I think you’ll agree with me when I say: Sometimes, planning for a trip can be difficult.
“Fifty-five percent of travelers we surveyed agree that they have to check too many sources of travel information before making a decision. And those decisions, once a traveler makes them, are stressful. “
Google – 2018 Travel Trends
Does that sound like you?
I promise that in this blog, you will find all the answers you need to travel to Khao Yai – The most picturesque place in Thailand. All the burning questions you have – Where to stay? Where to eat? What to do? How to get to Khao Yai? How to get around in Khao Yai? – Will all be answered!
Come along with me as I guide you around Khao Yai!
Guide Table of content
- Pre Trip essentials: Where is Khao Yai?, the best time to visit Khao Yai, How long to stay?
- Where to go in Khao Yai: Attractions, What to eat, where to stay, other places to visit but not in the list
- Possible itineraries
- How to get around in Khao Yai
- Conclusion
Pre-trip essentials
Where is Khao Yai?
Khao Yai is located in Pak Chong district, 2.5 hours away from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Surrounding Pak Chong is Wang Nam Khiao District and Khao Yai National Park.
Best time to visit:
Khao Yai is generally a few degrees cooler than the ever-boiling hot Bangkok. But, when is the BEST time to visit Khao Yai?
November – February:
- Best time to visit Khao Yai when you won’t be dripping in sweat
- The average daily temperature hovers around low 20s
- Have the chance to visit the Sunflower fields and the Jim Thompson Farm
- Prices are inflated due to the high number of visitors
March – June:
- The hottest time of the year, not the best time to visit unless you like the heat
- Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park is likely to be dried up.
- As the peak period for tourism is over, prices will be lower so you can snag the best deals in town during this period!
July – October:
- Monsoon season in Khao Yai
- High levels of rainfall mean that it is the best time to enjoy majestic waterfalls
How long to stay:
Now that you know when the best time to #TravelKhaoYai is, how long should you stay?
Well, that depends on where you want to explore in this hidden gem. For a rough guideline,
- 5D4N if you are planning to visit Khao Yai National Park
- 3D2N if you are not thinking of visiting the national park
- Day trip to Khao Yai? Personally, I don’t think it will be worth it because you will spend the majority of your time travelling.
Sounds good? Now,
Where to go in Khao Yai?
As a visual learner, I always find it hard to digest large chunks of texts.
That is why I created this map for you (and me) to understand Khao Yai. I call it a cheat sheet to Khao Yai!
Here is a list of attractions in Khao Yai.
Click on the name to get directed to their official website.
Attractions in Khao Yai
- Khao Yai Speedkart: From Go-Karting to ATV, this place certainly has all the fun in the world for family and friends!
- Pete Maze:
- The maze is well maintained and clean
- An enjoybale experience for the family
- 150 THB/person
- Lam Phra Phloeng: A stunning spot in the morning and night
- Khao Yai Art Museum:
- Free-of-charge with splendid artworks.
- For art enthusiasts, this is the perfect way to spend your afternoon in Khao Yai!
- Ban Tha Chang Spring: Refresh yourself by plunging into spring water
- Palio Khao Yai:
- Shop and snap at this Italian-themed shopping centre
- Scenical World: A amusement park with over 40 activities to do, suitable for all ages
- Primo Piazza:
- Take many pictures at this Tuscan Village at Khao Yai!
- The entrance fee of 100 THB/person includes the experience to feed the farm animals!
- PB Valley Winery Khao Yai:
- Explore the vineyards at the biggest winery in Southeast Asia
- Have lunch with a view (indoors or outdoors) as you enjoy the calm and serenity of the lush greenery and cascading hill and mountain
- The 75 minutes tour is conducted 5 times a day (09:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 01:30 pm and 03:30 pm)
- Costs: 300 THB/person
- Suwans Corn Farm: Locals flock here to get the sweetest corn in Thailand
- Farm Chokchai:
- Experience farm life first-hand
- Get to know where your dairy products come from and taste the fresh products
- This will be educational and fun for young children
Where to eat in Khao Yai
- Pak Chong Night Market:
- For the strong hearted, give fried insects a try at this night market.
- From eating, shopping and playing games, you will not be bored.
- Other local delights that you have to try include Mango Sticky Rice,
- Ban May Chay Nam:
- What is special about this place is that it is an integration of a restaurant, museum and accommodation.
