A 3 hour drive from Bangkok lies a metropolis crammed with wineries, farms, and big floral fields. Wait what? That exists in Thailand? Yes it does, and you could find all of it in Khao Yai. Here’s how one can cowl all of the must-eat-see-do on this 4D3N Khao Yai itinerary.
Bangkok has been my go-to getaway at any time when there’s a brief window for travelling. Flights are pretty low cost (being solely 3 hours away), meals is scrumptious and inexpensive meals, and it’s straightforward to get round. But there’s solely a lot town can proceed to excite us stressed travellers.
Right after we landed in Bangkok this time, we drove 3 hours north to town of Khao Yai the place we spent 4 days exploring locations we hardly anticipated to see in Thailand.
Pre-trip Essentials
Best time to go to: Khao Yai is usually a number of levels cooler than Bangkok however the cool climate and clear skies are greatest skilled throughout the post-monsoon/winter season between November – February (flights then are comparatively low cost too!). Average temperatures within the day hover round a cushty mid-20 and drop to 10–15°C at night time.
Getting round: Many key sights will be as much as an hour’s drive away. There are additionally no metered taxis nor trip hailing apps round right here. We booked an inexpensive 4-day personal automotive constitution by Klook which gave us full freedom to determine what we wished to expertise every day in Khao Yai. More on that under!
Connectivity: 8-day limitless knowledge SIM card (choose up from BKK airport)
Travel insurance coverage: TravelCare covers medical abroad bills together with adventurous actions cowl (begins from $4.50/day)
Read additionally: 11 Whimsical Accommodations in Khao Yai for an Extra Magical Holiday
Day 1
Arrive in Bangkok
If you’re touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you possibly can spot the drivers ready outdoors Gate 4 with distinct orange (Klook) signboards. We met our driver, purchased some breakfast and have been on our method.
*Pro-tip: The trip will take 2.5–3 hours so seize your self some meals on the airport’s Family Mart. You can get a reasonably respectable Thai Basil Rice set with a runny fried egg for ฿65.
Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank
After a 2.5-hour drive, we took a espresso cease on the Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank. The black partitions and minimalist structure attracts many locals who use the assorted corners for a mini photoshoot.
But don’t simply come for the pictures, some notable objects on the menu embrace their Hokkaido Coffee (฿140) and Charcoal Honey Toast (฿185) which comes with a scrumptious scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The espresso was alright however the charcoal toast was fairly good! It was crisp, evenly buttered all through and compliments nicely with the vanilla ice cream.
Cost: From ฿140/dish
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Mon – Thu), 9AM – 7PM (Fri – Sun), closed on Tues and PH
Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
*Note: Might be closed on weekdays throughout the off-season
Primo Piazza
Just a 3-minute drive from Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank is the well-known Primo Piazza — an Italian-themed village with themed buildings.
Drop by the cafe for some brunch or the ice cream parlour to chill off beneath the noon solar.
But maybe the best spotlight listed here are the sheep, donkeys, and alpacas! Your entry ticket will be exchanged for a bunch of animal feed which serves as bribe for pictures with the animals ????.
Entrance charge: ฿200
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Fri – Mon), closed from Tue – Thu
Address: 200/2 Moo10, Tambon Musi, Pakchong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Piazza Palio
Not too removed from Primo, Palio is one other Italian-themed market sq. the place you will get a bit of buying performed. Entrance is free and we have been fairly amazed with the element replicated for an immersive out-of-the-country expertise.
From the structure of the buildings to the stone-cobbled streets, they even had accordion music taking part in within the audio system, all through the streets!
I assume with a wee little bit of creativeness, it actually did really feel like we have been transported out of Thailand for a bit. It’d additionally add to the expertise should you’re visiting throughout the cooler winter seasons the place night temperatures drop to 16–20°C!
Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM
Address: 146/1 ม.4 Palio Khaoyai, ถ.ธนะรัชต์ กม.17, Tambon Mu Si, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Dinner at Kua Kampan
After exploring hipster cafes, and strolling by little Italy, we have been craving some homely Thai meals and chanced upon Kua Kampan — a 10-minute drive from Palio. Its cosy, open-air setting and inexpensive costs turned out to be fairly widespread with native vacationers.
The centrepiece is a modified boat made to accommodate a few tables on the deck. Popular dishes listed here are the Red Curry with Snails (฿200) — snails have been alright however the curry was actually good, and Red Ruby Fish (฿320) — the fish was huge! If there are solely two of you, the grilled mackerel (฿220) is an efficient various.
