Khao Yai

Khao Yai Travel Wiki

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Travel to Khao Yai

Best of Khao Yai

What to see and do in Khao Yai ?

The 217 square-kilometres big island, which means translated “Elephant Island” is more than just an alternative to the islands further south. Compared to the well-known islands of the Andaman Sea around Phuket and Krabi, the island is in its development still very young. However, everything that is needed can be found on Koh Chang. Overall, the environment is a bit quieter, so we recommend the island for rest-seeking people. Koh Chang is surrounded by some 50 other smaller islands which offer amazing landscapes with many beautiful beaches. The underwater world is perfect for diving and snorkelling nearly all year around whereas the dense jungle in the inner part invite for hiking trips. Sometimes it is even possible to walk over on a neighboring island at low tide and for the other islands further away, there are boats available.

Koh Chang is after Phuket the second largest island of Thailand, with only about 5,000 inhabitants and many beaches. Significantly however, the mountains that rise up to 700 m are often shrouded in clouds. Only on the coast there are small villages and the people incomes come mainly from fishing and the cultivation of coconut and rubber trees.

As Koh Chang is a marine national park, it has retained much of its original charm and naturalness. The marine national park is located near the Cambodian border and comprises about 50 islands. This guarantees kilometres of picturesque beaches, spectacular sunsets, lovely waterfalls and unique mangrove forests. A total of 75% of the island is still tropical jungle. Koh Chang and its neighbouring islands are perfect snorkel and diving areas with exotic marine life and well-preserved coral reefs. To reach the beaches on the west coast it goes over switchbacks through the mountains. The first beach after passing the mountains is the White Sand Beach that is also the biggest settlement of the island.

The actually attraction of the big island are the many beautiful beaches. Those looking for a little variety should try elephant riding, snorkelling or diving.

Activities and Sight-seeing

Waterfalls

The Haew Narock waterfall in the south of the park is 150 meters high and can be reached via an 800 m long path. The Haew Suwat, Haew Prathun and Haew Sai waterfalls are at the end of Tanarat Road. In particular, the Haew Suwat waterfall is just a few meters away from the road. Nearby there is a small restaurant and as the trekking path from the visitor centre ends here this waterfall is a popular place to relax before going back.

Trekking

Through the park are 13 hiking trails of varying difficulty. At the visitor centre you can find all the important information to the different trails. We recommend engaging a ranger from the visitor centre before starting a longer trip. They know the park well and can assist you or go with you on a trip. A two-day hike can also be organised with a ranger. Then hikers will stay overnight in one of the remote ranger stations within the park.

Bat watching

The Khao Look cave with the bats is near the northern entrance to the park in Pak Chong district. This limestone cave is home for more than a million bats which leave every evening in a 20 minutes stream the cave in search of food. This is a breath taking and unforgettable spectacle.

Ornithology

The National Park is Thailand’s best destination for ornithologists and amateur bird watchers. A popular spot for observing the bird life in the park is an old golf course as well as a lookout point at kilometre marker 30 of Thanarat Road which runs from north to south through the park. Here are rare birds such like the Hornbill, Blue Pitta and different types of cuckoo, Siamese Fireback pheasants and other birds to be observed.

Winegrower

For several years, some businessmen took advantage of the relatively cool climate and dry soil around the park to grow wine. After difficulties in the beginning, foreign winemakers were invited from Australia and France to help with their expertise and now the region produced a good Cabernet and a very good Merlot in relatively small quantities. The wineries also invite guests to sample their wines and to visit the production facilities. Most wineries also have an attached restaurant and offer therefore an interesting stop outside the park.

Getting there and getting around

From Bangkok there is the possibility of the train (Hua Lamphong) or bus (Mo Chit bus station) to travel to Pak Chong. From Pak Chong it then continues with a Songthaew to the Khao Yai National Park.

Best time to visit

The climate of this region is cool all year around. The average annual temperature is only 23 ° C compared to the 29 ° C in the just 80 kilometres away capital city. Especially at night the temperature can drop to about 10 ° C.

The 2,200 mm rainfall per year which is feeding many springs and riversa supply the southerly provinces and ultimately the Bangkok metropolis with water. Particular during the rainy season from July to the end of beginning of November there is a lot of rain to be expected.