After exploring the temples, markets, and lively streets of Nakhon Ratchasima, better known as Korat, we continued our journey towards a very different landscape. Just a short drive from the city lies Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s oldest national park and one of the country’s most important natural areas.
Established in 1962, the park covers more than 2,000 square kilometres of forests, mountains, grasslands, and waterfalls. It forms part of the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity. The park is also one of the best places in Thailand to see wildlife, from macaques and hornbills to deer, gibbons, and wild elephants.
Arriving near Khao Yai
Rather than staying inside the national park itself, we chose to stay nearby at Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa. The resort sits among green hills and landscaped grounds near the edge of the park, surrounded by nature and far removed from the bustle of the city.
Our room overlooked a small lake framed by trees and gardens. After several days of travelling through cities and temple complexes, the peaceful setting felt like a welcome change. The late afternoon light reflected gently across the water as we settled in.
After unpacking, we headed to the pool. The pool area overlooks the golf course and the surrounding hills, and it was the perfect place to relax after the drive from Korat. As the sun began to set, the landscape was bathed in warm golden light.
That evening we stayed at the hotel for dinner. The restaurant was elegant but relaxed, and it was lovely to enjoy a quiet meal surrounded by greenery. It felt like the perfect start to our time exploring Khao Yai.
Day 1: Wildlife and jungle hikes
Our first full day in Khao Yai began early in the morning when our driver and guide met us at the hotel and drove us to the park entrance. Having a guide made a big difference, as they knew where to look for wildlife and which trails would give us the best chance of spotting animals.
Even before venturing far into the park, we began seeing wildlife along the roadside. Groups of Long‑tailed macaque sat beside the road watching passing cars or wandering across the pavement. These monkeys are often the first animals visitors see when entering Khao Yai, and they seem completely at ease around vehicles.
We soon set off on a jungle hike with our guide. Walking through the forest made the experience feel far more immersive than simply driving through the park. The jungle was dense and humid, with tall trees rising high above the trail and the constant sounds of birds and insects echoing through the canopy.
During the hike, we were lucky enough to see a White‑handed gibbon moving through the trees, swinging effortlessly from branch to branch. Seeing a gibbon in the wild was a real highlight. Throughout the day, we also spotted Northern pig‑tailed macaques in the forest.
Around midday, we stopped for lunch in the central area of the park where the visitor centre, park headquarters, shops, and restaurants are located. It is a convenient place for travellers to rest before continuing deeper into the park.
After lunch, we continued exploring on another nature walk. With the help of our guide, we spotted several animals that would have been easy to miss on our own. Among them were a Black giant squirrel moving quickly through the trees, a colourful Banded kingfisher perched near the water, and a shy Barking deer quietly moving through the forest. As the afternoon turned into evening, we stopped for dinner at a small restaurant inside the park. Even there, the wildlife continued to surprise us. Nearby, we spotted a Malayan porcupine along with a Sambar deer wandering through the area.
After dinner, we joined a night safari drive through the park. The forest felt completely different after dark, quieter and more mysterious, with guides using spotlights to scan the trees and roadside for nocturnal wildlife. During the drive, we spotted a Nightjar resting along the road and even a Golden jackal moving through the darkness.
Earlier in the day, I had been a little disappointed that we had not yet seen an elephant. That quickly changed. During the night safari, we arrived at a watering hole and salt lick where, to our excitement, a lone male Asian elephant appeared out of the darkness. Seeing such a powerful animal standing quietly in the forest was an unforgettable moment, and I was absolutely over the moon.
As if that was not enough, on the drive out of the park, we saw another male elephant walking along the road. Later, back in the town outside the park, we even spotted another elephant nearby. After a day filled with wildlife sightings, it felt like the perfect ending to our first day in Khao Yai.
Day 2: Waterfalls and remarkable birds
Our second day in the park began with another early start as we drove back into the forest with our guide. The morning air felt cool and fresh, and mist still lingered between the trees.
One of the first highlights of the day came almost immediately. We spotted several Great Hornbills perched high in the trees. Seeing these enormous birds in the wild was incredible. Their large curved bills and distinctive casque make them unmistakable, and watching them glide between the treetops was unforgettable.
Throughout the morning, we continued spotting birds as we explored the park. Among them were a lively Black‑crested bulbul and the striking Asian fairy‑bluebird, whose deep blue plumage stood out vividly against the green forest.
Later, we visited Haew Suwat Waterfall, one of the most famous waterfalls in the park. The waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff into a pool below and is surrounded by dense jungle. It also gained international recognition after appearing in the film The Beach. Standing at the viewpoint and watching the water crash into the basin below, it is easy to see why this dramatic location became so well known.
We also stopped at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the rolling forested hills of Khao Yai. From this vantage point, the jungle stretches far into the distance, giving a sense of just how vast the park really is.
A different side of Thailand
After several days exploring temples, cities, and night markets in northeastern Thailand, Khao Yai offered a completely different experience. The dense forests, waterfalls, and incredible wildlife made it feel like an entirely new side of the country.
Within just a few hours, the landscape shifts from historic cities to a wild jungle filled with animals and dramatic natural scenery. It is this diversity that makes travelling through Thailand so rewarding.
If you were visiting Thailand, would you prefer exploring temples and cities, or searching for wildlife in a national park like Khao Yai?
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