Khao Yai
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Khao Yai

City Info

About Khao Yai

Khao Yai is a highland getaway in Nakhon Ratchasima province, about 175–200 km (2.5–3 hours) northeast of Bangkok, centred on Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Thailand's oldest national park. Beyond its rainforest trails, waterfalls, and wild elephants, the wider Khao Yai region has become Thailand's leading wine country, nicknamed the "Asoke Valley," dotted with award-winning vineyards, European-style villages, boutique cafés, and country farms. It's a favourite weekend escape for Bangkok residents seeking cooler air, nature, and a taste of Thailand's emerging wine scene.


Top Sightseeing Spots

  1. Khao Yai National Park – Thailand's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and dramatic waterfalls across its rainforest terrain.
  2. GranMonte Vineyard & Winery – One of Thailand's most acclaimed wineries, known for award-winning reds and whites, guided vineyard tours, and the on-site Vincotto restaurant.
  3. PB Valley Khao Yai Winery – One of the country's largest and longest-running wineries, offering tram tours through roughly 1,000 acres of vineyards plus wine tastings.
  4. Primo Piazza – An Italian-themed vineyard and village with cafés, gardens, and photogenic architecture set among the vines.
  5. Haew Suwat Waterfall – A scenic waterfall inside the national park, made famous by the film "The Beach."
  6. Palio Khao Yai – A charming European-style village with boutique shops, cafés, and colourful architecture, popular for photos.
  7. Farm Chokchai – A large dairy and beef farm offering farm tours, a steakhouse, and the famous Umm Milk ice cream.

Good to Know

  • Getting there: About 2.5–3 hours from Bangkok by car or minivan from Mo Chit or Ekkamai; there's no direct train, though nearby Pak Chong has a train station.
  • Best time to visit: November to February for the coolest, driest weather; mornings can be misty and chilly.
  • Thailand's wine country: Khao Yai's vineyards, often called the "Asoke Valley," have won international recognition, making the region a rare wine-touring destination in Southeast Asia.
  • Wildlife caution: Roads through the national park pass through elephant habitat — drive carefully, especially at dusk and after dark.