If you ask a Thai about the most touristic mountain area in their country, they will probably not talk about the north, as any foreigner would. Instead, they will refer to the town of Khao Yai, about two and a half hours from Bangkok by road. It is home to the country’s first major national park under the shelter of the Big Mountain, as this is how the name of this location is translated in Thailand.
The funny thing about Khao Yai is that there are two ways to enjoy what it has to offer. The first is in the style of the more urban Thais, and especially from Bangkok, who go to this town to relax in enormous resorts and natural esplanades with some of the best views in the country.
The other way to experience Khao Yai is to venture into its vast natural park and see elephants, waterfalls and the jungle. This is the most common thing among adventurous Thais and also some foreigners, although this national park is not very popular among international tourists.
We recommend you enjoy Khao Yai in both ways, as both the exterior of the national park and its interior are a great experience for those in Bangkok.
Many foreigners choose to ignore Khao Yai with the idea that there are better mountains in Thailand, but that is very relative. The truth is that Khao Yai is off the common tourist track, and that gives a false sense of lesser importance. But that is because getting to it is somewhat more difficult, since there is no public transportation in the area.
This makes it an ideal place for Thais who have a car, as there are not many options to get there. What’s more, renting a car in Bangkok can be a very good idea to go to what was the first national park in the country to be created.
The beauty of this place is impressive in any case. In addition, the national park is not very visited and offers a very authentic experience. The surroundings are also exceptional, with vineyards and large natural gardens. Camping is also possible.
This large mountain is located just as you enter the gateway to the Isaan region in the northeast. In fact, just before you get there, you will cross the great gate of the province, a monument in honor of the most populated part of the country. To travel to this natural area, the ideal way to do so is to leave from Bangkok.
If you don’t have a car (which is common for most travelers), the best option is to go to the Mo Chit bus station and buy a ticket to the town of Pak Chong. It will cost around 100 baht and buses leave every hour. The journey takes a couple of hours. From there, it’s best to rent a motorbike for around 250 baht a day.
If you don’t have all the time in the world, you can take a private excursion from Bangkok to visit the park in one day.
The national park is the biggest tourist attraction in Khao Yai, but most Thais who visit this part of the country don’t even go inside. That’s because there’s so much to do in the surrounding area, especially if you’re looking for a few days of relaxation.
There are no bars to stay up late in the area around Khao Yai, and no shopping malls. It’s all small streets full of greenery, with lots of cafes and resorts. What can you do in a day or two around the national park?
In addition to all this, getting lost by motorbike in the different places near the natural park is a beautiful experience in Khao Yai. It is certainly a great place for a romantic getaway or if you opt for a few days of relaxation.
Let’s start with perhaps the only bad news: to enter the national park you have to pay 500 baht, while Thais pay only 10% of that amount. Beyond that, we find ourselves in an amazing jungle area where we can spend the night, go on trails or even see wild animals in rivers and waterfalls.
You can bring your motorbike into the national park, and we highly recommend that you do so, unless you decide to book a private tour. The more adventurous alternative is hitchhiking: it is very common within the park. For sleeping, you will find numerous camping options as well as natural bungalows.
There is no need to plan any routes in Khao Yai National Park before you arrive, as you will be given a brochure on entry with the seven trails within the park. The most popular ones are:
It must be said that this is the jungle of Southeast Asia, so mountain clothing is highly recommended, or, at the very least, trousers and footwear appropriate for each of the routes.
Also, there are leeches if you go during the rainy season, from June to October. Keep this in mind.
Finally, the best time to visit Khao Yai, both the park and its surroundings, is during the dry season from November to February. March and April are too hot, and during the rainy season the monsoon can spoil your experience.
