Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is a favourite destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok for a while. The proximity of the park to Bangkok and the stunning scenery make it an ideal getaway for city dwellers.
In 1962, Khao Yai National Park was designated as Thailand’s first National Park. Its wonderful environment and wide range of activities have ensured its popularity ever since. Some rate it as one of the best national parks in the world, certainly in Asia, and getting to and from the park is simple; accommodation is offered in the park and there are a large number of markets and restaurants on hand to supply a weary walker with all manner of food and drink.
The popularity of the area has actually been to its detriment over the years. In fact, in 1992, Khao Yai National Park had to be shut down for a while due to the damage done to it by visitors. Extensive work was done in the area and some resorts and golf-courses were demolished. The park is now open and welcoming guests again, as long as they take proper care of the environment.
Khao Yai National Park covers 2.172 square kilometres and spills into four provinces, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok. The site has become one of the Natural Heritage Sites of Asia and has served as a template for many other National Parks of the country.
The site offers a large number of activities such as bird-watching, mountain biking and river rafting, but Khao Yai National Park is perhaps most notable for its trekking. The terrain of the park is varied and produces several different vegetation environments including evergreen rainforest, mixed deciduous, and savannah, from 400 to over 1000m above sea-level.
There are more than a dozen variations of marked trails covering about 50kms, with varied distances and scenery. Each trail is clearly signposted with helpful information dotted around the areas. Trekkers can even get a park ranger to accompany them as they walk. Wildlife can be spotted, though you have to have a sharp eye. Species include barking deer, serows, gibbons and macaques, Malayan sun bears and Asiatic black bears, tiger and leopard, with the latter being a rare find. However there is an astonishing range of bird species to be found here, with a wonderful selection of hornbills. Animals are best spotted between June and October and the hornbills are at their best when breeding between January and May.
The most popular trail takes around half a day and starts at the Park Headquarters and ends up Nong Phak Chi Wildlife watch-towers. On the way, one can witness a large variety of wildlife such as hornbills, red-headed tarragons, dollarbirds and red-mottled lapwings. Wild mushrooms, various flowers and streams can also be seen on this trail. After reaching the towers, guests can look over the salt-lick and see wild dogs and elephants.
For the more adventurous, there is a popular one day hike from the Park Headquarters to Heaw Suwat falls ( 8.5 km ) and then continuing to Thung Khao Laem ( another 4.5 km ). On this trail, a wide range of wildlife such as gibbons, elephants and exotic birds can be seen. The falls became famous after featuring in the Hollywood blockbuster, The Beach, as the notorious hurdle the adventurers had to surmount to get to the ‘paradise camp’.
Getting to Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok is easy; take highway No 305 from Rangsit-Ongkharak Road in Bangkok to Nakhon Nayok and get onto Highway No 3077. After 10kms you will reach the Khao Yai National Park Headquarters. Either you can hire a car and drive (about two hours’ drive) or arrange a tour from your hotel or a travel agent. Alternatively, there are a few tour outfits in nearby Pak Chong offering guides.
Where to stay
The only on site accommodation actually in the park is the National Park bungalows near the park headquarters. These are quite pleasant in a natural environment, but quite basic so you need to bring your own bedding and food. They rent out at about 1500 baht per 12-sleeper bungalow (tel: +66 (0)2 561 4292). Tents can be pitched for a minimal fee on the campgrounds.
Phubade Hotel (tel: +66 (0) 4 431 4969) is in nearby Pak Chong, with clean rooms. It’s located near the central market down a small lane. Rooms 200 baht/300 baht with a/c.
Green Leaf Guest House (tel: + 66 (0)4 436 5024) is a little way out of Pak Chong on the way to the park and is popular for its clean rooms, good food and helpful friendly tours and staff. Rooms 300 baht.
Khao Yai Garden Lodge (tel: +66 (0) 4 436 5167) is also on the same road to the park and is more up market but lacks the personalised service on the tours it offers, and deals a lot with packages. Rooms from 500 to 1000 baht.
