Khao Yai National Park is a premier destination for anyone traveling to the region to immerse themselves in lush nature and breathe in crisp, fresh mountain air. The expansive park territory features a rich variety of recreational options, including spectacular waterfalls, scenic panoramic viewpoints, serene reservoirs, educational nature trails, and exciting night safari activities.
The main highlight of visiting Khao Yai National Park is that key spots are easily connected by walking trails or short drives, allowing visitors to plan a compact day trip or a full 1-day itinerary based on time, fitness, and weather.
In this article, Hotel Labaris Khao Yai compiled a guide to the most captivating attractions inside Khao Yai National Park, complete with essential details, exact coordinates, travel distances, and safety precautions to help you plan a smooth, safe, and highly fulfilling journey.
Key Takeaway: Hotel Labaris Khao Yaiis a leading luxury hotel in Khao Yai that stands out in creating memorable relaxation experiences and fulfilling unique recreational activities. To ensure a smooth nature exploration trip and seamlessly check off all your bucket-list spots, we recommendreviewing Khao Yai National Park’s attraction map in advance. Since travel times and access methods vary, ensure your vehicle is prepared and follow park rules, keep noise low, observe speed limits, and never feed wild animals, for a safe and enjoyable visit.
Khao Yai National Park: Thailand’s Historic First National Park
Formally Thailand’s first national park, Khao Yai National Park is globally significant for its rich biodiversity and natural heritage. The protected sanctuary shelters wildlife including wild elephants, gaurs, barking deer, wild boars, gibbons, macaques, great hornbills, and hundreds of exotic bird species. The interior remains lush, pristine, and peaceful, thanks to dedicated park rangers enforcing strict conservation rules.
The mountain plateau offers activities for all travelers, from easy family-friendly walking loops and peaceful riverside campsites by rushing streams to guided evening truck safaris and stunning sunset viewpoints.
Khao Yai National Park has two main entrance gates: Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine Gate on the Nakhon Ratchasima side and Noen Hom Gate on the Prachinburi side. For a single-day itinerary, planning your stops based on the entry gate can save travel time and reduce unnecessary driving.
Read More: 25 Must Visit Places in Khao Yai 2026 Complete Trip in One Guide
Recommended Top Attractions Inside Khao Yai National Park
The main driving routes and pathways connecting Khao Yai National Park’s attractions are straightforward and well-linked, making it easy to complete a satisfying 1-day trip covering multiple landmarks. Here are the most popular spots to include in your itinerary:
1. KM 30 Viewpoint
KM 30 Viewpoint is the first check-in spot for travelers entering via the Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine Gate on the Pak Chong side. Located along Thanarat Road, about 6.6 kilometers past the entry booth, it features a carved stone monument celebrating the forest as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This popular photography spot is perfect for a brief roadside break to enjoy sweeping mountain vistas before continuing into the park.
2. Nong Phak Chi Wildlife Watchtower
The Nong Phak Chi Wildlife Observation Tower is used to observe the behavior of wildlife in the grasslands and water sources. The tower stands about 20 meters tall, allowing visitors to view the surrounding area widely without getting too close to the animals.

Reference: tripunseen
3. Sai Sorn Reservoir
Sai Sorn Reservoir sits in the heart of the national park plateau. Originally called Mo Singto Reservoir, it was renamed to honor Boonruang Sai Sorn, Khao Yai National Park’s first chief, who oversaw its construction to provide a stable water source for both park operations and wildlife.
The surrounding area is wide and open, making it a prime spot for capturing sunrises, sunsets, and reflections on the water. Wildlife such as birds, macaques, gibbons, deer, and even elephants are often seen near the water.
The surrounding area is wide and open, perfect for enjoying sunrise, sunset, and reflections on the water. Wildlife such as birds, macaques, gibbons, deer, and elephants can often be seen. It is a highly popular viewpoint in Khao Yai. Visitors to Sai Sorn Reservoir should keep a safe distance, avoid approaching animals, and stay quiet to avoid startling them.

