How to get to Khao Yai

Khao Yai lies north-east of Bangkok. Most visitors base themselves on the northern side, around Pak Chong and the Thanarat Road (Route 2090) that leads to the park’s northern gate. The southern Noen Hom gate, in Prachinburi province, is closer to Haew Narok Waterfall.

By car or private transfer

Driving gives you the most freedom, because there is no public transport inside the park and the main sights are spread over tens of kilometres of mountain road. From central Bangkok, allow roughly 2.5–3.5 hours to the Pak Chong area depending on traffic. The traditional route follows Highway 1 and then Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road). The new M6 Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima motorway has been opening in stages; check the latest status with Thailand’s Department of Highways before you set off. Traffic out of Bangkok is heaviest on Friday evenings and before public holidays.

By train

State Railway of Thailand services run from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Pak Chong several times a day, taking roughly 2 hours 40 minutes to over 3 hours depending on the train. Tickets can be booked on the SRT D-Ticket website. From Pak Chong station you will need a taxi, a hired driver or your hotel’s transfer to reach accommodation or the park.

By bus or minivan

Buses and minivans from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) serve Pak Chong. This is the budget option, but you will still need local transport onward — many visitors arrange a driver for their park day.

Best time to visit

The park’s own climate notes describe three seasons. Each has its merits:

Season	Months	What to expect
Cool season	October–February	Clear skies and cool mornings; December–January nights can drop below 10°C. Peak visitor season, with busy weekends and holidays.
Hot season	March–May	Warm days, though the uplands stay milder than the plains. Waterfalls are lower.
Rainy season	June–September	Lush forest and waterfalls at full power. Expect heavy showers, slippery paths and leeches; some trails close.

For the best balance of weather and wildlife, many travellers aim for November to February on weekdays. If waterfalls are your priority, late rainy season (August–October) is spectacular — just build in flexibility for weather.

Park essentials

• Opening hours: the park lists its gates as open 06:00–18:00.
• Fees: foreign adults and children pay separate rates from Thai residents, plus a vehicle fee. Current prices are on the official fee page; payment is at the gate or through the Department of National Parks’ e-ticket system.
• Tickets: the park states that a ticket covers entry and exit on a single day.
• Vehicles: large vehicles have restrictions, and tour buses must use the southern entrance — check before you book a coach.
• Supplies: fuel up and buy snacks before entering; services inside are limited.

Sample itineraries

Two days: highlights at an easy pace

1. Day 1 — arrive and unwind. Drive from Bangkok in the morning, lunch around Pak Chong, then visit a winery or farm in the afternoon. Early dinner and early night.
2. Day 2 — the park. Enter when the gate opens. Stop at the Km 30 viewpoint, then continue to the visitor centre and the Kong Kaew trail. Visit Haew Suwat and Pha Kluai Mai, and spend late afternoon at the Nong Phak Chi tower. Leave the park before the gate closes, or book the night safari.

Three days: forest, waterfalls and slow time

1. Day 1 — arrival. Settle in, explore the countryside around Mu Si and Pak Chong, and watch the dusk bat emergence at Khao Luk Chang.
2. Day 2 — northern park. Sunrise at Pha Diao Dai, a guided trail in the morning (book through the visitor centre), waterfalls after lunch and wildlife watching at Nong Phak Chi.
3. Day 3 — southern park or rest day. Visit Haew Narok via the park road, or spend a slow morning at your accommodation before the drive back to Bangkok.

What to pack

• A warm layer for mornings and evenings, especially November–February
• Comfortable walking shoes with grip; sandals for waterfall areas
• Leech socks and insect repellent in the rainy season
• Binoculars for birds and gibbons
• Reusable water bottle, sun protection and a small bag to carry out your rubbish

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026. Transport schedules and park rules change; confirm with Khao Yai National Park and the State Railway of Thailand.