Khao Yai National Park

A large tract of dry and humid evergreen forest that supports an important biodiversity. The park is particularly scenic with numerous waterfalls, viewpoints and cave systems adding to its attractions.

Established in 1962, Khao Yai was Thailand’s first national park, and it's the third-largest in the country. The park ranges in altitude reaching 1,400 metres and includes grasslands, wetlands and dry evergreen and lowland humid forest. Situated just 2.5 hours from Bangkok, this scenic park protects an exciting variety of mammals including Asian elephant, gaur, sambar and red muntjac deer, white-handed and pileated gibbons, large Indian civets, Northern pig-tailed macaques and golden jackals. Rare mammals such as Asiatic black bear, dhole, binturong, clouded leopard, leopard and marbled cats have also been seen on rare occasions. 

About 300 migratory and resident bird species have been recorded in Khao Yai, with peak migration falling in March and April each year. It's known for its abundance of hornbills and as a good location to find secretive forest dwellers like the Siamese fireback and blue-winged pitta. 

There are numerous trails of varying length through the park, with many waterfalls, of which Haew Nerok is the highest and also one of the country’s most impressive. Another highlight of the park is the emergence of over a million wrinkle-lipped bats at the Khao Luk Chang bat cave at sunset. 

While this park offers some great wildlife watching, it's one of Thailand's most popular national parks and some areas are can become busy, but there are many routes to avoid this and enjoy a more intimate experience. 

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