Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park Review

Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest national park (established in 1962). The reserve covers 2,168 square km (833 square mi) and spreads over four provinces. It's a frequent destination for Thais seeking to escape Bangkok and on weekends the park can feel crowded.

On entering the park and winding your way up into the forested hills, you'll soon find yourself confronted by hordes of pleading macaque monkeys loitering on the road in search of handouts. But these are not the only wildlife you'll likely to encounter here—of particular note are the wild elephants, tigers, leopard cats, and barking deer that can sometimes be observed at the salt licks. Elephants generally roam only at night, but occasionally one pops out during the day.

Trekking trails, bicycle paths, viewpoints, and bird-watching towers are prolific in this huge evergreen forest, and many of the park's splendid waterfalls are easily accessible by car or bicycle. Leech socks, which can be purchased at the visitor center, are advised when walking on the trails between May and October to keep the minuscule but annoying leeches off your ankles. The park is particularly easy to get around, and frequent information points and warning signs such as "Cobra Crossing" will help keep you from harm's way (though evening strolls are still not advised). Hiking trails from the park headquarters are 1 km to 8 km (½ mi to 5 mi).