
Khao Yai National Park Visitor Center
Khao Yai National Park Visitor Center is your gateway to Thailand's stunning natural beauty, offering information, trails, and a chance to explore div...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for wildlife spotting

Khao Yai National Park Visitor Center
Best Time
Best for wildlife spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Khao Yai National Park Visitor Center is your gateway to Thailand's stunning natural beauty, offering information, trails, and a chance to explore diverse wildlife.
"Absolutely stunning! Khao Tao National Park is a hidden gem that took my breath away."

Pay Entrance Fee Downhill
The park entrance fee is collected at the bottom of the mountain, before reaching the visitor center. :ticket:
Local Truck Transport
Be ready to transfer to local trucks for park exploration. Plan for extra costs. :bus:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Visitor Center Information Hub
Khao Yai National Park Entrance
Your first stop for park maps, info, and souvenir shopping. Essential for planning your visit.

Kong Kaew Waterfall Trail
Near Visitor Center
A short, peaceful 1km walk to a nice waterfall, perfect for a quick nature immersion.

Night Safari Adventure
Various Park Locations
Embark on a guided night safari for a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife. Book in advance!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Park Entry Fees & Transport
Best Time for Wildlife & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pay Entrance Fee Downhill
The park entrance fee is collected at the bottom of the mountain, before reaching the visitor center. :ticket:
Local Truck Transport
Be ready to transfer to local trucks for park exploration. Plan for extra costs. :bus:
Souvenir Shop Prices
The souvenir shop at the visitor center has items, but prices can be a bit high. :moneybag:
Wildlife Spotting Tips
Sightings are more common in the cool season. Elephants are rare but possible. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pay Entrance Fee Downhill
The park entrance fee is collected at the bottom of the mountain, before reaching the visitor center. :ticket:
Local Truck Transport
Be ready to transfer to local trucks for park exploration. Plan for extra costs. :bus:
Souvenir Shop Prices
The souvenir shop at the visitor center has items, but prices can be a bit high. :moneybag:
Wildlife Spotting Tips
Sightings are more common in the cool season. Elephants are rare but possible. :camerawithflash:
Pack Essentials
Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning views. :waterwave: :sunwithface: :camerawith_flash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Khao Yai National Park for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and accessible trails, making it a refreshing escape. However, the significantly higher entrance fees for foreigners and the need for local truck transport are recurring points of concern for some.
"Have to pay 200bht to get in not. Need to transfer to local truck. No busses. So that costs as well
Museum is free but tourist shop pricey
Such a stunning area to visit.
Very happy I did"
Luke Regler
"Absolutely stunning! Khao Tao National Park is a hidden gem that took my breath away. The natural beauty is incredible — from serene beaches and crystal-clear water to lush greenery and scenic viewpoints. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip or a peaceful nature escape.
The park is well-maintained, clean, and not overcrowded, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We loved the hiking trails — they’re not too difficult and reward you with amazing panoramic views. There are also quiet spots to just sit and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Local wildlife adds to the charm, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a camera — you’ll want to capture the views!
👉 One downside worth mentioning: the entrance fee for foreigners is 10 times higher than for Thai nationals. While the park is absolutely worth visiting, this dual pricing feels unfair and leaves a bit of a sour note in an otherwise perfect experience.
Still, despite the fee difference, I highly recommend visiting. Khao Tao National Park is a peaceful and beautiful slice of nature that’s well worth the trip.
-1 for fee"
Piotr Kubicki
"This is a must visit place. Just 2 to 3 hours drive from Bangkok. The trails are easily accessible. Lots to see and plenty of places to capture great pictures. Temperature is cooling most parts of the year too. Consider staying in Khao Yai for 2 or 3 nights to explore the area.
From the visitor centre, there is a 1km trail to see the Kong Kaew Waterfall. Peaceful and nice environment. But there are also other better water falls to see near by as well."
Chiun How Teng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is about a 2-3 hour drive from Bangkok. You can rent a car or hire a taxi. Once inside the park, you may need to transfer to local trucks for further exploration, as private vehicles might have limitations.
While direct public transport to the visitor center can be limited, some travelers opt for buses to nearby towns and then arrange local transport. It's often easier to drive or book a tour.
Within Khao Yai National Park, you'll often need to use local trucks or hire guides with vehicles to access different areas, especially if you don't have your own car.
Yes, you can drive your own car to the park, but be aware of the entrance fees for vehicles. Some areas might require you to use park-provided transport.
The park primarily relies on local trucks for transport within its vast areas. Official shuttle services are not widely advertised, so inquire at the visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are separate fees for individuals and vehicles. Foreigner entrance fees are significantly higher than for Thai nationals. Expect to pay around 200 THB for foreigners.
The park entrance fee is collected at a checkpoint located at the bottom of the mountain, before you reach the main visitor center area.
Yes, there is a significant price difference. Foreigner fees are considerably higher than those for Thai nationals.
