Thailand's first national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site · Haew Suwat & Haew Narok waterfalls · GranMonte & PB Valley vineyards · Farm Chokchai · cafes and a Tuscan-style village · just 2.5 hours from Bangkok
Just 2.5 hours northeast of Bangkok through Pak Chong, Khao Yai is Thailand's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site — a vast landscape of mountains, evergreen forest and open grasslands, home to wild elephants, gibbons and hornbills. Beyond the park gates, the belt along Thanarat Road is Thailand's favourite weekend escape: vineyards, the famous Farm Chokchai dairy, European-themed attractions and a cluster of view cafes. It's the easiest nature-and-wine getaway from the capital.
Khao Yai is spread out — from luxury hillside resorts and private pool villas along Thanarat Road to vineyard stays, glamping and budget rooms in Pak Chong town. Your choice of base shapes the whole trip, so pick by vibe and how close you want to be to the park and the cafe belt.
The main resort road from Pak Chong up to the park gate — hillside resorts and pool villas surrounded by cafes, vineyards and farms. The most convenient base for first-timers.
Private pool villas tucked into the hills, with mountain views, quiet evenings and morning mist. The slow-luxury way to do Khao Yai, ideal for a restful weekend.
Pitch a tent at the park's campsites or book a glamping resort nearby — wake up to a sea of fog in the cool season. The most popular weekend choice with Bangkokians.
The gateway town with the train station, markets, restaurants and the cheapest rooms. A practical, well-connected base if you're arriving by train or on a budget.
Selected for their mountain settings, design and easy access to the park, vineyards and cafe belt — from heritage-railcar suites to forest pool villas and value design resorts. Compare prices across 3 booking platforms in one click.
A Bill Bensley showpiece on the edge of the park, with suites built from restored vintage railway carriages, plunge pools and mountain views. The most distinctive stay in Khao Yai.
A long-standing 5-star resort on the park's edge, with an 18-hole golf course, a spa and tented villas. A reliable, scenic Khao Yai favourite for couples and golfers.
A modern tropical design resort right on Thanarat Road, with two pools and easy access to the cafes and vineyards. Stylish and good value for the area.
The most secluded of the Kirimaya group's resorts — spacious forest pool villas, each with a private pool overlooking the national park. A quiet, romantic retreat.
A lakeside resort on Thanarat Road with suite-style rooms, balconies over the water and a relaxed feel. A comfortable, well-rated base close to the park and cafes.
An English-countryside-themed hotel with manor-style rooms and pool villas, a short drive from the park. A photogenic, family-friendly choice with butler service.
Found your ideal base? Compare prices from three leading booking platforms — Khao Yai has stays for every style, from forest pool villas and vineyard resorts to glamping and town guesthouses.
Khao Yai's food scene is all about the setting — hillside cafes with mountain views, steakhouses serving Farm Chokchai's own dairy and beef, and tastings at the vineyards. It's as much about the experience as the plate.
The mountain-view café scene Khao Yai is loved for.
CafésFarm Chokchai steaks and the local-produce restaurants.
FarmLocal Isan-Korat food and the Pak Chong night market.
LocalKhao Yai pairs a world-heritage rainforest with a famous farm-and-wine belt. Here are the six sights that define the area, inside the park and out.
Thailand's first park — forest, grasslands and wildlife.
UNESCOThe park's famous waterfalls, including the 'The Beach' one.
WaterfallsWild elephants, gibbons, hornbills and the night safari drive.
WildlifeGranMonte and PB Valley — Khao Yai's vineyard country.
WineThe famous dairy-and-steak farm tour.
FarmPrimo Piazza, Palio and the European-village cafés.
CafésPhimai's Khmer temple, Korat city and Pak Chong.
BeyondTwo days gives you a thorough taste of Khao Yai — the national park, waterfalls and viewpoints on day one, vineyards, the farm and cafes on day two. Easy to extend with extra trails or a winery lunch.
The relaxed version — the park, wineries, farms and a day trip.
3 DaysPark, waterfalls, vineyards and cafes — the full weekend trip.
OvernightCool Nov–Feb for the fog — plus the waterfall-season truth.
When to GoWhat a Khao Yai trip really costs, camping to pool villa.
CostsEssential info and getting-around tips to help your Khao Yai trip run smoothly from the very first step — and why you really need a car here.
Most people drive from Bangkok — around 2.5 hours via the motorway and Mittraphap Road through Pak Chong. You can also take the northeastern train line or a bus/van to Pak Chong, then rent a car or charter a driver from there.
There is no public transport inside the park or around the spread-out cafe-and-vineyard belt. Drive your own car, rent one in Pak Chong, or book a private driver/tour for the day. Distances between sights are real.
The national park charges an entry fee and has set opening hours. Wild elephants cross the road, especially at night — drive slowly, keep your distance and never feed the animals. Carry cash for the entry gate.
4G is good in Pak Chong and along Thanarat Road but patchy deep inside the park. Pick up a tourist SIM in Bangkok, or activate a Thailand eSIM before you leave so you're online the moment you arrive.
Driving from Bangkok, plus the train, bus or van to Pak Chong.
ArrivalWhy you need a car, plus car hire, songthaews and tours.
TransportHillside resorts, pool villas, glamping or Pak Chong town.
AreasEverything for a first Khao Yai trip — start here.
Start HereClick any pin for details — plan your route with ease
Khao Yai has stays for every style — from forest pool villas and vineyard resorts to glamping and town guesthouses. Pick your ideal base and start comparing right now.
A good trip doesn't end at one place — 3 destinations easily reached from Khao Yai.