Cost: From ฿200/dish
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
Address: 94-94 / 1 Moo 6, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Day 2
PB Wine Valley
Start the day early and hop on the 9AM vineyard tour at PB Wine Valley — a 350-hectare winery and the most important in Khao Yai.
At 350m above sea-level, the circumstances are good for rising sure sorts of wine grapes in addition to different seasonal fruits you could find right here.
The tour leaves 4 occasions every day (9:30AM, 11AM, 1:30PM, and 3PM) and can deliver you thru vineyards, the wine manufacturing facility, and naturally, to style some wine. Kids in addition to those that aren’t up for alcohol can ask for a full glass of 100% Shiraz Grape juice (non-alcoholic) as a substitute.
Cost: From S$29/pax for a 70-minute tour across the vineyard (contains 3 wine tasters)
Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM (Sun – Thu), 8AM – 10PM (Fri and Sat)
Address: 102 Moo 5, Phaya Yen, Pak Chong Nakorn Ratchasima 30320, Thailand
Farm Chokchai
This 100-hectare farm holds excursions twice a day from Tuesdays to Fridays and each 20 minutes over the weekends. Unfortunately, we couldn’t e-book the tour however heard nice evaluations from the opposite travellers we met in Khao Yai.
The tour brings you thru the farm’s agriculture processes, a rodeo present and even has ice cream-making courses (solely obtainable by pre-booking).
If you miss the farm tour, there are additionally ATV rides (฿360) that deliver you into the forest and an open farm with sheep and horses you possibly can feed for ฿40. There’s additionally a Chokchai museum that homes a variety of collections from cowboy merchandise to classic automobiles and cameras.
Cost: ฿300 for a 2-hour Farm Tour
Farm excursions: 10AM and 2PM (Tues – Fri); 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM (Sat, Sun and PH) Open on Monday provided that it’s a PH.
Address: 169 หมู่ที่ 2 Thanon Mittraphap, Nong Nam Daeng, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
*Note: Pre-book the tour by calling 08 9949 4631
Lunch Ban Mai Chay Nam
Ban Mai Chay Nam is a lot greater than only a restaurant. While strolling in, you’ll see an intensive assortment of characters like Superman, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and even Colonel Sanders. Walking by the hall to our tables was an entire journey of childhood nostalgia.
The place is big however can get fairly crowded throughout lunch hours as tour buses will make a cease right here.
We ordered papaya salad (฿60), a medium-sized plate of fried rice with beneficiant servings of actual crab meat (฿150), and tom yum soup (฿200) which have been all actually tasty and priced affordably.
Cost: From ฿60/dish
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
Address: 21, Mittaphap Road, Tambon Pak Chong, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130, Thailand
Baan Suan Noi (Hobbit House)
After lunch, wean off your meals coma with a 40-minute nap within the automotive earlier than arriving at Baan Suan Noi; generally known as the Hobbit House. Primarily an lodging (that will get booked up actually shortly) you may also go to simply to take pictures and discover the realm.
There’s even an entire room stuffed with costumes starting from Snow White to Harry Potter and naturally, The Hobbit characters. Some of the unbooked rooms are even left open for anybody to discover.
There are 13 themed rooms in both Hobbit or Santorini fashion.
Have to say I used to be actually fairly impressed with the Santorini rooms. Not solely due to its all-white theme however the little particulars just like the curvatures within the wall and the little trinkets within the room jogged my memory of our Airbnb after we have been in Santorini.
Cost: ฿50 (Entrance Only); ฿100 (Entrance + Costume Rental)
Opening hours: 8AM – 11PM
Address: Lat Bua Khao, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30340, Thailand
Dinner at Midwinter Green
Up for a fort eating expertise? Head to Midwinter Green an hour earlier than the solar units so you possibly can see the place when there’s nonetheless pure mild but in addition at its most stunning when the out of doors lights go on.
If you’re visiting within the cooler seasons, ask for the out of doors seats so you possibly can benefit from the cool night breeze and stay music, whereas eating with a view of the fort.
Dishes value across the identical as cafes in Singapore which isn’t too expensive contemplating the setting and repair. We ordered the pork ribs with BBQ sauce (฿490) in addition to the Aglio Olio (฿295) which was actually aromatic and a must-try for spicy meals lovers.
