Khao Yai National Park
Thailand's
second largest National Park, Khao Yai National Park covers an
area of 2,168 square kilometers, of which some 25% is in Nakhon
Nayok Province. The remaining areas are in parts of the neighboring
provinces of Saraburi, Prachin Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima. Khao
Yai was listed as the first National Park in Thailand on September
18, 1962. The highest peak in Khao Yai is Yod Khao Laem, which
is 1,292 meters above sea level. Khao Yai is famous for its distinct
landscape – dense, virgin forests, streams, waterfalls and
high-altitude plains, which are a safe haven for wildlife including
several mammal species such as elephants, tigers, gibbons and
deer, and over 300 bird species such as giant hornbills and silver
pheasants. In addition, the flora and fauna are impressive, with
more than 2,500 kinds of trees, plants and flowers.
Attractions in the Park include beautiful waterfalls, and jungle
treks, which start in Nakhon Nayok.
Namtok Heo Narok
Located to the south of the Park, this beautiful 3-tiered waterfall
cascades from a 200-meter cliff through forested mountains onto
the plains below. Its first tier is 60 meters high. The scene
is breathtaking, particularly when watching the strong currents
flowing from the first layer to the lower layers at a 90-degree
angle before disappearing into the deep valley. The waterfall
is truly spectacular and equally dangerous claiming at least one
elephant death per year as wild elephant’s jungle path is
through the waterfall.
The waterfall is accessible via Route No. 3077 (Prachin Buri-Khao
Yai Route). Traveling by car from the city, drive along Suwannason
Road, take a left turn to Highway Number 3077 at Noen Hom intersection
or Naresuan roundabout in Prachin Buri Province, and proceed to
the Km. 24 marker.
From Bangkok, take the Don Muang-Hin Kong route; turn left on
to Highway No. 33, which leads to Noen Hom Intersection. Alternatively,
use the Rangsit Road and drive towards Nakhon Nayok-Noen Hom Intersection,
then switch to Highway No.3077 to Namtok Haeow Narok.
By Bus: From Bangkok. There are several bus companies operating
on the Bangkok-Prachin Buri route. Buses depart from the Northern
Bus Terminal on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. Get off the bus at Naresuan
Intersection and then hire a song taew to Khao Yai National Park.
Nakhon Nayok-Khao Yai Jungle Treks
The treks were initiated in 1992 for nature lovers wishing to
trek along Khao Yai’s natural attractions. The most popular
time to trek is from December to June. (Not recommend during the
rainy season)
3 major treks are provided including:
Route 1
Starting at Namtok Nang Rong, the route passes Khao Ta Mon, Namtok
Nang Non, Namtok Tad Ta Mong, Namtok Tad Ta Kong, Namtok Tad Ta
Phu, and Namtok Ma Now, then shifts to the Khao Yai plateau. Along
the route, visitors will discover the hidden beauty of waterfalls,
exotic wild orchids and forest residents such as deer, birds and
monkeys. This route covers a total distance of 25 kilometers and
takes 3 days/2nights to complete.
Route 2
Starting from Namtok Nang Rong, the route passes Khlong Wang
Takhrai, Khlong Sompong Yai, proceeding along amazing hillocks
and animal trails to Namtok Mae Plong. This 10-kilometer trek
takes 2 days/1 night to complete.
Route 3
Starting from Namtok Nang Rong, the route follows the waterfall
downstream to Namtok Khao Chom Long. The total distance is 10
kilometers and takes 2 days/1 night to complete.
Please note that trekking reservations should be made at least
a week in advance at the Tourism Authority of Thailand Nakhon
Nayok Office tel: 0 3731 2284.
How to get to Khao Yai
From Bangkok, take Don Muang-Hin Kong route, then turn left on
to Highway No.33, which leads to Noen Hom Intersection. Alternatively,
use the Rangsit Road and drive towards Nakhon Nayok-Noen Hom Intersection.
From Noen Hom Intersection, proceed 41 kilometers to reach the
Office of the National Park.
From Nakhon Ratchasima, use the Mitraphap Road along Pakchong
District. The total distance to the park is 81 kilometers.
Khao Yai National Park Admission Fee:
| Foreign Tourists Adult |
200 Bahts |
| Children |
100 Bahts |
Entrance Fees for Vehicles are:
| Bicycles |
20 Bahts |
| Motorbikes |
30 Bahts |
| Cars/Vans |
50 Bahts |
| Buses/Coaches (24 seats) |
100 Bahts |
| Buses/Coaches (24 seats up) |
200 Bahts |
| Trucks (1-4 Tons, 4-wheeler) |
200 Bahts |
| Trucks (4 Tons, 6-wheeler) |
300 Bahts |
* No Entry for 4 ton trucks or trucks with more than 6-wheels
