A Complete Guide to Visiting Khao Yai National Park

Published October 2026 · Khao Yai Retreat editorial team

Our Khao Yai National Park visitor guide covers the facts – fees, gates, zones and highlights. This article is the practical companion: a step-by-step walkthrough of planning and enjoying a day in the park, especially for first-time international visitors.

Step 1: Decide how you will get around

There is no public transport inside the park, and distances are long: the visitor centre is well inside the northern gate, and Haew Narok Waterfall is about 22 km further south. Choose one of these options:

• Self-drive – the most flexible. You need an International Driving Permit with most foreign licences.
• Private car and driver – arranged through your hotel; relaxing and good for wildlife spotting.
• Group or private tour – often includes a guide, waterfalls and a night safari.

Step 2: Check the season and conditions

From June to October, some trails and viewpoints may close; in 2025 the park closed viewpoints and the Pha Diao Dai trail from 1 June to 30 September. Waterfalls are best in this period. From November to February, expect cool mornings and busy weekends. Check the official park website for current notices.

Step 3: Prepare your kit

• Cash for entry fees (the park also lists e-ticket payment options).
• Your passport or a copy, as foreigners pay a different fee.
• Water, snacks and a refillable bottle.
• Long trousers, closed shoes, a light rain jacket and a warm layer in the cool season.
• Insect repellent, sunscreen and, in the wet season, leech socks.
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens if you can.

Step 4: Arrive early

The park opens at 06:00. Arriving at opening time gives you the coolest weather, the best light and the highest chance of seeing wildlife on the road. Pay at the gate (one ticket is valid for entering and leaving on the same day) and keep your ticket.

Step 5: Follow a route

Route A: The northern loop (half day to full day)

1. Drive slowly from the gate, looking for deer, macaques and hornbills.
2. Stop at the Km 30 viewpoint.
3. Walk to the Nong Phak Chi observation tower (around 1 km).
4. Visit the visitor centre for maps, toilets and food.
5. Continue to Haew Suwat Waterfall.
6. If open, drive up Khao Khiao to Pha Diao Dai.

Route B: The waterfall run (full day)

1. Visit the visitor centre early.
2. Drive south to Haew Narok and do the 1 km walk.
3. Return north to Haew Suwat in the afternoon.

Step 6: Consider a guide or night safari

Licensed guides and evening spotlighting trips can be booked at the visitor centre. A good guide dramatically improves wildlife and bird sightings and is required for some trails. See our nature trails guide.

Step 7: Follow the rules

• Do not feed wildlife or leave food unattended.
• Stay in your vehicle if you meet elephants; keep your distance and do not honk.
• Do not swim at the waterfalls.
• Stay on marked trails and take your rubbish with you.
• Respect speed limits – animals cross the road at any time.

Step 8: Leave on time

The park closes at 18:00. Driving after dark increases the chance of wildlife on the road, so leave time to exit calmly. Many visitors finish with the bat emergence outside the northern gate around dusk; ask your hotel for the location.

Where to stay for a park day

Resorts on Thanarat Road and in Mu Si are closest to the northern gate. See where to stay in Khao Yai and our pool villa resort guide.

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.