives to panoramic viewpoints

1-2 hoursFree (with entry)

Waterfalls

Haew Narok Waterfall

The park's most impressive waterfall at 150m high. Made famous by the 2003 elephant rescue. Stunning during rainy season.

Difficulty:Easy
Hike Time:10 min walk
Best Season:Jul-Nov (peak flow)
150m HighEasy AccessViewpointRainy Season Best

Haew Suwat Waterfall

Famous from "The Beach" movie. Beautiful 20m cascade into swimming hole. Popular and easily accessible.

Difficulty:Easy
Hike Time:15 min walk
Best Season:Year-round
Movie LocationSwimmingEasy TrailFacilities

Kong Kaew Waterfall

Secluded 40m fall with peaceful atmosphere. Less crowded than main waterfalls. Good for photography.

Difficulty:Moderate
Hike Time:30-45 min
Best Season:Aug-Nov
Less CrowdedScenic TrailPhotographyPeaceful

Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall

Orchid Falls - surrounded by wild orchids. Multi-tiered cascade in pristine forest setting.

Difficulty:Moderate
Hike Time:1-1.5 hours
Best Season:Oct-Dec (orchids)
Wild OrchidsMulti-TierNature TrailBirdwatching

Wineries & Vineyards

Khao Yai is Thailand's premier wine region, producing internationally awarded wines that have surprised the global wine community. Visit for tastings, tours, and fine dining with vineyard views.

GranMonte Vineyard & Winery

Family-owned estate producing internationally acclaimed wines. Multiple international awards. Beautiful property with restaurant, wine tastings, and tours.

Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Tasting: 300-600 baht (includes wine)
Tour: 500-1,200 baht (with tasting)
Award-WinningFine DiningVineyard ToursWine ShopEvents

PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

Thailand's largest winery with 320 acres of vineyards. Italian-inspired architecture, multiple restaurants, and extensive tour options.

Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily
Tasting: 200-500 baht
Tour: 300-600 baht
Largest VineyardMultiple RestaurantsGrape StompingShop

Village Farm & Winery

Boutique winery with charming farm atmosphere. Known for relaxed setting and excellent cheese pairings. Pet friendly.

Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Mon)
Tasting: 250-400 baht
Tour: Informal, upon request
BoutiqueFarm SettingCheese PairingPet Friendly

Alcidini Winery

Newer winery focused on quality. Beautiful grounds with restaurant and some accommodation options. Rising star in Thai wine.

Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tasting: 300-500 baht
Tour: 400-800 baht
Quality FocusGarden SettingRestaurantRising Star

Golf Courses

Kirimaya Golf Resort

Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course with stunning national park backdrop. Part of luxury resort.

Weekday Green Fee2,500-3,500 baht
Weekend Green Fee3,500-4,500 baht
Holes18 holes, par 72
Nicklaus DesignMountain ViewsLuxury ResortPro Shop

Mission Hills Khao Yai

Part of the famous Mission Hills group. Well-maintained championship course with excellent facilities.

Weekday Green Fee2,000-3,000 baht
Weekend Green Fee3,000-4,000 baht
Holes18 holes
ChampionshipGreat FacilitiesDriving RangeClubhouse

Rancho Charnvee Resort

Beautiful course in natural setting. Good value with quality facilities. Popular with Bangkok golfers.

Weekday Green Fee1,800-2,500 baht
Weekend Green Fee2,500-3,500 baht
Holes18 holes
Natural SettingGood ValueResortWell Maintained

Panorama Golf & Country Club

Scenic course with panoramic mountain views. Reasonable prices with good facilities.

Weekday Green Fee1,500-2,000 baht
Weekend Green Fee2,000-3,000 baht
Holes18 holes
Panoramic ViewsAffordableLocal FavoriteGood Condition

Popular Attractions

The Chocolate Factory

Themed Attraction / Cafe

Whimsical chocolate-themed destination with cafes, shops, and charming architecture. Extremely popular - expect crowds on weekends.

Entry: Free (purchases inside)
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
ChocolatePhoto SpotsGift ShopCafesFamily Friendly

Primo Piazza

Italian Village Theme

Tuscan-inspired village with Italian restaurants, gelato, and scenic mountain backdrop. Popular for photos and casual dining.

