Scenic Mountain Viewpoints in Khao Yai

Updated October 2026 · Seasonal closures apply – check with the park

Introduction

Khao Yai’s mountains are at their most beautiful early in the morning, when mist fills the valleys and the sun rises over layer after layer of forest. The park has several viewpoints, from a roadside platform you can reach in a wheelchair to cliff-edge rocks above 1,000 metres. This guide covers the best-known options and how to time your visit.

Destination overview

Most of the high viewpoints are on the road that climbs Khao Khiao, one of the highest peaks in the park, which branches off the main road beyond the visitor centre. Lower viewpoints are on Thanarat Road between the northern gate and the visitor centre. Because the summit road is narrow and steep, and because some sites close in the rainy season, check conditions at the gate or visitor centre before driving up.

Main highlights

Pha Diao Dai

The most celebrated viewpoint in Khao Yai. From a parking area at about the 9 km mark on the Khao Khiao road, a boardwalk of roughly 450 metres runs through hill evergreen forest and an unusual high-altitude swamp to a rocky cliff edge overlooking the park’s wild interior. Elevation figures differ by source (the park gives about 900 metres for the platform; other guides say around 1,150 metres). There are sections without railings, so supervise children closely.

Khao Khiao viewpoint (Pha Trom Jai)

About 600 metres beyond the Pha Diao Dai trail, near the radar station at the 10 km mark, this is described by the park as the highest viewpoint in central Thailand. It offers wide views in clear weather.

Km 30 viewpoint

An easy stop on Thanarat Road, 6.6 km from Chao Por Khao Yai Shrine. It is known for morning mist and is wheelchair accessible, making it the best choice for travellers with limited mobility or little time.

Nong Phak Chi observation tower

Not a mountain view, but a wildlife viewpoint: a tower of about 20 metres overlooking grassland and a salt lick. Park near the 35 km marker and walk about one kilometre.

Best time to visit

Sunrise is the classic time, particularly in the cool season (November to February) when skies are clearest and mist is most likely. Remember that the park gate opens at 06:00, so you will need to be at the gate early and drive straight up to catch the light. Afternoons can bring haze in the hot season. In the rainy season, the high viewpoints and Pha Diao Dai trail may be closed.

Transportation information

Enter through the northern Pak Chong gate, follow the main road to the visitor centre area, then take the signposted road up Khao Khiao. The Km 30 viewpoint is on the way in. There is no public transport; drive carefully on the steep summit road and watch for wildlife.

Directions to Pha Diao Dai

Practical visitor tips

• Bring a warm layer – it can be cold at the summit before sunrise.
• Stay back from cliff edges and keep children close.
• Use a torch on the boardwalk in low light.
• Check closures during the rainy season.
• Be patient with mist – it can lift and return within minutes.

Nearby accommodation

For sunrise visits, stay as close to the northern gate as possible, ideally on Thanarat Road. See our romantic getaways and pool villa resort guides.

Related guides

• Nature trails
• Khao Yai National Park guide
• Haew Narok Waterfall

References

• Khao Yai National Park: places to go
• Travelfish: Pha Diao Dai

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.