Step into Europe just 3 hours from Bangkok
Located just 3 hours away from Bangkok, the picturesque town of Khao Yai couldn’t be more different from the bustling city. Apart from quirky European villages and some of the most bizarre accommodation options, Khao Yai is also home to Thailand’s largest national park where wild elephants roam free (scroll down for pictures!).
The best part? You can Klook yourself a hassle-free private car charter to visit at your own leisure for as low as P650 per person per day.
Before you read on, check out what the Klook Team got up to in Khao Yai in this video!
How To Get There
The Klook Team with our trusty drivers!
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Khao Yai is by car from Bangkok. Klook offers custom tours from Bangkok with your own personal driver.
You can opt for pick-up from either Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport – simply look for the Klook signboard outside the Arrival Hall. Alternatively, if you’re intending to stay in Bangkok for a few days first, you can also opt for convenient pick-up from your hotel lobby.
Choose from two different vehicle types: car or van. The car can accommodate up to 3 people and the van up to 10 people. Depending on your holiday plans, you can also choose from 1-Day, 2-Day or 3-Day packages.
Each custom tour includes the following at no additional cost:
- 12 hour charter service (per day)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced driver
- Fuel costs
- Toll charges
- Insurance
- Car seat (available on request)
Klook Pro-Tip: Stay connected on your Khao Yai holiday with Klook’s unlimited 4G WiFi 7-Day SIM Card and have it installed for you while you wait for your driver at the airport!
When To Visit
Strawberry picking at Strawberry Love.
Saraburi Sunflower Fields. Source.
Khao Yai is full of things to do all year round, but some seasonal attractions such as the Saraburi Sunflower Fields, Jim Thompson Farm and strawberry picking only open in the cooler months of November through to January.
Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank. Source.
Between weekdays and weekends, it’s a good idea to have a mix of both. When the Klook Team visited on a Monday there were few other tourists and we had the place to ourselves most of the time. However, certain highlight cafes such as the Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank only open on weekends.
Klook Pro-Tip: It’s best to sit down and decide which attractions you’d like to cover and make sure they are open before you pick a date to visit! Check out some Khao Yai highlights below.
Highlights
1. Sample wine produced entirely in Khao Yai at PB Valley Estate
If you thought wine was only produced in cold European countries, think again! PB Valley Estate is the largest vineyard in Khao Yai and the birthplace of the Khao Yai wine region!
Sample a range of white, rose and red wines and enjoy a delicious Italian lunch at the in-house Terano Restaurant. Wine tasting starts from 150 baht in the comfort of an air-conditioned room overlooking the sprawling vineyards.
Photo by Shawne Koh.
You can even learn about the process of wine-making with a wine tour that will take you through the delicate steps of producing locally brewed wine.
Our favourite was the rose, but even if you’re not a fan of wine, you can try a glass of pure Shiraz grape juice!
Address: 102 Moo 5, Phaya Yen, Pak Chong Nakorn Ratchasima 30320 / Thailand
Website: http://www.khaoyaiwinery.com
2. Bask in endless flower fields
You don’t have to travel all the way to Provence to frolic in lavender fields when you have one right here in Khao Yai!
The Bloom is home to a multitude of different flora and fauna that bloom throughout the year so you won’t have to worry about when you arrive in Khao Yai! This is the perfect alternative to the Saraburi Sunflower Fields or Jim Thompson Farm if you happen to visit when these parks are closed.
Guests can also choose to stay at The Bloom if they wish with a variety of different themed rooms to choose from.
Address: Phaya Yen, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand
Website: http://www.thebloom.co.th/
3. Enjoy a royal high tea at Thames Valley
From castles to moats and even the iconic phone booth, Thames Valley is the perfect place for every London-fan!
The iconic bridges and castle-esque buildings are only accessible by hotel guests, but you can still enjoy a very English Afternoon Tea for about 450 baht at The Castle Restaurant & Tea Room. The tea set comes with scones, finger sandwiches, cakes and a pot of tea perfect for sharing with your BFF.
Food aside, the restaurant is filled with bookshelves and delicate cutlery – it’s every shutterbug princess’ dream come true!
Address: 999 Moo 4, Moosi, Pakchong,Nakorn Ratchasima 30130
Website: http://www.thamesvalleykhaoyai.com/
4. Stay in a caravan that goes nowhere at Casa De Montaña
Ever wanted to try caravan living but don’t know how to drive? Make your dreams come true at Casa de Montana!
Visitors can choose to stay in one of the many stationary caravans dotting the park that each come fitted with a bed big enough for 2, kitchenette, toilet and sofa! If you’re worried about the sweltering Thailand heat, don’t worry! Each caravan is air-conditioned.
Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Website: http://www.casa-de-montana.com/
5. Live out all your Lord of the Rings fantasies
Photo by Shawne Koh.
Hide in your own hobbit hole at the Hobbit Hotel, also known as Baan Suan Noi! Middle Earth is just a 45-minute car ride away when you’re in Khao Yai!
The owners have paid extreme attention to detail and have recreated the hotel in every likeness of the popular Lord of the Rings franchise. Visit the tavern, or play dress up with many different costumes to choose from.
If you’re not a LOTR fan you can dress up as Harry Potter or even Elsa from Frozen, but how you’ll fit into this little Hobbit Town we have no idea!
Address: 292 Moo 15, Tambon Lat Bua Khao, Sikhio, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30340, Thailand
6. Make animal friends at Primo Piazza
Make like Snow White and get acquainted with furry animals at Primo Piazza! It costs just 100 baht to feed alpacas, merino sheep and even donkeys, and you’ll receive a 10% discount for food and beverage with the same coupon as well!
If you’re lucky, the keepers will even let you into the pen to take some close-ups or #selfies with the friendly animals. Don’t be shy!
Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Website: http://www.primopiazza.com/
7. Spot baby elephants on a Night Safari
By far one of the greatest highlights of Khao Yai is the opportunity to spot majestic wild Asian elephants roaming free in their natural habitat! Even though there are close to a few thousand elephants in Khao Yai alone, it is still extremely rare to be able to spot them.
There’s even an elephant shrine in Khao Yai National Park itself testament to the reverence and respect the locals have for this incredible animal. The best way to see them is to book yourself into a Night Safari tour at the visitor centre at the National Park (4 people for 500 baht). The guides are extremely knowledgeable with eagle eyes that can pick out any moving animal in the dark like civet cats, porcupines and deer.
Simply ask your friendly Klook driver to book you in for a session and chance to glimpse the elusive Asian elephant.
8. Have dinner at Midwinter Green
Photo by Shawne Koh.
Feast on delicious pizza and other Western dishes in the beautiful castle setting of Midwestern Green. This extensive compound features several turrets and brick walls similar to that of Scottish castles in the countryside.
The staff highly recommend the Midwinter Pizza with their own refreshing take on the Italian staple – the pizza comes folded and served in a manner similar to pita bread.
It’s also the perfect venue for weddings and celebrations – something you can consider if you’re looking for a unique way to spend an occasion!
Address: Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Europe is just 3 hours away!
The next time someone says Europe is expensive, think again!
