Seeing the bats at Khao Yai, Thailand
 

Has anyone been to Khao Yai and seen the bats emerge from their caves at night?

I'm keen to include this in our upcoming trip (January) and would appreciate feedback on which locations around the park are best for accommodation, if the bat caves are the main reason of the visit? Of course, we'd also like to go into the park proper and do a game drive / wildlife viewing excursion, but the bats are what are pulling me to visit this park above others in Thailand.

Grateful for any tips!

As I recall most of the accomodation was in the local town and along the road leading to the park entrance. If you have your own transport then it doesn't really matter where you stay and a car a car will be distinct advantage. To have any chance of see wildlife ,a part from hen ubiquitous monkeys, I would suggest getting a guide. Most will want off multi day trips into the park ( camping or in park lodges) but day trips should be possible but do book in advance. We

We didn't bother with a guide and the only animal we say apart from the monkeys was an Asian wild ox ( from a distance). We didn't stick around for the bats as we had seen this in a few places before. Impressive but do be aware the chances of it happening if there is rain are much reduced - we hiked though Jungle of mile in Borneo only to be disappointed and had to go back the next night!

Also with Khao Yai, try and go during the week as it does get very busy at weekends with visitors escaping from Bangkok

Kavey, have you ever seen the bats emerge from their caves at dusk? it's a sight to behold--as they fly in formation and the show seems to go on forever. Did you know that they fly with their mouths open so that they can catch insects in their mouths?

I have not been to Khao Yai, but I have seen the "bat show" twice, once in Mulu, Malaysia, and another time near Battambang, Cambodia.

Be sure and wear your oldest clothes, and take a shower right after. You may get "rained on" by the bats, if you get my drift....

Thanks both, your responses much appreciated!

Crellston, we'll be using the car just to get there but we're planning to book a full day guided excursion covering both the park wildlife and the night time bat spectacle!

CaliforniaLady, never seen it but very eccited to see it. And yes, I've heard that about the bats, I will be sure to wear a crappy T and some easy-to-wash trousers!!!