Thailand is famous for its beaches and temples, but it also has excellent national parks. Two of the best, Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan, are within a few hours of Bangkok. Both protect large areas of forest with wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills and a remarkable variety of birds.
At a glance
| Best time | November to April (dry season) |
| Getting there | Khao Yai: about 3 hours from Bangkok. Kaeng Krachan: about 3 to 4 hours |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 nights in each park |
| Big draws | Wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, birds, waterfalls |
| Good for | Families, birders, adding nature to a Thailand trip |
Khao Yai National Park
Thailand’s first national park (1962), Khao Yai covers about 2,170 km² and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage forest complex.
- Wild Asian elephants are often seen on the park’s main road and at salt licks, especially in the late afternoon. Keep your distance and follow rangers’ instructions. See our Asian elephant profile.
- Gibbons: white-handed and pileated gibbons sing at dawn. See our lar gibbon profile.
- Great hornbills and oriental pied hornbills are common. See our great hornbill profile.
- Other wildlife: sambar, barking deer, pig-tailed macaques, porcupines and, at night, civets and slow lorises.
- Waterfalls such as Haew Suwat and Haew Narok.
- A bat cave outside the park releases millions of wrinkle-lipped bats at dusk.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Thailand’s largest national park (about 2,900 km²), on the border with Myanmar, is part of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex World Heritage Site.
- A top birding destination, with more than 400 species, including hornbills, trogons, broadbills and pittas. Photographers use private bird hides nearby.
- Mammals: dusky langurs, gibbons, gaur, elephants and, rarely, leopards and dholes.
- Butterflies: huge gatherings on the trails in the late wet season.
- Parts of the park, including the upper trails, may close in the rainy season.
When to go
- November to February: cool and dry; the best time.
- March to May: hot; good for birds at waterholes.
- June to October: rainy season; lush forests, but some roads and trails close.
Getting there
Both parks are 3 to 4 hours from Bangkok by road. Hire a car, join a tour, or book a guide who can drive you.
Where to stay
Resorts and lodges around both parks, and national park campsites and bungalows inside, booked through Thailand’s Department of National Parks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see wild elephants in Khao Yai? Yes, they are often seen, especially at dusk. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Which park is better for birding? Kaeng Krachan is famous among birders, but Khao Yai is also excellent.
Can I visit Khao Yai as a day trip from Bangkok? Yes, but an overnight stay allows early mornings and evenings, the best times for wildlife.
Should I ride elephants in Thailand? No. Watch wild elephants instead, or visit a genuine sanctuary. See our ethical elephant guide.
Related guides
- Asian elephants: choosing an ethical experience
- Cat Tien and Cuc Phuong: primates of Vietnam
- Kinabatangan River cruise guide
- Animal profiles: Asian elephant, Great hornbill, Slow loris
Cover photo: Nawit science, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons