Khao Yai National Park was established in 1962 as the country’s first nationwide park. It was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and its wildlife is understandably spectacular. From rare elephant sightings to bats and birds, visiting this stunning park is a superb place to see wildlife. Below, we’ve the best things to do and see in the park, which promises to be an awesome journey for nature-lovers.
Khao Yai’s wildlife is why so many individuals choose to visit as over 70 mammal species may be discovered within the park. Thus, things like pig-tailed macaques, Asian black bears and solar bears, water displays, clouded leopards, king cobras, pythons, and lots of vibrant birds can all be seen. Wild elephants are, perhaps, the most popular factor to attempt to see, because the park is known for being top-of-the-line locations to search out them. About 300 elephants name the park their house. Additionally, visitors can hire a guide that will take them to the areas in which the elephants congregate probably the most.
Moreover, wild animals may be seen from the Nong Pak Chi tower in the course of the morning and night. However, mountaineering by way of the jungle remains the best option for bird-watching because the park is residence to four species of hornbills, pelicans, banded kingfisher, and others.
A Khao Yai visit definitely won’t be full until you witness its waterfalls’ final beauty. Thus, Haew Narok is the preferred alternative as it is the highest waterfall within the park. Here, elephants can often be seen as they love the world. Additionally, Concealed is one other waterfall that film buffs love as it was featured in the movie The Beach.
Nam Tok Pa Kluai, can be a wonderful waterfall as it’s known for its colourful orchids that surround the rocks. Moreover, Nam Tok Haeo Prathun and Nam Tok Haeo Sai are additionally gorgeous waterfalls although on a smaller scale.
Khao Yai is a hiking-lover’s dream as more than 50 kms of climbing trails go through the park. Hikers can cross over grasslands, jungles, and up to waterfalls. The park actively promotes 6 of these trails as being the safest to go on, although more skilled hikers can attempt them all.
Moreover, the trails’ variety is something that benefits hikers as they will select from a 1.2 kms bird-watching trek or a three.3 kms trek that leads to the Nong Pak Chi observation. At Nong Pak, guests will find that it is the greatest place to identify elephants within the wild within the early morning or late afternoon. Furthermore, the 8 kms, 5 hour long trek to the Haew Suwat waterfall is the ultimate expertise that requires a park ranger information.
During the rainy season, the Sai Yai River provides wonderful class 4 and 5 rapids. Therefore, to go whitewater rafting, you have to go to the park between June and October. The multi-level course has 6 rapids starting from a Class 2 row through islets and falls to a Class 5 that requires detailed navigation by way of rocky crevices and wild waves. These rapids can only be tried with a guide and a security briefing is mandatory before going.
Pak Chong is one of the best town to reach at for trying rapids, as it’s about 200 kms away from Bangkok. When you arrive, yow will discover a neighborhood bus to take you nearer to the park, which takes about 40 mins. However, you can even rent a neighborhood taxi to deliver you on to the park’s entrance.
Visitors can hike to several peaks for a fantastic view and wonderful photo opportunity. Thus, climbing Khao Laem is the most well-liked alternative as it features the highest mountains. Thus, it’s 1,328 metre high peak features amazing sights. And, for a bit greater peak, travellers can climb to the Khao Khiau or Green Mountain for a wonderful view at 1,350 metres.
Both peaks may also be climbed during a day tour. However, visitors need not fear about not being able to make the climb as they are marked based on their difficulty levels. Moreover, certain mountains can solely be climbed with a guide, as security is unquestionably stored in thoughts..