Activities

Located 3 hours north-east of Bangkok, the picturesque high country of Khao Yai can't be more different from Thailand's bustling capital. Apart from quirky European villages with restaurants serving international and local cuisine, sprawling sunflower fields, vineyards, pretty farmland, and a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from world-class hotels to home stays, (all connected with rural roads and newly built modern roads), Khao Yai is also home to Thailand’s largest national park where wild elephants roam free.

Up there on the podium with some of the world's greatest national parks, Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest and most visited national park. Covering 2168 sq km, Khao Yai incorporates one of the largest intact monsoon forests remaining in mainland Asia, which is why it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Khao Yai (Big Mountain) attracts one million visitors a year. One of the largest forests in Southeast Asia, Khao Yai boasts four vegetation zones, spanning elevations from 100 meters to more than 1,400 meters. In its forest and savannah, the park supports a wild elephant herd estimated at 300.

Home to hundreds of animal species, Khao Yai National Park is one of the best places to spot wild Asian elephants as well as gibbons, black bears and over 320 species of birds, and Thailand’s largest populations of great hornbills. There are several viewpoints and salt licks where you can get a chance to see elephants and other wild animals in their natural habit.

The Pete Maze is a lush green, well-designed and thick leafy wall makes the zig-zagging labyrinth a true challenge. Let your imagination run wild while playing hide and seek and trying to find the way out of the maze with stops by lovely statues along the way.

Immerse yourself deep inside a magnificent floral garden at the Bloom, the impressive land of various themed gardens with beautiful floral scenery and charming atmosphere. With more than 30 species of flowers in elegantly vivid colours, you will find yourself relax and rejuvenate among the power of nature.

It’s almost mandatory to dine at Midwinter Green when you’re in Khao Yai. Enjoy the sunset from the outside or the posh decor inside. Food is a little pricier than most other places, but worth the price considering the quality and setting.

Scenical World has both an amusement theme park and a water theme park, all in one place. It is a good place for families and friends to have thrilling fun.

There is no shortage of wineries in Khao Yai. GranMonte Winery is one of many family owned winery which is gaining popularity in Khao Yai. Wine lovers should visit all of them to try out the different wines and to learn about the wine-making process.

The Birder’s Lodge fuses the European country vibes with rustic wooden barn, lush green vine and an open patio filled with splendid scenery which helps you slip into nature mode. Be greeted by hanging plants, high ceilings and Scandinavian interiors – flawless aesthetics for your next insta-shoot. Indulge in their signature Shrimp Pad Thai, Roti with Green Curry and Cotton Candy Soda drink for the ultimate Thai feast.