Wild elephants, gaurs, gibbons, hornbills and macaques are among the animals visitors can often spot in Khao Yai National Park. The park is a World Heritage Site and an ASEAN Heritage Park, and is located in the provinces of Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok. Its protected habitats and the opportunity to observe these animals give nature a special place on a trip to the region.
Discover nature and plan your time
Seven short nature trails offer different time frames: they are 1.2 to 8 kilometres long, with walking times ranging from 45 minutes to six hours. This means the trails vary considerably in the time they take, even though they are all described as short. Choose your route based on its length and walking time, not just its description. Overnight stays on the routes are not provided for.
On a wider scale in Thailand, Khao Yai National Park is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. This cluster comprises five nearly contiguous protected areas: the national parks Khao Yai, Thap Lan, Pang Sida and Ta Phraya, as well as the Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire complex is home to more than 800 animal species. This figure refers to the forest complex, not just the national park.
Phimai: archaeological collections and Khmer history
Phimai National Museum collects archaeological and art historical objects and presents the foundations and development of the culture of northeastern Thailand’s lower region. The historical park offers another way to explore the area’s history: it was the site of the city of Phimai, where King Suryavarman I had a Khmer-style sanctuary built around 1,000 years ago, in the 16th Buddhist century. Walls and moats surrounded the sanctuary.
Silk weaving and Isan architecture
Jim Thompson Farm offers insights into different aspects of craftsmanship and building culture. Its weaving village is an active production site, with looms and silk-weaving processes. The Isan village focuses on architecture: it currently comprises 40 houses showcasing examples of regional Isan architecture and covering nearly all building types. The number of houses may change over time.
Farm and wildlife
Farm Chokchai offers an exploration by your own vehicle: visitors drive around the farm and can discover the farm, flower fields and seasonal activities along the way. The farm is open daily.
At Korat Zoo, tiger feeding serves as an activity and enrichment programme for the predators. The animal show includes, among others, South African fur seals, otters, monkeys and birds. The feeding and the species featured in the show are two distinct aspects of the zoo’s offerings.
Getting there and finding your way
Khorat, also known as Nakhon Ratchasima, is considered the most important transport hub in northeastern Thailand. The train journey to Khorat passes through impressive scenery and offers views, among other things, of the large white Buddha statue at Wat Theppitak on a densely forested slope. Train services and views may vary. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Wang Katha, Nai Muang, Pak Chong District, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Phimai Historical Park, Wang Nam Khiao District, Nong Bua, Nok Ok, Mittraphap, Hua Thale, Khok Kruat, Mu Si, Makha, Huai Bong, Mueang Khong, Dan Khun Thot, Takhop, Maklua Kao, Thepharak District, Sung Noen District, Khon Buri District, Huai Thalaeng District, Lam Nang Kaeo, Ban Mai, Khanong Phra, Sung Noen.
For the broader travel overview: Thailand.