Cost: From ฿295/dish
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (Sun – Thu), closes at 11PM on Fri and Sat
Address: 10 88/88 Soi Ban Sai Thong Mu 24 Soi 2, Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Day 3: Khao Yai National Park
Spanning throughout 2,000 sq. kilometres, Khao Yai National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage website and is dwelling to a number of wildlife like elephants, deers, otters and gibbons.
You can seize a map from the Visitor Centre earlier than happening self-guided treks to take a look at waterfalls and viewpoints the place you possibly can overlook the huge greenland. Most of the treks are pretty straightforward and easy ahead and there’s additionally the choice of getting your driver to drop you near the lookout level.
Entrance charge: ฿400 and ฿50/automotive
Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM
Haew Narok Waterfall
Starting from the furthest level, and in addition the tallest waterfall within the National Park, Haew Narok measures 100m excessive. From the closest drop-off level, it’s a straightforward 900m stroll to the lookout level.
If you’re sport, there’s additionally a rocky path from the left aspect of the barrier the place you possibly can climb all the way down to the bottom. It would possibly look actually steep however you’ll see a number of households with younger children making an attempt the path too.
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
Pa Deo Die Cliff (Also spelt Pha Diao Dai/Pha Diew Die)
There are a few scenic viewpoints from the Pak Chong Entrance in the direction of the customer centre however Pa Deo Die is arguably one of the best. There’s a raised picket path that makes the cliff simply accessible and a spherical journey across the path solely takes 15 – 20 minutes.
Although there are indicators warning towards getting too near the sting, the flat boulders are fairly secure to hold your legs over as you benefit from the panoramic view upfront.
Recommended time: 30 – 45 minutes
Haew Suwat Waterfall
Haew Suwat Waterfall is way simpler to entry than Haew Narok Waterfall so that you’ll see a much bigger crowd right here; although there are extra vantage factors so that you’re extra prone to get a photograph with out getting photobombed. The waterfall is 25m excessive and splits into two separate streams. You may even stroll to the again of the waterfall though you’ll most likely get a bit of bit moist.
Recommended time: 1 hour
Night Safari
At the customer centre, you possibly can pre-book your night time safari for ฿500 a automotive (matches as much as 10 pax) which matches out at two timings (7PM and 8PM). Although should you’re fortunate (like us ????) you possibly can spot wild elephants throughout the day from the grassland between Haew Narok and the customer centre.
Popular animals noticed on the safari trip apart from elephants embrace deer, otters, oxes and gibbons.
Cost: ฿500/car
Time: 1 hour
*Pro-tip: Bring alongside a sweater as temperatures are inclined to dip fairly a bit at night time.
Pak Chong Night Market
After an entire day of mountain climbing, the yummy road meals on the Pak Chong Night Market was a deal with.
Not essentially the most appetising nevertheless it wasn’t as unhealthy as anticipated!
Some of our favorite finds right here have been the Mango Sticky Rice (฿60 for an entire mango and beneficiant servings of rice), contemporary fruits like papaya (฿20, neatly lower and packed in a field), on the spot noodle salad (฿60) and the Chilli Cheese Fries (฿39).
Cost: From ฿20/dish
Opening hours: 5PM – 10PM
Address: 2422 Tambon Pak Chong, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Read additionally: Thailand Road Trip Guide: 5 Epic Ideas Under 3hrs from Bangkok
Day 4
Our flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport was at 7:40PM so we had till 2:30PM to discover earlier than driving again to Bangkok.
Brunch at The Chocolate Factory
Although known as the Chocolate Factory, this glass constructing is definitely extra of a restaurant with a pastry and chocolate retailer on the primary ground.
When you enter, there’s additionally a small glass kitchen the place you possibly can observe chocolate merchandise within the making.
The restaurant serves a variety of western to native Thai meals with mains ranging from ฿180.
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM
Address: 352 Moo 2 Thanarat Rd. T. Musee Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Jim Thompson Farm
Saving one of the best for the final (partially additionally as a result of it was essentially the most out of the best way), it takes about 2 hours to drive to the Jim Thompson Farm however should you love flowers, the dimensions of those flower fields are nicely value it!
These sunflowers are taller than the typical human being!
Don’t get too carried away although because it takes round 3 hours to drive again to Bangkok in reasonable visitors.
There’s a meals courtroom inside the Jim Thompson Farm at very inexpensive costs. Grab a bowl of noodles or rice with curry earlier than heading off for the airport.
