Khao Yai National Park (video)

Khao Yai is the oldest national park in Thailand. It received this protected status in 1962. This park is definitely worth a visit with its beautiful flora and fauna.

Thanks to the short distance to Bangkok, about 180 kilometers northeast of the Thai capital, it is possible to do a day trip. However, if you really want to see a lot, an overnight stay is recommended. There are a number of resorts just outside the boundaries of Khao Yai National Park.

Khao Yai National Park

Most of the national park is located in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Parts are also in the provinces of Saraburi, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok. With approximately 2168 km², the park is the third largest in Thailand.

Wild animals including tigers and elephants

The area consists mainly of tropical rainforest. You will find no less than 3.000 species of flowers, plants and shrubs. There are also wild animals including tigers, bears, elephants, macaques, gibbons, wild boars and deer. Civets, squirrels, hedgehogs and wild boars provide the necessary variety in the park. Snakes and lizards usually make their presence known by rustling on the ground when you walk there. In total, more than 70 different species of mammals and 300 bird species live there.

Another attraction in the park are the many waterfalls. The most famous waterfall is the Namtok Heo Suwat; this can be seen in the movie 'The Beach.

Bat Cave

Also visit the bat cave, a cave with stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is inhabited by millions of bats, which leave the caverns en masse around dusk, if it doesn't rain. A long, squeaky wisp of bats takes over the sky as the sun leaves the day. It will take them 50 minutes to get out of the cave. Often you can watch birds of prey trying to outwit a bat.

With a bit of luck you can spot gibbons, monitor lizards, macaques, hornbills, beautiful butterflies and other insects. And if you are even more lucky, you will see wild elephants crossing the road. Bring swimwear. You can swim in crystal clear streams and splashing exotic waterfalls, such as the famous waterfall that Leonardo di Caprio jumped from in the movie 'The Beach'. When you stay overnight you can join the Khao Yai night safari at the beginning of the evening for a fee. Exciting and you might see even more wild animals.

Seasons

The Khao Yai park has three seasons. During the rainy season from May to October it rains almost every day, the falls are at their best. The cold season from November to February is the most desirable time to visit due to the clear, cool and sunny weather. The temperature is then about 22 degrees, but can drop to 10 degrees Celsius at night. It is wise to bring a jacket or vest. From March to April it is not as hot in Khao Yai as elsewhere in Thailand, the daytime temperature fluctuates around 30 degrees. You may not find any waterfalls during that period due to a longer period of drought.

What you didn't know about Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park in Thailand, one of the largest and most visited national parks in the country, is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity. However, what few people know is that Khao Yai also plays an important role in the film industry. The park has been used as a location for several films and music videos, including the famous Thai film “The Beach”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Although most of the film was shot on the island of Ko Phi Phi Le, some crucial scenes were shot in Khao Yai for its pristine jungles and impressive waterfalls. This makes Khao Yai not only a paradise for nature lovers, but also a piece of film history.

• Nightlife of wild animals: Khao Yai is famous for its daily visitors such as elephants and monkeys, but at night a whole different range of animals come to life. The park is home to rare species such as leopards, civets and even wild dogs. Night safaris offer visitors the chance to spot these shy animals.
• Giant bat colony: Near the park is one of the world's largest bat colonies. At sunset, millions of bats emerge from a cave near the park, providing a spectacular sight against the dim sky.
• Diversity of birds: For bird lovers, Khao Yai is a true treasure. The park is home to more than 300 bird species, including some very rare ones, such as the great hornbill and the silver pheasant.
• Evidence of past civilizations: Traces of ancient civilizations, such as tools and ceramics, have been found in Khao Yai, indicating human activity in the area thousands of years ago.
• Research and nature conservation: The park is also an important center for ecological and biological research. Scientists from all over the world come to Khao Yai to study its rich biodiversity and contribute to the protection of endangered species.

Video Khao Yai National Park

Watch the video below: