These best things to do in Khao Yai National Park cover everything from natural spots, wineries, unique hotels and quirky attractions; you can plan the perfect visit to Khao Yai.
Khao Yai is a perfect destination for those seeking a mix of nature, adventure, luxury, and relaxation, and an easy day trip from Bangkok. As Thailand’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, making it ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond its natural beauty, Khao Yai offers a taste of Europe in Thailand with its picturesque vineyards, Italian-inspired villages, and charming countryside resorts.
Food lovers will enjoy a diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to gourmet steakhouses and artisanal cafés. The region is also home to unique attractions like art museums, exotic zoos, and hidden natural springs.
Whether you’re hiking through the park, sipping wine at a vineyard, indulging in delicious cuisine, or staying in a luxurious resort, Khao Yai provides a refreshing escape from city life with something special for every traveler. Plus, there are a few ways to travel from Bangkok to Khao Yai National Park, so all visitors, locals and expats can reach the it.
Best Things to do in Khao Yai National Park
Waterfalls in Khao Yai
1. Haew Suwat Waterfall – A famous 20-meter waterfall inside Khao Yai National Park, easily accessible and surrounded by lush jungle.
2. Haew Narok Waterfall – The tallest waterfall in the park, with a dramatic 150-meter drop. Best visited during the rainy season for full water flow.
3. Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall – A hidden gem between Haew Suwat and the Pha Kluai Mai campsite, known for wild orchids in the rainy season.
4. Nang Rong Waterfall – Located outside the national park in Nakhon Nayok, this multi-tiered waterfall is perfect for swimming and picnics.
5. Sarika Waterfall – Another beautiful waterfall in Nakhon Nayok, featuring nine levels of cascading water surrounded by thick jungle.
Vineyards & Farms in Khao Yai
6. PB Valley Khao Yai Winery – The region’s largest vineyard, offering wine-tasting tours, grape harvesting, and a vineyard restaurant.
7. GranMonte Vineyard and Winery – A family-run estate producing award-winning wines, with a fine-dining restaurant and boutique accommodation.
8. Suwon Corn Farm – A famous local farm selling fresh, sweet corn and corn-based snacks in Pak Chong.
9. Farm Chokchai – A dairy farm where visitors can experience cowboy shows, horseback riding, and fresh milk-based treats.
10. Jim Thompson Farm – Open seasonally in December–January, featuring stunning flower fields, silk production exhibits, and Isaan cultural displays.
11. The Birder’s Lodge Farmers Market – A weekend farmers market offering organic vegetables, fresh fruits, and artisanal products from local farmers.
Nature in Khao Yai National Park
12. Pha Diao Dai Cliff – A breathtaking viewpoint in Khao Yai National Park, offering sweeping jungle views and a peaceful nature trail.
13. Sai Sorn Reservoir – A picturesque lake inside Khao Yai National Park, perfect for photography, picnicking, and spotting wildlife.
14. Ban Tha Chang Spring – A hidden natural spring in Pak Chong, known for its crystal-clear blue water, ideal for swimming.
15. Secret Garden Khao Yai – A peaceful, nature-inspired retreat with botanical gardens, art installations, and a relaxing café.
16. Scenical World Khao Yai – The region’s largest amusement and water park, featuring thrilling rides, water slides, and entertainment for all ages.
Attractions in Khao Yai
17. Bonanza Exotic Zoo – A family-friendly zoo housing exotic animals like zebras, alpacas, and tropical birds.
18. Khao Yai Art Museum – A contemporary art gallery featuring sculptures, paintings, and modern Thai artworks in a serene setting.
19. Lago di Khao Yai – A lakeside retreat with European-inspired scenery, great for photography and a peaceful getaway.
20. Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram – A stunning white Buddha statue on a hillside, requiring a short but rewarding climb to reach.
21. Primo Piazza – An Italian-themed village with charming architecture, a petting zoo, and beautiful landscapes for photography.
22. Palio Khao Yai – A vibrant shopping and dining complex designed like a Tuscan village, with boutique shops and cafes.
23. Toscana Valley – A luxurious, Tuscany-inspired resort and residential area with scenic views, golf courses, and fine dining.
Unique Hotels in Khao Yai National Park
24. Thames Valley Khao Yai – A luxurious English countryside-inspired resort with beautiful gardens, tea lounges, and river views.
25. U Khao Yai – A boutique French château-style hotel with elegant architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
26. The Series Resort Khao Yai – A high-end retreat known for its stunning pool, personalized service, and scenic mountain backdrop.
27. Lala Mukha Tented Resort – A safari-style glamping resort offering luxury tents and treehouses with breathtaking mountain views.
28. Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai – A Swiss-style castle resort with vineyard views, golf courses, and a luxury spa.
29. Atta Lakeside Resort Suite – A modern lakeside resort offering spacious suites with direct water views and tranquil surroundings.
30. Villa Muse Khao Yai – A stylish and private pool villa retreat inspired by Balinese and Mediterranean designs.
31. Sala Khao Yai – An intimate boutique resort offering stunning panoramic views and minimalist luxury accommodations.
Best Cafés in Khao Yai
32. Pirom Café – A lakeside café surrounded by rolling hills, known for its peaceful ambiance and quality coffee.
33. Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank – A minimalist, industrial-style café with a unique black concrete design and specialty coffee.
34. The Birder’s Lodge Café – A rustic, nature-inspired café offering great coffee, brunch options, and an Instagram-worthy aesthetic.
35. Please Don’t Tell Café – A hidden café with vintage-style decor, specialty coffee, and homemade pastries.
36. Like A Mountain Café – A trendy café offering stunning mountain views, great coffee, and a relaxing atmosphere.
37. Campfire Café Khao Yai – A cozy spot where you can enjoy coffee and roasted marshmallows around a real campfire.
38. Ribs Mannn Café – A stylish coffee shop attached to a steakhouse, offering craft coffee and a rustic Western ambiance.
Best Dining in Khao Yai
39. Midwinter Khaoyai – One of Khao Yai’s most famous restaurants, featuring a castle-like setting and European-inspired cuisine.
40. The Castle Restaurant & Tea Room – Located at Thames Valley Khao Yai, offering elegant afternoon tea and gourmet Western-Thai fusion dishes.
41. Baan Mai Chai Nam Restaurant – A riverside eatery serving authentic Thai dishes with a nostalgic, vintage-style atmosphere.
42. Ribs Mannn – A steakhouse specializing in smoked ribs, premium cuts of beef, and barbecue platters.
43. The Mew Khao Yai – A farm-to-table restaurant with fresh organic ingredients and beautifully plated dishes.
44. The Chocolate Factory – A dessert lover’s paradise serving handmade chocolates, pastries, and an extensive Western-Thai fusion menu.
45. Lookkai Café & Restaurant – A rustic-style eatery featuring delicious Thai and Western comfort food with mountain views.
So these are the best things to do in Khao Yai National Park, what is top on your bucket list?! Let us know in the comments.
Helpful Resources
Travel essentials:
- We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
- For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs.
- We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first).
- This is our favourite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.
What to pack
- No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit.
- We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage.
- We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips.
- I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like this and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport.
We value and appreciate all our readers and supporters. If you wish to support That Bangkok Life then please use our Amazon affiliate for your next purchase, it doesn’t cost you anything extra but we make a small commission, allowing us to continue building this website and sharing our love of travel with you.
