Best Hotels in Khao Yai
Boutique lodges, themed resorts, family hotels and national park lodging – a practical guide to where to stay in Khao Yai.
Khao Yai has an enormous range of accommodation, from park campsites to five-star resorts. Choosing the best hotel in Khao Yai for you depends on three things: how close you need to be to the national park, who you are travelling with and how much time you plan to spend at the hotel itself. This page covers a wider range of hotels than our luxury resorts and pool villa resort guides.
Best hotels by travel style
Best for families: Hotel Labaris Khao Yai
Located at 9/9 Moo 4 on Thanarat Road (around kilometre 16) in Mu Si, Hotel Labaris opened in 2019 and has a playful, fairy-tale design with gardens and photo spots. Booking platforms list an outdoor pool with a children’s pool and waterslide, a playground and room types ranging from vintage trailer cabins to a one-bedroom villa with private pool and a two-bedroom family villa with private pool that sleeps up to seven. See our family pool villas guide for more family options.
Best boutique lodge: The Birder’s Lodge
A small hotel in Mu Si, about six kilometres from the national park, with a handful of compact, design-led cabins, a cafe and grill and a nature theme. It suits travellers who want to be close to the park and spend their days outdoors rather than at a large resort. Read more in our guide to The Birder’s Lodge.
Best themed resort: InterContinental Khao Yai Resort
Built around restored railway carriages and designed by Bill Bensley, it is one of the most photographed hotels in Thailand. Official website.
Best for English-country charm: Thames Valley Khao Yai
Stone buildings, gardens and a tea room give this Mu Si resort a distinctive European feel, with family facilities such as a playground alongside spa and pool villa options. Official website.
Best for golf: Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa
Home to a Jack Nicklaus-designed course and Maya Spa, with several accommodation styles on one estate. Official website.
Best for nature immersion: lodging inside the national park
Khao Yai National Park itself offers campsites and park bungalows managed by the Department of National Parks, booked through the park. Facilities are simple, but you wake up inside the forest and can be at viewpoints before the day visitors arrive. Check availability and rules via the official Khao Yai National Park website.
Where to stay: areas compared
| Area | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Thanarat Road / Mu Si | Closest to the northern gate; many restaurants, cafes and attractions | Busy traffic at weekends |
| Pong Ta Long | Quiet countryside, large estates | Longer drives to the park |
| Wang Katha / Nong Nam Daeng | Hilltop views, cafes and wineries | Car essential |
| Pak Chong town | Budget hotels, train station and market | About 30–40 minutes from the park; urban setting |
| Inside the park | Early access to wildlife and viewpoints | Basic facilities; book well ahead |
Tips for choosing a hotel in Khao Yai
- Weekdays are calmer. Many Bangkok visitors come on weekends and holidays.
- Check the drive time to the park gate if you want to be there for the 06:00 opening.
- Look at the dining options. In rural areas, the hotel restaurant may be your main option in the evening.
- Bring layers from November to February – rooms without heating can feel cool at night.
For a detailed area-by-area breakdown, read Where to Stay in Khao Yai: Luxury Resorts and Boutique Hotels.
Editorial note: Khao Yai Retreat is an independent travel information website. We do not own or operate any hotel, villa or attraction mentioned here, and listings are not paid placements. Facilities, prices and opening hours change, so please confirm details directly with the property or attraction before you travel.