13 August 2026

Complete Guide to Khao Yai Hiking Trails for All Levels

Hiking has become increasingly popular in Thailand, inspiring many people to explore nature with friends, family, and loved ones. However, some may have concerns about the difficulty and challenges of hiking, as forests lack sufficient amenities. We recommend Khao Yai hiking trails because this destination offers a diverse range of trails, from easy nature study paths that anyone can walk, to challenging routes for those who want to push their limits.

In this article, Hotel Labaris Khao Yai will introduce Khao Yai hiking trails within Khao Yai National Park, from beginner level, intermediate level, to advanced trails, to help you plan your hiking trip.

Key Takeaway: Hotel Labaris Khao Yai, our premier hotel in Khao Yai, stands out for creating unique relaxation experiences and recreational activities. We conclude that Khao Yai offers hiking trails of various difficulty levels, suitable for hikers of all expertise levels. Each trail has its own unique characteristics. Proper preparation will make your hiking activity safer and more enjoyable.

Why Hiking at Khao Yai National Park is So Popular

Khao Yai National Park has been registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site due to its rich ecosystem. Covering approximately 2,168 square kilometers, it is home to diverse wildlife such as wild elephants, barking deer, deer, bears, gaurs, and birds, making Khao Yai National Park a popular tourist destination for nature lovers.

Hiking in Khao Yai is an activity that allows you to experience nature up close, including forest walks, listening to natural sounds, viewing waterfalls, and learning about the forest ecosystem. Hiking trails are available at various levels, from short trails suitable for beginners to routes requiring physical fitness for hikers seeking challenges.

Besides the beauty of nature, hiking is also an activity that promotes both physical and mental health. With its peaceful atmosphere, fresh air, and lush forest, it’s perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life to find a quiet space for relaxation and pursuing their interests.

Recommended Khao Yai Hiking Trails for Beginners

For those just starting to hike or those who want to experience nature without too much difficulty, Khao Yai National Park has several nature study trails suitable for beginners. Most are short trails, easy to walk, and can be done as day trips, perfect for families, children, and those seeking relaxation in nature.

1. Kong Kaew Nature Study Trail

One of the short Khao Yai hiking trails suitable for tourists of all ages, with easy trail conditions that don’t require hiking expertise. Perfect for those who want a light nature experience or are hiking for the first time. Along the trail, you’ll walk through tropical rainforest and dry evergreen forest with rich biodiversity, learning about Khao Yai’s forest ecosystem. Along the way, you may encounter plants such as Afzelia xylocarpa, a valuable tree species, and may spot various wildlife such as white-handed gibbons, pileated gibbons, and various forest birds.

At the end of the trail, you’ll find Kong Kaew Waterfall, a small waterfall nestled in the lush forest with water flowing through an area formed by the geological structure of the region, making it a perfect rest stop and Khao Yai photo spot for those who want to experience the atmosphere of Khao Yai forest and learn about ecosystem diversity. The trail is 1.2 kilometers long, taking 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk, with no guide required.

*Trail open year-round

Recommended interesting article about 10 Khao Yai Nature Attractions: Travel Routes for Nature Enthusiasts

Image reference from: Thailand Travel Map

2. Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall – Haew Suwat Waterfall

A nature study trail connecting Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall and Haew Suwat Waterfall, with Huai Lam Takhong stream as the main route. Along the way, you can find volcanic lava rock traces during the dry season, rock flowers which are rare plants, and red rattan that blooms beautiful red flowers in April. There’s also a chance to encounter wildlife living near water sources, such as butterflies, monitor lizards, macaques, langurs, hornbills, and hawks.

The highlight of this Khao Yai hiking trail is the atmosphere of Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall during the rainy season with strong water flow and waterfall sounds, while during the dry season you can clearly see the rock formations. This trail is 3 kilometers long, taking 2 hours to walk, with no guide required.

*Trail closure period: August 1 – September 30 every year

Recommended Intermediate Khao Yai Hiking Trails

Once you have moderate hiking experience, these trails will be more challenging, with longer distances and increased steepness, but still at a safe level suitable for general hikers.

