Things to Do in Khao Yai
From dawn wildlife drives to vineyard lunches – the best activities in and around Khao Yai National Park, organised by interest.
Photo: PonlawatThai, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Khao Yai rewards both active travellers and those who just want to slow down. This page is a directory of things to do in Khao Yai, grouped by interest, with links to our detailed guides. For a seasonal shortlist, read the best things to do in Khao Yai by season.
Nature and wildlife
Explore Khao Yai National Park
The park is the heart of the region: about 2,000 square kilometres of forest and grassland with waterfalls, viewpoints and over 50 kilometres of trails. Start at the visitor centre for maps and guide bookings. Read the park guide.
Look for wildlife at dawn and dusk
Early morning is the best time to see sambar deer, barking deer, macaques and hornbills. The Nong Phak Chi observation tower, reached by a walk of about one kilometre from the road, overlooks a grassland and salt lick that attracts animals. Wild elephants are sometimes seen on the roads.
Go birdwatching
The wider World Heritage forest complex is home to more than 390 bird species, according to UNESCO, including great and wreathed hornbills. Hiring a specialist bird guide greatly improves your chances.
Join a night safari
The park runs evening spotlighting trips in open trucks, bookable at the visitor centre. Sightings vary, but deer and civets are commonly reported.
Watch the bat emergence
Around dusk, a huge colony of bats leaves a cave a few kilometres outside the northern gate, streaming across the sky for many minutes. Ask your hotel about the best viewing spot and time.
Waterfalls and viewpoints
- Haew Narok Waterfall – the tallest in the park, about 150 metres in three tiers.
- Haew Suwat Waterfall – a classic curtain fall reached by a short path.
- Scenic viewpoints – Pha Diao Dai, Khao Khiao and the Km 30 lookout.
- Nature trails – from short boardwalks to guided jungle hikes.
Food, wine and cafes
- PB Valley Khao Yai Winery – vineyard tours, tastings and a restaurant.
- Restaurants and cafes – Michelin-recognised Thai cooking and design-led cafes.
- The Birder’s Lodge – a cafe and grill set among cabins near the park.
Art, culture and themed attractions
- Khao Yai Art Museum – Thai contemporary art and a sculpture garden.
- Primo Piazza – a Tuscan-style village with animals to feed.
- Chao Por Khao Yai Shrine – a local shrine near the northern gate where drivers often stop to pay respect.
Water and outdoor fun
- Ban Tha Chang Spring – a clear natural spring for swimming and kayaking.
- Lam Takhong River – local operators offer kayaking and rafting trips; ask your hotel for recommendations.
- Cycling – many resorts lend bicycles for countryside rides.
Relaxing at your villa
For many visitors, the best thing to do in Khao Yai is very little: a morning swim in a private pool, a spa treatment and a long lunch. Our pool villa resort guide will help you find the right base.
Planning tips
- Plan park activities early in the day and leave afternoons for cafes and relaxing.
- Check seasonal closures for trails and viewpoints during the rainy season.
- Book winery tours and popular restaurants ahead on weekends.
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.