For general park entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, for specific activities like the night safari, it's advisable to inquire about booking.
The visitor center is typically open during daylight hours. For specific timings, especially for the night safari, it's best to check locally or upon arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The visitor center provides information, maps, and a souvenir shop. Nearby, you can access trails like the one to Kong Kaew Waterfall. It's a starting point for exploring the park's natural attractions.
Yes, there's a 1km trail from the visitor center to Kong Kaew Waterfall, offering a peaceful walk. Other trails are accessible throughout the park.
Yes, wildlife sightings are possible, especially during the cool season. Elephants are sometimes spotted, though sightings are not guaranteed. The night safari offers a better chance to see nocturnal animals.
The night safari is a guided tour to spot nocturnal animals. It typically costs between 600-800 baht per vehicle and is a popular activity for visitors.
Absolutely! Khao Yai is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including Kong Kaew Waterfall near the visitor center, and others like Haew Narok and Haew Suwat.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a canteen and food available near the visitor center. However, prices are generally higher than outside the park.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed and recommended, especially if you want to save money or have specific dietary needs.
There are food options available, including a canteen near the visitor center and some small 'shops' at viewing areas. For a wider selection, dining outside the park is an option.
Expect typical Thai dishes at the canteen. Prices are slightly elevated due to the park's location.
For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking more variety, eating outside the park before or after your visit is a good strategy.
📸 📸 Photography
Khao Yai offers numerous scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and lush greenery perfect for photography. The viewpoints and waterfall areas are particularly photogenic.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Bring a telephoto lens if you're serious about wildlife photography.
Drone usage might be restricted in national parks. It's best to check park regulations before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. Golden hour can be magical.
While not always advertised, some local guides or tour operators might offer photography-focused excursions. Inquire locally.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a night safari for an exciting experience that kids will love, as it offers a chance to see animals they might not encounter during the day. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as food options inside the park can be limited and pricier. Remember that some areas might require transferring to local trucks, which can be an adventure in itself for children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for visiting during weekdays to potentially find more affordable local transport options or negotiate better rates. While the night safari has a cost, it's a worthwhile experience for the price. Consider camping if you plan a longer stay, as this can be a very economical option.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens is essential, and patience is key. Always maintain a respectful distance from animals. While drone photography can be spectacular, verify park regulations before flying. The trails near the visitor center, like the one to Kong Kaew Waterfall, also provide accessible and beautiful subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Khao Yai National Park
Once inside, private vehicles are permitted, but for accessing more remote areas or specific attractions, you might need to transfer to local trucks or hire guides. This is a common practice and part of the park's operational system. Consider this when budgeting for your trip. The park is popular for camping and has many natural attractions, including several waterfalls, making it a destination for multi-day stays.
For those interested in wildlife, the cool season (roughly November to February) is generally considered the best time for sightings, though elephants are rare. The park also offers a night safari, a popular activity for spotting nocturnal creatures, which usually costs between 600-800 baht per vehicle.
Wildlife Encounters and Best Viewing Times
Commonly sought-after sightings include various deer species, macaques, and a rich array of birdlife. While elephants are present in the park, spotting them is considered a rarer occurrence and requires luck and patience. To enhance your chances, consider joining a guided night safari. These tours, typically costing 600-800 baht per vehicle, take you into the park after dark with a guide who knows the best spots for finding nocturnal animals.
It's important to remember that these are wild animals. Always maintain a safe distance, never feed them, and avoid disturbing their natural habitat. Respecting their space ensures both your safety and the well-being of the park's inhabitants.
Photography Opportunities
The visitor center area itself provides a good starting point, with the trail to Kong Kaew Waterfall offering a serene subject. For landscape photographers, the early morning and late afternoon hours, known as the 'golden hours,' provide the most flattering light, creating dramatic skies and soft shadows. If you're hoping to capture wildlife, a telephoto lens is highly recommended, and patience is key. Remember to always be respectful of the animals and their environment when photographing them.
While drone photography can offer unique perspectives, it's crucial to check the park's regulations regarding drone usage beforehand to avoid any penalties. Many visitors find that simply having a good quality camera or even a smartphone is sufficient to capture the essence of Khao Yai's natural splendor.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit