How to Visit Khao Yai National Park: Wildlife, Jungles & Scenic Views

Posted on May 2, 2025 | Julie J. |

We wanted to add more nature-focused days to our Thailand itinerary and see some wildlife, and Khao Yai National Park was the perfect escape for that. Just a few hours from Bangkok, it offers dense jungle, rolling hills, waterfalls, and a real shot at spotting wildlife — including elephants (if you’re lucky).

We stayed overnight in Pak Chong, the main gateway town to the park, and booked a tour with Bobby’s Jungle Tours for the next day. It was a full day of driving through the park, stopping at scenic viewpoints, hiking through the forest, and keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife.

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A Day in the Jungle

We started early, driving into the park with our guide and a small group. The weather was cool and misty — a nice break from Bangkok’s heat — and the scenery quickly shifted from farmland to dense jungle.

Our guide was amazing at pointing out bird calls and rustling branches. We didn’t get to see any elephants (they’re wild and pretty elusive), but we did see:

Gibbons, swinging above us during a forest hike — the highlight of the day
Hornbills, soaring between tall trees
Deer, monkeys, a scorpion, and a few giant lizards lounging near the road

Hiking & Viewpoints

The short hike we did through the forest was beautiful — a bit muddy, but shaded and peaceful. We crossed small streams and paused to look for animal tracks. Our guide explained a lot about the flora and ecosystem, which made it even more interesting.

During the hike, we made a detour to see Gibbons. Our guide was great, as soon as we heard the Gibbons, he was on a mission to find them so we could see them.

We also stopped by a couple of waterfalls like Haew Suwat Waterfall (made famous by the movie The Beach) and Haew Narok Waterfall.

Later, we drove to a few viewpoints (Pha Diew Die Viewpoint) and watch towers (Non Pak Chi), where you can often spot wildlife in the distance (especially early morning or around sunset). Even if you don’t see much, the views over the jungle canopy are stunning.

What to Expect

Wildlife is never guaranteed, so manage expectations! That said, gibbons are fairly common, and the chance to spot wild elephants is part of what makes Khao Yai so special.

Most tours include transport, lunch, the park entrance fee, and a guide — make sure to book ahead during weekends or holidays, but also during the low season (the tour will only run if they can get a full group).

You could also book a day tour from Bangkok if you’re short on time.

Leech socks or long pants are helpful for hikes, especially in the wet season. Most tour companies will provide the oh-so-sexy leech socks.

Bring binoculars if you have them, and don’t forget insect repellent, water, and snacks.

Other Things to Do in Khao Yai National Park

If you have more than one day or want to experience different sides of Khao Yai, here are a few extra options to consider:

Camp Overnight in the Park

For a wilder experience, spend a night inside the national park at one of the campgrounds (Lam Ta Khong or Pha Kluai Mai). The tour company will arrange for the tent and gear you’ll need. The real benefit?
You’ll be surrounded by nature at dusk and dawn — the best times to spot wildlife like porcupines, deer, and possibly even elephants near the salt licks.

Wake up early for another guided hike or morning safari. Some multi-day tours also include night safaris with a spotlight drive through the park.

Just note that the tour company drops you off at the campground and comes to pick you up in the morning. in between, you’ll be on your own.

Take a Half-Day Tour

If you’re short on time or want something more relaxed, local tour companies like Bobby’s also offer half-day trips that are a bit more varied and fun-focused. These usually include:

A visit to a Buddhist cave temple with reclining Buddha statues
A refreshing dip in a local swimming hole or waterfall
A sunset stop to watch millions of bats pour out of a cave in a ribbon-like stream — truly a sight to see!

It’s a great combination with the full-day safari or if you want a lighter intro to the area. Most people who have the time usually book both the full-day and the half-day tour, as you get to see different things. Unfortunately for us, there was no half-day tour running when we got there.

Travel Tips for Visiting Khao Yai National Park

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach the park is by staying in Pak Chong, a town about 3 hours from Bangkok. You can get there by train, minivan, or private car.
Minivans leave from Mo Chit Bus Terminal and are quick and budget-friendly.
If you plan to self-drive into the park, make sure your rental includes a Thai driving license or international permit — park rangers may check.

Where to Stay

Pak Chong has plenty of affordable guesthouses and is the base for most tours.
For something closer to nature, look for stays on the outskirts of the park or at campsites inside (tent rentals available).
Booking a tour? Many accommodations can help arrange this directly, or partner with companies like Bobby’s Jungle Tours that also offer accommodations.

What to Pack

Comfortable hiking shoes (especially in wet season) – no sandals or it’s open bar for leeches.
Leech socks or long pants for hikes (more important during rainy months)
Rain jacket or poncho — weather can change quickly
Binoculars and a good camera for wildlife spotting
Bug spray, sunscreen, and plenty of water

Wildlife Etiquette

Be quiet and respectful around animals — no flash photography or loud voices.
Don’t feed any wildlife, and stay inside your vehicle if you spot elephants near the road.
Keep your eyes peeled near salt licks and open areas early or late in the day.

Park Info

Entrance Fee: 400 THB for adults / 200 THB for kids (foreigners)
The park is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM
Some areas (like waterfalls) may be closed during the rainy season — check ahead

Final Thoughts

Khao Yai was a great change of pace — cooler, quieter, and filled with natural beauty. Even without seeing elephants, it was worth the trip just to hike under towering trees and watch gibbons swing freely above us. If you’re craving a day in the jungle, it’s one of the easiest national parks to visit from Bangkok — and one we’d gladly return to.

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