7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Khao Yai, A Picturesque Town Less Than 3 Hours From Bangkok
Flower fields, vineyards, and charming little European-style towns? Yes please.
While Bangkok is great for shopping, eating, and massages, why not consider a different type of holiday the next time you stop by Thailand?
Located less than a three-hour drive away from Thailand's capital is Khao Yai — a stunning paradise for nature lovers, with waterfalls, wildlife, fields of flowers, breathtaking views, and lots of fun activities.
Home to Thailand's third largest national park, this hidden gem has become increasingly popular among travellers seeking a different, more serene side of the Land of Smiles.
What kind of activities can I do at Khao Yai?
1. Bask in dreamy flower fields in Hokkaido Flower Park and The Bloom
Unable to visit Japan just yet? No worries! Hokkaido Flower Park is a breathtaking botanical haven that transports visitors to the scenic landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan, right in the heart of Khao Yai. There's even a Japanese-themed café on the flower grounds that serves fruity smoothies and ice cream.
The Bloom is another magnificent floral sanctuary in Khao Yai that offers a huge garden of winter flowers against a majestic mountainous backdrop.
Wander through these lush flower fields, breathe in the cool fragrant air, and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance for a well-deserved break.
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Hokkaido Flower Park
Address
Mu Si, Pak Chong District,
Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Opening hours
8am - 8pm (Daily)
Entrance fee
THB100 (RM13)
Check out their Facebook.
The Bloom
Address
357 หมู่ที่ 5 บ้านโนนกระโดน, Phaya Yen,
Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand
Opening hours
8am - 8pm (Daily)
Entrance fee
THB100 (RM13)
Website | Facebook
2. Meet alpacas and other cute animal friends at Primo Piazza
Primo Piazza is known for its picturesque European village ambiance, featuring charming architecture reminiscent of an Italian town.
Visitors often describe it as a quaint and romantic destination with cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and European-style shops and cafés.
The park is also home to a variety of animals, including friendly alpacas that freely roam the area, so visitors can make new furry friends!
Image via @primopiazza (Instagram)
Image via @primopiazza (Instagram)
Image via @primopiazza (Instagram)
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Image via @primopiazza (Instagram)
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Address
200/2 หมู่ที่ 10 Tambon Mu Si, Amphoe Pak Chong,
Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Opening hours
9am - 6pm (Daily)
Entrance fee
THB200 (RM26)
You can book a tour here.
3. Sip on different wines at PB Valley Khao Yai winery
This picturesque winery, with its sprawling vineyards against the backdrop of lush hills, offers a captivating experience for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Take a stroll through the vineyards, check out the behind-the-scenes winemaking action, and treat your taste buds to a variety of locally-produced wines.
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4. Take in majestic views of the Haew Narok and Haew Suwat waterfalls
Towering gracefully amid lush greenery are these breathtaking waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park. Haew Narok and Haew Suwat waterfalls, each with its unique charm, are inviting to nature enthusiasts and explorers alike.
Both waterfalls are accessible through scenic trails, which make the journey an adventure in itself.
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Address
PO.9 Pak Chong Musi Pak Chong
Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand 30130
Opening hours
6am - 6pm (Daily)
Entrance fee
THB200 (RM26)
You can book a tour here.
5. Spot wild elephants, jungle trek, go on a night safari, and explore other parts of Khao Yai National Park
Beside waterfalls, Khao Yai National Park has other fun activities, including a night safari.
You will get a chance to witness the jungle come alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, such as the sambar deer, Malayan porcupine, large Indian civet, Asian palm civet, wild elephant, owls, and nightjars.
The wildlife tour takes about one hour through 10km of the park, with two time slots per day, which are 7pm and 8pm.
If you want to explore on your own, there are also seven nature trails to trek through with distances ranging from 1.2km to 8km.
Image via @khaoyainationalpark (Instagram)
Image via @khaoyainationalpark (Instagram)
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Address
PO.9 Pak Chong Musi Pak Chong
Nakhon Ratchasima Thailand 30130
Entrance fee
THB200 (RM26 - park entrance fee per person)
THB600 (RM79 - per vehicle for the night safari)
To find out more info, visit the website or book a tour here.
6. Live out your Lord of the Rings dreams by staying at a Hobbit Resort
Baan Suan Noi is a whimsical retreat inspired by the charm of hobbit living. This unique resort offers a cosy experience with quaint, earthy dwellings reminiscent of the beloved fictional world.
Guests are invited to step into a fairytale setting where circular doorways and charming architecture promises a magical stay in the Thai countryside.
There are 13 types of Hobbit houses and all the rooms are equipped with its own bathroom, TV, air-conditioning, and hot shower facilities.
7. Grab a cuppa at Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank
Tucked away on the edge of Khao Yai National Park is this unique café which merges with the surrounding jungle.
The architecture mirrors the lush landscape, employing rich, earthy textures, concrete walls, a sophisticated black palette, and a minimalist layout.
Enjoy a cup of coffee or treat yourself to dessert, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
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How to get to Khao Yai:
There are day tours and holiday packages available on Klook that include several, if not all, of the activities listed above.
These also include private van transfers from Bangkok to Khao Yai.
You can find out more here.
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