Khao Yai National Park

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Thailand's oldest and most visited national park featuring diverse wildlife including elephants, gibbons, and hornbills in pristine jungle. A must-visit for nature lovers seeking authentic rainforest trekking and wildlife spotting.

Things to do

• Haew Suwat Waterfall Trek — A scenic 2-3 hour guided walk through dense jungle leading to a powerful three-tiered waterfall where elephants often gather to bathe and drink.
• Night Safari Drive — A guided vehicle tour after dark when nocturnal wildlife including civets, flying squirrels, and owls become active, offering excellent photography opportunities.
• Gibbon Spotting at Dawn — Early morning trek to listen for and observe white-handed gibbons calling from the canopy, best experienced before 8 AM from the northern trails.
• Nong Pak Chi Wildlife Watching — Patient observation at this natural water hole where hornbills, eagles, and ungulates converge, particularly rewarding during dry season months.
• Haew Khamin Waterfall Swim — A refreshing stop at a smaller waterfall with a natural pool suitable for swimming after trekking, located near the main park entrance.
• Khlong Khiao Canopy Walk — An elevated suspended walkway through the rainforest canopy offering unique perspectives on arboreal wildlife and birds without disturbing them.

Food to try

• Larb Gai (Spicy Minced Chicken) — A Northeast Thai staple combining finely chopped chicken, fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and dried chilies, served at park lodges and nearby Pak Chong town.
• Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad) — A tangy and spicy salad of shredded green papaya, tomatoes, long beans, and lime dressing that refreshes after jungle trekking.
• Sticky Rice with Grilled Fish — A traditional Isan meal pairing glutinous rice (khao), with freshly grilled fish from local sources, commonly found at park visitor center restaurants.
• Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage) — Spiced pork sausage wrapped in banana leaf and grilled, available at park accommodations and reflects authentic Northeast cuisine.
• Khao Pad Sapparot (Pineapple Fried Rice) — Rice stir-fried with curry paste, chicken, and pineapple chunks served inside a hollowed pineapple, a festive dish at park restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Respectfully for Temple Visits — When visiting the small shrines within the park or nearby temples in Pak Chong, wear long pants and cover your shoulders as a sign of respect.
• Hire Official Guides for Safety — Always trek with registered park guides rather than alone, as they know wildlife behavior, trail conditions, and can arrange permits required for certain areas.
• Practice 'Leave No Trace' Ethics — Locals deeply respect the jungle and wildlife; remove all trash, stay on marked trails, and never feed or approach animals to preserve the ecosystem.
• Respect Wildlife Photography Etiquette — Maintain quiet and distance from animals for both safety and conservation; guides will signal appropriate times and distances for photography during wildlife encounters.