Khao Yai Trip Plan

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Best time to Travel

Cool Season (November – February) is the most pleasant time to visit Khao Yai. Temperatures range from 16°C to 25°C, making it perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the natural beauty.
🌸 Blooming fields, waterfalls at full flow, and fresh air make this the peak travel period.

Avoid: March to May (hot) and July–September (rainy season may limit some outdoor activities, though the greenery is stunning during this time).

🗺️ 3 Days 2 Nights Khao Yai Itinerary
📌 Day 1 – Arrival & Nature Escape
  • Morning: Depart Bangkok early (around 6–7 AM)

  • Midday: Stop at PB Valley Winery for lunch & wine tasting

  • Afternoon: Explore The Bloom or Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank

  • Evening: Check into your hotel/resort | Dinner at Midwinter Green

  • Night: Visit Pak Chong Night Market for local vibes

📌 Day 2 – National Park Adventure & Scenic Views
  • Morning: Visit Khao Yai National Park – Start early, entry: ฿400 (foreigners)

    • Haew Suwat Waterfall, Pha Diao Dai Cliff, Khao Kiew Viewpoint

  • Lunch: In-park food stalls or pre-packed food

  • Afternoon: Enjoy Bat Cave Watching at Wat Tham Sila Thong (sunset)

  • Evening: Dinner at Dairy Home | Relax at your resort

📌 Day 3 – Chill & Depart
  • Morning: Breakfast | Visit Primo Piazza or Palio Village for Italian-themed photos & coffee

  • Midday: Grab lunch at Birder’s Lodge Café

  • Afternoon: Head back to Bangkok (~3 hours drive)

Must visit attractions/places
  • Khao Yai National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Haew Suwat & Haew Narok Waterfalls

  • Primo Piazza / Palio Village / The Bloom

  • Bat Cave Watching (5M+ bats at sunset!)

  • Scenic cafés like Yellow Submarine, Birder’s Lodge

  • PB Valley Winery / GranMonte Vineyard

Transportation/ Commuting
  • 🛣️ How to Reach Khao Yai from Bangkok

    Distance: ~170–200 km
    Travel Time: 2.5–3.5 hours (depending on traffic)

    🚗 Options:
    1. By Car (Most convenient) – Rent or drive from Bangkok via Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road)

    2. By Van/Bus – From Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Pak Chong (~฿200)

    3. By Train – From Bangkok to Pak Chong Station (฿100–300, slower option)

    4. By Private Taxi – Costs ~฿2,000–2,500 one way

🚖 Transportation Within Khao Yai
  • Self-drive rental car/scooter: Best option for flexibility

  • Local taxi/tour van: Need advance booking, can be expensive

  • Some resorts offer shuttle/tour services

Budget/ Accommodation/ Food
Suggested Areas to Stay:
  • Pak Chong

  • Thanarat Road (near national park)

  • Mu Si Village

Documents & Travel Arrangement
  • Valid ID or Passport (for national park or hotel check-ins)

  • Driver’s License (Thai or International for rentals)

  • Booking confirmations for accommodation/tours

  • COVID vaccination proof (if required by local policies at the time)

Pro Tips
  • Arrive at national park early to avoid crowds and maximize time

  • Fuel up your car before entering the park – limited stations

  • Book wineries and popular cafés in advance on weekends

  • Carry insect repellent, light jacket, sunscreen, and dry snacks

  • Many attractions are cash-based, so carry some baht

Things to be careful of
  • Mobile signal is weak in some forested areas

  • Wild animals in the park – stay on trails, don’t feed them

  • Avoid hiking late in the day to prevent getting lost

  • Watch out for speeding wildlife or cows on roads

  • Limited public transport options – plan ahead

Secrets helpful in the trip
  • Bat Cave show is free and relatively unknown to foreign tourists

  • Weekdays are quieter and better for photos at popular spots

  • PB Valley and GranMonte offer grape-picking experiences in Jan–Feb

  • Primo Piazza offers animal feeding and farm-style attractions, great for kids

  • Check for seasonal sunflower or cosmos fields around Muak Lek

Estimated Budget Per Person
Budget Traveller

If you’re on a shoestring budget, expect to spend around ฿1,200 to ฿2,300 per day. Accommodation can be found for as low as ฿500–฿900 per night in hostels or guesthouses. Meals from local stalls and markets will cost about ฿200–฿400 per day. Local transport, shared taxis, or scooters may cost around ฿200–฿400 daily. Entry fees and attractions will add another ฿300–฿600, depending on your itinerary.

Mid-Range Traveller

For a more comfortable experience, your daily budget would be around ฿3,000 to ฿5,000. This includes staying in cozy boutique hotels or nature resorts priced between ฿1,200–฿3,000 per night. Meals at quality restaurants or cafes will cost about ฿500–฿900 per day. Renting a car or using a private driver may add ฿600–฿1,000 for transportation. Activities and entrance fees may range from ฿800–฿1,500 depending on how packed your day is.

Luxury Traveller

For those seeking a premium, all-inclusive experience, the daily spend could be ฿7,000 or more. Luxury resorts can easily cost ฿4,000+ per night. Dining at high-end restaurants, winery visits with tastings, and café hopping can cost ฿1,500 or more per day. Private transportation or full-day guided tours will cost at least ฿2,000 per day. Premium tours or spa sessions will further elevate the total.

Khao Yai is one of Thailand’s best nature retreats—offering a blend of cool weather, forests, waterfalls, vineyards, and artistic cafes. With a well-planned 3-day itinerary, a reasonable budget, and a few local tricks, your trip can be smooth, relaxing, and full of memorable experiences.

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