How to Go to Khao Yai - Step into Europe just 3 hours from Bangkok
Located just a 3-hour drive away from Bangkok, the picturesque town of Khao Yai couldn’t be more different from Thailand's bustling capital. 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.
The best part? You can Klook yourself a hassle-free private car charter to tour around the region at your own leisure for as low as S$18 per person per day! Researching on what to see and do in Khao Yai? We've got you covered.
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Thailand Travel Requirements and Trip Essentials
We know you can't wait to head on your Khao Yai adventure, but do familiarise yourself with the Thailand travel requirements first as you do your trip planning.
Don't forget to book all your essentials such as travel insurance as well as wifi egg/sim card too! For more savings, you can also check out Klook Travel Fair for 20% off and 1-1 deals!
If you are heading to Bangkok first, you can collect your essentials like your Thailand sim card and Bangkok Sky Train One Day Pass conveniently from the Klook counter at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
📍 Departure Hall, Row K
⏱️ Daily, 8am to 10pm
How To Get To Khao Yai
First up, how to get to Khao Yai? The easiest and most convenient way to get to Khao Yai is by a 3-hour car ride 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 three different vehicle types: sedan, MPV or van. Depending on your holiday plans, you can also choose from 1-Day to 5-Day packages.
Vehicle | Number of Pax | Price |
|---|---|---|
Sedan | Per Car (Max 3 pax) | |
MPV | Per Car (Max 4 pax) | |
Van | Per Van (Max 10 pax) |
Each custom tour includes the following at no additional cost:
- Round-trip transfers to and from your hotel
- Child seats (Available for children aged 0-4 or under 109cm. One child seat is free; additional seats chargeable)
- Toll fees
- Fuel fees
- Insurance provided by the operator
- Private and customisable tour
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- 12-hour charter service (per day)
When To Visit Khao Yai
Strawberry picking at Strawberry Love
Saraburi Sunflower Fields, credit: @jessicachaw on Instagram
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. Hence, it is recommended to visit during these months for a cool escape from Singapore's sunny weather.
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 of our Khao Yai highlights below.
Khao Yai Things to Do
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!
Their Thai Wine Tasting Tour + lunch package includes:
- Admission to: PB Flower Park
- Wine tasting (2 red wines and 1 white wine)
- Grape and fruit orchards tour
- Grape harvesting and other similar activities (seasonal)
- For lunch you can choose between the Easy Lunch menu, Thai set or Western Set menu!
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
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 (Do take note that flower blooming periods are seasonal, so remember to do some research before heading to any flower field parks!).
Guests can also choose to stay at The Bloom if they wish, and can select from a variety of different-themed rooms.
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 Mellow Meadow Afternoon Tea Set for 890THB++ for 2 pax at the hotel restaurant. The tea set comes with 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!
If you'd like, you can also book a stay at Thames Valley, with well-furnished English-style decorated rooms that come with a garden or pond view.
Address: 999 Moo 4, Moosi, Pakchong,Nakorn Ratchasima 30130
4. Stay in a bubble tent or 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.
But let's be real, while the thought of having a fun stay in a caravan is fresh and exciting, have you seen Casa de Montana's bubble tents? These gorgeous glamping tents come in two styles, Bubble Igloo and Camp Igloo.
Bubble Igloo offers a more private experience while Camp Igloo is made up of four bubble tents located in closer proximity to each other. Each tent comes with amenities like a 49" Smart TV, coffee maker and even an indoor jacuzzi so you can 'camp' in style!
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
Channel your inner Snow White and get acquainted with furry animals at Primo Piazza!
It costs about 200THB (~S$7.60) to feed alpacas, merino sheep and donkeys, plus you’ll get to take photos with your new animal friends as well!
Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
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. 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 Midwinter 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
Website: https://www.midwinterofficial.com/
9. Go cafe hopping
Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank. Source.
With it's gorgeous surroundings, it's no surprise that Khao Yai also doesn't fall short when it comes to Instagrammable cafes!
One of our favourites that we got to visit was the Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank, which is a cool industrial/minimalist-themed cafe that not only serves up great drinks and desserts, but awesome photo spots at every corner!
Address: 149 Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Opening hours:
Mon-Thurs: 9am to 6pm
Fri, Sat, Sun: 9am to 7pm