Reference: อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่
4. Haew Narok Waterfall
Haew Narok Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, with a multi-tier drop of over 150 meters. The top tier features a steep cliff, creating a powerful torrent, especially during the late rainy season. Visitors walk 1 kilometer from the parking lot to the main viewing platform. The final approach involves steep concrete stairs, so elderly visitors or those with knee issues should assess their fitness for safety.
Read More: 7 Khao Yai Waterfalls Must Visit Best Popular Check-In Spots

Reference: อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่
5. Pha Diew Dai Viewpoint
Pha Diew Dai is a dramatic cliffside lookout at about 900 meters above sea level. Its highlight is a natural flat stone terrace jutting from the cliff, offering unobstructed views of green mountains, dense forests, and the Prachinburi lowlands. Visitors reach the edge via a 450-meter elevated wooden boardwalk. Some planks may be slippery from moss or moisture, so caution is advised. It is widely regarded as the best spot in the park to watch a breathtaking sunrise.
6. Kong Kaeo Nature Trail
Kong Kaeo Nature Trail is a short, family-friendly jungle loop perfect for beginners. The 1.2-kilometer trail takes about 45–60 minutes to complete and does not require a park ranger guide.
The hike begins at the iconic suspension bridge behind the main Visitor Center and follows an easy circular loop back to the start. Along the trail, walkers pass through dense tropical rainforests and dry evergreen canopies filled with diverse plants, wild gibbons, and tropical birds. The route ends near the refreshing Kong Kaeo Waterfall.

Reference: Thii Photo Lover
7. Haew Suwat Waterfall
Haew Suwat Waterfall is one of the most famous and photographed waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park. It features a dramatic 20–25 meter drop over a curved cliff into a wide plunge pool. An upper viewpoint offers a wide-angle perspective. Located about 10 kilometers from the main Visitor Center, visitors can drive to the nearby parking area and take a short 100-meter walk to the waterfall basin.
8. Night Safari Activity
Khao Yai Night Safari offers an educational evening experience for travelers who want to observe nocturnal wildlife. Visitors may spot barking deer, porcupines, civets, wild elephants, and night birds such as owls and nightjars. The safari operates via open-air pickup trucks with professional spotters along a 10-kilometer route, taking around 1 hour per trip with two nightly sessions from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
To help visualize your route and check real-time park status, you can visit the official national park platforms directly by Click

Fairytale-Themed Luxury Accommodations in Khao Yai
Following a fully packed, exhilarating 1-day adventure exploring the natural wonders of the national park, selecting a luxury hotel situated right near the base of the mountain is the smartest way to streamline your journey, eliminate long return drives, and dissolve physical travel fatigue.
Hotel Labaris Khao Yai is a themed luxury resort inspired by a hidden fairytale kingdom. From majestic castle gateways and maze-like gardens to enchanting pathways and detailed interiors, every corner creates a magical atmosphere. The resort offers 5 styles of luxury accommodations, including themed rooms and private villas. Guests can also enjoy signature dining at The Fable Feast, open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Hotel Labaris Khao Yai: Ultimate Convenience Near the National Park Entrance
Hotel Labaris Khao Yai is conveniently located on Thanarat Road (KM 16) in Mu Si, Pak Chong, along the main route to the Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine Gate. Its strategic location makes it easy to reach Khao Yai National Park without complicated turns, making it an ideal base for travelers to rest before exploring the park and return to comfortable accommodation afterward.
For bookings, contact us via LINE: @hotellabaris or for more information, call 063-190-1900 or 044-300-999
FAQs about Khao Yai National Park Attractions
1. Is a single day genuinely sufficient to explore Khao Yai National Park?
Yes, one day is enough to comfortably explore 4 to 5 key landmarks along the same main route. A practical 1-day itinerary can include KM 30 Viewpoint, Nong Phak Chi Wildlife Observation Tower, the easy Kong Kaeo Nature Trail, Haew Suwat Waterfall, and a sunset stop at Sai Sorn Reservoir.
2. Is it strictly necessary to have a private personal vehicle to tour the national park?
We highly recommend driving your own car or renting a private vehicle with a local driver. Since attractions like waterfalls, trails, and viewpoints are spread out, having your own transport allows you to travel safely, save time, and follow your itinerary more efficiently.
3. Which national park attractions are best suited for young toddlers and elderly travelers?
KM 30 Viewpoint, Sai Sorn Reservoir, the main Visitor Center, and Haew Suwat Waterfall are among the most accessible spots. Each location has nearby parking areas and requires only a short walk on relatively flat paths to enjoy the views.