*Note: Permanently closed
1) Luxury: Lala Mukha Tented Resort
Not solely is the tent inside one of many cosiest we’ve skilled, the environment at Lala Mukha Tented Resort is so beautiful you don’t actually need to go away the resort, no kidding!
The space is surrounded by mountains, loads of greenery and to not point out how cutely designed the lodging is. You get to select from three selections:
Loft Tree home — has one double and two single beds
Deluxe Savana Tent — comes with hooked up bathe and bathroom
Eco Safari Tent — no hooked up lavatory however comes with a front room space, a fridge, a settee and a TV.
We obtained the Eco Safari Tent as all of the others have been totally booked however beloved each little bit of it! The shared loos weren’t too distant from the tents, modernly designed and have been exceptionally clear!
Breakfast with a view.
All the tents include air-con though should you’re right here from November to January, you’ll need to roll down the tent home windows and benefit from the cool, crisp air outdoors.
Did we point out there’s additionally a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the lake?!
Cost: ฿3750 (~S$177) for the Eco Safari Tent (High season value)
Address: 515 Moo 5 Musi Pakchong Nakhonratchasima, Tambon Mu Si, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
2) Fun: The Kids Adventure Khao Yai
Located simply 500m from the northern entrance of Khao Yai National Park, The Kids Adventure Khao Yai is a superb mid-range various.
These are two storied lofts with hooked up loos in a small however cosy area. Though as a result of the beds are situated upstairs and chilly air sinks, you would possibly need to flip the air-con a bit of colder than you’re often used to.
Being a kid-friendly lodging, there are free archery and golf stations you should use anytime.
Cost: From S$34.55/night time
Address: 91 Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
3) Budget: At Home Hostel
Photo credit score: Booking.com
Located inside strolling distance from Pak Chong Night Market, At Home Hostel is among the first few that opened in Khao Yai and is run by a pleasant couple.
Photo credit score: Booking.com
It’s nice should you’re right here with out your individual personal driver as you possibly can meet and share transport with the opposite company staying right here.
Photo credit score: Booking.com
Cost: ~S$17/pax for a dorm mattress
Address: 27 Soi 1 Tesaban16 St., Nakhon Ratchasima Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province 30130, Thailand
Khao Yai Custom Tours
How this practice tour works is, you’ll be assigned a driver who’ll choose you up from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang or your lodge) and drive 3 hours north to Khao Yai. Each day, you possibly can plan out a 12–hour itinerary to suit round three to 5 points of interest relying on the gap.
Read additionally: Ultimate Khao Yai Guide — 25 Things to Do in Khao Yai
The common salon automobiles will cater for 3 to 4 passengers however should you’re going with a much bigger group, there’s additionally the choice of choosing a van for as much as 10 passengers. We spoke to travellers in Khao Yai who booked a van with different tour brokers and realised Klook’s costs have been rather a lot decrease!
When reserving, remember to have your itinerary prepared as you’ll have to enter the small print throughout reserving. We picked Package B as a result of we wished to cowl locations just like the Hobbit House and the Jim Thompson Farm that are additional away. If you’d wish to comply with our itinerary, right here’s the concise model:
Day 1: Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank, Primo Piazza, Palio, Kua Kampan, again to lodging
Day 2: PB Wine Valley, Farm Chokchai, Ban Mai Chay Nam Restaurant, Hobbit House, Midwinter Green, again to the lodging
Day 3: Khao Yai National Park, Pak Chong Night Market
Day 4: Chocolate Factory, Jim Thompson Farm, Suvarnabhumi Airport
For PB Wine Valley and Farm Chokchai, remember to name up the workplace to make reservations for the tour at the very least in the future earlier than going. For us, we arrived on a Sunday and plenty of excursions have been totally booked however our driver was typically fairly versatile about making on-the-spot improvisations. Just remember to have an inventory of all of the locations you propose to cowl and your driver will help plan essentially the most environment friendly route.
We hope you discovered this 4D3N Khao Yai itinerary helpful!
Read additionally: 5D4N Khao Kho Itinerary — The ‘Thai Alps’ simply outdoors Bangkok
This article was first printed on 17 Dec 2017 and up to date on the date above! If spot any modifications to the places, do tell us within the feedback under so we are able to maintain the content material up to date and contemporary!
This submit was dropped at you by Klook.