- The Chocolate Factory:
- The Chocolate Factory is a restaurant serving scrumptious Italian food at an affordable price.
- At the Chocolate Factory, you can buy many souvenirs made from chocolate such as bathing products. As you can tell, this place will be perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank:
- Instagrammable architecture with cool ambience
- This place is perfect to start the day or for a short rest, with a cup of great coffee.
- Pirom Cafe:
- Stop by Pirom Cafe if you are nearby
- Relax with a drink while looking at the mountains and the lake
- Diary Farm:
- Great place to visit for photo opportunities and to try out the creamiest ice cream that you might have in your life!
- Children will have a fun time at the tree house
- Ribs Mannn:
- They serve satisfying portions of juicy, smoked meat
- On the pricier side so it might not be the best place to eat at if you are on a budget!
- Midwinter Green:
- Great location for a romantic dinner
If you are interested to visit more cafes, read here.
Where to stay in Khao Yai
- My Ozone Khao Yai ($$$): Luxury hotel designed in European style
- U Khao Yai ($$): A four-star hotel with romantic vibes and a great view
- Thames Valley ($$): Picture perfect backdrop with a relaxed atmosphere
- Lala Mukha Tented Resort ($): For a #glamping (Glam + Camp) experience
- Greenery Resort Khao Yai ($): Family friendly resort conveniently located near the attractions
Other places to visit that are not in the list
- Saraburi Sunflower Field:
- Visit Pak Chong’s finest horticultural sights.
- The best time to catch the full bloom of the sunflowers is during December-February.
- Jim Thompson Farm:
- Opens annually from December to January, check out their exact dates at their official website.
- Khao Yai National Park:
- Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, it is no wonder why Khao Yai National Park is the most visited national park in Thailand, drawing 1.2 million visitors back in 2016.
- This national park is blessed with majestic waterfall, abundant wild animals on a mountainous landscape.
- To find accommodation at Khao Yai National Park, visit this website: Khao Yai National Park Accommodation
Possible itineraries
Overview of the perfect 3D2N itinerary to Khao Yai:
Overview of the perfect 5D4N itinerary to Khao Yai: Spend one day at Khao Yai National Park or you can stay overnight at to watch the animals!
How to get to Khao Yai?
- By car
- The most convenient way to travel.
- We highly recommend booking a driver for a comfortable city transfer from the airport to Khao Yai. Our OWNRIDES driver will bring you around to the best places in town while you get to relax and enjoy with family or friends.
- OWNRIDES has a 3 day Khao Yai tour, perfect for your travel needs
- If you are confident driving on foreign terrain, you can rent cars in Bangkok for your time in Khao Yai. Just do a quick search in Google and you will find multiple car rental companies. However, do be wary of scams and potential theft. Read this article from Insider as to Why you should be careful when booking rental cars.
- By minivan:
- At Mo Chit Bus Station in Northern Bangkok, there are 6 minivan services that bring you from Bangkok to Khao Yai. The journey takes 3 hours and costs 250 THB. Check out the timetable at this website.
- By train:
- Slowest option to get to Pak Chong
- There are only 10 direct services from Hua Lampong Train Station in Bangkok Central to Pak Chong
- Check out the timetable here.
How to go to Mo Chit Bus Station?
- Take the metro or the skytrain to Chatuchak station. Take a taxi from Chatuchak to Mo Chit Bus Station which will cost around 60 THB
How to go to Hua Lampong Train Station?
- Since it is located at the terminus of the Blue Line on the metro, head to the nearest metro station and board the MRT.
- The train station has 12 train platforms and handles around 130 train departures each day.
- If you happen to miss your train or need to wait a long time for the next train, you can fill your stomach at Chicken Rice stores or the 7-11 nearby or visit attractions or go shopping.
- For more information, read this.
How to travel around Khao Yai
With barely any forms of public transportation, the only way to get around in Khao Yai is either doing a private tour or self-driving.
At OWNRIDES, you can customise your own tour and be guided by our handpicked, professional drivers. Look for our 3 day Khao Yai tour here.
Conclusion
Now, we would like to hear from you!
Will you be visiting Khao Yai soon?
Which places are you most interest in?
Let us know in the comment section below!
Enjoy these videos we have curated for you 🙂
Sue Anne Chee‘s Travelogue
Don’t forget to check out www.ownrides.com!
OWNRIDES 