Entry: 50 baht (weekends)
Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Italian FoodInstagram SpotMountain ViewsGelato

Palio Khao Yai

Italian Village / Shopping

Another Italian-themed village with more shopping focus. Boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Entry: Free
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
ShoppingRestaurantsEntertainmentVariety

Farm Chokchai

Working Dairy Farm

Thailand's largest dairy farm offering tours, activities, and fresh dairy products. Popular with families.

Entry: 300-500 baht (tour)
Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Farm ToursIce CreamCow MilkingSteakhouse

Farm Cafes & Attractions

Khao Yai is famous for its charming farm cafes - scenic spots combining fresh produce, homemade treats, and Instagram-worthy settings. Perfect for leisurely afternoons.

Midwinter Green

Popular organic cafe with beautiful garden setting. Known for healthy food and excellent coffee.

Specialty: Organic salads, healthy dishes
Price Range: 200-500 baht
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
OrganicGardenHealthyGreat Coffee

Birder's Lodge

Cafe catering to birdwatchers and nature lovers. Good food with forest setting near park.

Specialty: Thai-Western fusion
Price Range: 150-350 baht
Hours: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
BirdwatchingNatureCozyNear Park

Secret Art Garden

Artistic cafe with sculptures and gardens. Instagram favorite with creative atmosphere.

Specialty: Coffee, desserts, light meals
Price Range: 150-400 baht
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
ArtGardensInstagramCreative

A Cup of Love

Romantic hilltop cafe with panoramic views. Perfect for sunset coffee or dessert.

Specialty: Coffee, cakes, views
Price Range: 100-300 baht
Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
ViewsRomanticSunsetDesserts

Adventure Activities

zipline_iconZip-Line Canopy Tour

Soar through the forest canopy on multiple zip-lines. Several operators offer tours of varying lengths.

Duration:2-3 hours
Price:1,500-3,000 baht

Book ahead on weekends. Most operators provide transport from Pak Chong.

atv_iconATV Jungle Tour

Ride ATVs through scenic trails, farms, and countryside. Various routes for different skill levels.

Duration:1-2 hours
Price:800-2,000 baht

Wear closed shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

horse_iconHorseback Riding

Trail rides through scenic countryside at several ranches. Suitable for beginners.

Duration:1-2 hours
Price:500-1,500 baht

Several resorts and ranches offer rides. Book ahead for specific horses.

bike_iconMountain Biking

Trails range from easy farm roads to challenging single-track. Bring own bike or rent locally.

Duration:Variable
Price:300-800 baht (rental)

Best during cool, dry season. Some resorts have bikes for guests.

star_iconStargazing

Clear mountain skies perfect for stargazing. Some resorts offer astronomy programs.

Duration:Evening
Price:Free to 1,000 baht

Best during cool season with clear skies. New moon periods ideal.

Dining Highlights

GranMonte Restaurant

Fine Dining / Wine Country

Elegant dining at the award-winning winery. Wine pairings with seasonal Thai and international dishes.

Price Range800-2,500 baht/person
Wine PairingVineyard ViewsTasting MenuRomantic

The Great Hornbill Grill

International / Steakhouse

Premium steakhouse at Kirimaya resort. Quality meats and excellent service with mountain views.

Price Range600-2,000 baht/person
SteaksResort SettingViewsPremium

PB Valley Restaurants

Thai & International

Multiple dining options at the winery from casual to upscale. Beautiful vineyard setting.

Price Range400-1,500 baht/person
Multiple OptionsVineyardWine SelectionVariety

Pak Chong Night Market

Thai Street Food

Authentic local market with Thai street food at local prices. Real Thai experience.

Price Range50-150 baht/person
AuthenticLocal PricesVarietyEvening Atmosphere

Best Times to Visit

Cool Season

Nov - Feb

Best weather with temperatures of 15-25C. Popular time for visitors. Book accommodation early.

Best For: Hiking, golf, all activities. Most comfortable but busiest.

Hot Season

Mar - May

Warmer at 25-35C but still cooler than Bangkok. Good for early mornings/evenings.

Best For: Fewer crowds, budget travel, winery visits.

Rainy Season

Jun - Oct

Afternoon showers common but mornings often clear. Waterfalls at their best. Greenest scenery.

Best For: Waterfall visits, photography, lowest prices, lush landscapes.

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