Calm lake surrounded by forest in the Khao Yai wilderness

Nature

Beautiful Nature Attractions Near Khao Yai Resorts

Springs, reservoirs, grasslands and bat caves – natural escapes within easy reach of the resorts on Thanarat Road and beyond.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Published October 2026 · Khao Yai Retreat editorial team

The national park gets most of the attention, but some of the most enjoyable nature attractions near Khao Yai resorts are outside the gates or on its quieter edges. Many are less than half an hour from the main resort areas and make easy outings between pool sessions.

1. Ban Tha Chang Spring

A clear, blue-green spring in Mu Si with terraced pools, swimming areas and kayaking. It is popular on hot weekends, so go early on a weekday. Read the full guide.

2. The bat emergence

Around dusk, a large colony of bats pours out of a cave a few kilometres outside the park’s northern gate, forming long, twisting ribbons across the sky. It is free to watch from nearby roadsides; ask your resort for the current best spot and time.

3. Lam Takhong River and Reservoir

The Lam Takhong River flows out of the Khao Yai hills towards the Lam Takhong Reservoir to the west. Riverside restaurants along its banks are popular for lunch, and local operators run kayaking trips. Viewpoints in the hills above the reservoir, such as Khao Yai Thiang, offer wide panoramas over the water.

View over Lam Takhong Reservoir and the hills near Khao Yai from Khao Yai Thiang — Lam Takhong Reservoir seen from the hills of Khao Yai Thiang. Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Nong Phak Chi grassland

Inside the national park, but worth highlighting: a one-kilometre walk across open grassland leads to a 20-metre observation tower overlooking a salt lick. Early morning visits often reward patient watchers with deer and other wildlife. See our viewpoints guide.

5. Sai Sorn Reservoir

A small reservoir near the park headquarters, known for wildlife at sunrise and stargazing after dark. The park notes that vehicles are not allowed down to the water.

6. Pha Kluai Mai and Kong Kaew waterfalls

Smaller and quieter than Haew Narok and Haew Suwat. Pha Kluai Mai, about 7 km from the visitor centre, is known for wild orchids; Kong Kaew, about 100 metres from the visitor centre, has a rope bridge. Swimming is not permitted.

7. Countryside drives

Some of the simplest pleasures in Khao Yai are drives through farmland, vineyards and limestone hills, especially in late-afternoon light. Combine a drive with a vineyard visit at PB Valley or a hilltop cafe.

8. Birdwatching on the edges

Gardens and forest edges around resorts and lodges such as The Birder’s Lodge attract birds too. Bring binoculars and spend an early hour on your terrace.

Planning tips

Combine one park attraction and one outside attraction per day.
Carry insect repellent at dusk, especially near water.
Check conditions after heavy rain, which can affect spring clarity and river levels.
Respect wildlife and never feed animals.

Where to stay

Most of these places are easiest to reach from Thanarat Road and Mu Si. See our pool villa resort guide and where to stay in Khao Yai.

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.