If you ask anyone in Thailand, be they locals or tourists or expats, what their favourite destination in the Land of Smiles is, you’re most likely to get Khao Yai in the top five, next to Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and some resort town on the Eastern Coast. Actually, many people dream of having a house in Bangkok, an apartment in Pattaya, and an estate in Khao Yai.
This is not surprising at all, as Khao Yai it is only a three-hour drive north of Bangkok and the area has breathtaking scenery. But even if you don’t own properties here, you can still enjoy the mountains of Khao Yai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Thai national park, as there are plenty of affordable resorts to stay at while buses and vans make regular daily round trips.
Unfortunately, Khao Yai has become way too popular with local and international tourists and this can be seen in the huge plots of land which have been cleared of their former lush vegetation to make space for new resorts or personal mansions. The frequent signs by the roadside advertising new projects are a sad reminder that slowly, but surely, what made Khao Yai so popular can easily become its destroyer.
One of the most pleasant things to do outside the Khao Yahi National Park – which has an excellent system of trails – is to drive around in a car or on a motorbike and just take in the scenery. Most of the main roads are in very good condition, winding up and down the mountain valleys. There are also plenty of mom-and-pop shops by the side of the roads where you can stop to buy a drink and watch the world go by. But, beware of careless drivers who like to overtake any car that’s in front of them and pay even more attention if you’re a cyclist (in which case extra lights and reflective spots might save your life).
Since most people don’t like to travel without at least having a rough itinerary, here are seven places of interest which are worth exploring in the Khao Yai region.
The selection aims at satisfying both tourists traveling solo or with their friends and also big and small families which have to please more than just one whim. All of these attractions are located on or in the vicinity of Mittraphap Road in Pak Chong District, between national roads no. 167 and 144, both of which lead to Khao Yai National Park.
So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are 7 destinations that will give you a nice overview of Pak Chong and Khao Yai. Wherever possible, we will provide a website to help you zoom in the location and/or find out more details.
- The Bloom. A flower theme park perfect for a romantic walk or for a family who wants to let their children run around in a manicured garden. There are plenty of photo opportunities, with some very colorful backgrounds (both natural and man-made). Thai website: www.thebloom.co.th
- PB Valley Khao Yai Winery. Walk freely among rows and rows of grapes wines and, of course, taste a red or a white at The Great Hornbill, their special restaurant and wine shop. English website: www.khaoyaiwinery.com
- Tham Chalem Tham. Visit and explore this temple dedicated to itinerant monks and walk up to a hermit’s cave. The climb is not difficult at all and two naga mythical serpents nicely flank the steps.
- Thai Elephant Conservation Center Khao Yai. Although they offer elephant rides in the adjoining jungle foliage (which might prove quite entertaining if it’s your first time), it is very sad to see the elephants chained to steel poles and fidgeting restlessly on a concrete platform at the entry of this center.
- Sheep Garden. Mini-theme parks are popping up like mushrooms after the rain, some with concepts as ridiculous as they can get. For example, there’s a place where sheep are painted purple and pink for teenage Bangkokians to take pictures of. Find them on Facebook.
- Wat Simalai Song Tham. A mixture of Buddhism, Hinduism and animism creates an eerie feeling in this huge temple complex which includes caverns, underground passages, and hilltop temples and shrines. The decorations are excessive, with literally every wall and corner adorned with religious items. The temple at the top of the hill gives a good panoramic view of the surrounding area.
- Pak Chong Floating Market. Like all floating markets in Thailand, it is a good place to observe and experience the old lifestyle of the Siamese people. Plus, it’s the perfect stop to sit down and cool off with a drink and have something to eat. Find them on Facebook.
This is just a small selection of what one can do in Pak Chong district and Kaho Yai area. As you drive around, talk to the locals, and search the internet, you’ll find twice as many recommendations which, depending on your interest, might be worth visiting. Give them a try!
Usually, a trip to Khao Yai is seen as a weekend escape so you will definitely want to spend the night there. If you plan to tour in Pak Chong district, then I recommend All Season Garden Home Resort, a clean place that offers inexpensive accommodation right at the entry to Pak Chong. Find them on Google Maps or TripAdvisor.
Compared to other parts of Thailand, the temperature high up in the mountains of Khao Yai is quite cool, with a yearly average of 23 degrees Celsius. Bottom line, if you’re looking for a place to escape the pollution common to so many major Thai cities, Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima can make a good getaway, but make sure your ecological footprint is as light as possible.