Image reference from: tripunseen

1. Dong Tiew – Sai Son Reservoir

The Sai Son Reservoir Nature Study Trail is a one-way hiking trail leading to Sai Son Reservoir, one of the beautiful sunset viewing spots in Khao Yai National Park. During the rainy season, it’s filled with colors from various wildflowers such as Hong Hoen, Begonia, and Cha Ruesi. The main highlight is the giant Sompong tree, a centuries-old large tree that is a popular spot for tourists to stop and take photos. The trail is 2.7 kilometers long, taking 1.5-2 hours to walk, with a guide provided.

*Trail closure period: June 1 – July 31

2. Km 33 – Nong Pak Chi

The Km 33 – Nong Pak Chi Khao Yai hiking trail features large trees along the way, such as banyan and ficus, which are important food sources for various birds and wildlife, earning it the nickname “Wildlife Restaurant”. There’s also the Nong Pak Chi Wildlife Observation Tower, a viewpoint where you can watch wildlife foraging in grasslands, water sources, and salt licks, especially during the dry season when there’s a higher chance of spotting wildlife. The trail is 3.3 kilometers long, taking 2.5-3 hours to walk, with a guide provided.

*Trail closure period: September 1 – October 31

Recommended Khao Yai Hiking Trails for Advanced Hikers

For experienced hikers with sufficient expertise, choosing more difficult Khao Yai hiking trails will reward you with a more beautiful and peaceful nature.

Image reference from: Khaosod

Visitor Center – Haew Suwat Waterfall

The Haew Suwat Waterfall Nature Study Trail is a full-fledged long-distance trail. Along the route, you’ll encounter diverse forest types, including tropical rainforest, dry evergreen forest, and bamboo forest alternating throughout the area.

Along the way, you can observe various plants such as Payung trees and Afzelia xylocarpa, as well as areas with densely growing large ferns, demonstrating the forest’s abundance. It’s also home to diverse wildlife such as wild elephants, langurs, bears, and hornbills.

This trail is quite challenging due to its long distance and some complex sections. It’s also a foraging area for wild elephants, so there may be chances of encountering wildlife traces or getting confused on the route. Therefore, it’s necessary to have experienced staff as guides for safety throughout the journey.

With a distance of 8 kilometers, taking 6 hours to walk, you must start no later than 10:00 AM and need to bring food. For those who want to hike this Khao Yai trail, you should prepare your body and be confident in your hiking expertise/experience for safety.

*Trail closure period: May 1 – August 31

How to Prepare Before Hiking in Khao Yai for Safety and Fun

Preparation for hiking is very important because the surrounding environment is full of trees and insects. Most importantly, amenities and assistance are difficult to access. We must be prepared to take basic care of ourselves as best as possible. Here are things to prepare before hiking in Khao Yai:

1. Equipment and Clothing Preparation

Non-slip rubber sole hiking shoes
Quick-dry, breathable clothing and thin long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen SPF 30 or higher
Gloves for grabbing branches or climbing
Drinking water and high-energy food for the journey
Mosquito repellent and insect protection cream/spray

2. Safety and Accident Prevention

Should hike in groups of at least 2 people
Carry a map, compass, or use GPS on your phone
Prepare a flashlight with spare batteries
Basic first aid kit and emergency phone numbers
If you encounter wildlife, stop still and back away slowly. Do not feed or disturb animals

3. Weather and Time Precautions

The best time for hiking is morning 6:00-10:00 AM and afternoon-evening 3:00-6:00 PM
Avoid intense sun and high temperatures to prevent heat and dehydration
Check weather conditions in advance and postpone the trip if there’s heavy rain or storms
Be careful of slippery areas or wet ground after rain

Rules and Regulations at Khao Yai National Park

For tourism at Khao Yai National Park, each hiking trail has common rules that everyone must follow to maintain the peace of the forest and their own safety, as follows:

Help collect and take trash out of the national park
Do not make fires in the forest as it creates wildfire risks
Do not make loud noises that startle wildlife
Do not bring foam containers into the national park
Do not feed or touch wildlife
Do not pick trees, flowers, or take items from inside back home
Do not bring pets inside
Do not smoke in unauthorized areas
Do not use drones without permission
Do not bring alcoholic beverages into the national park area
Do not write or draw on various areas
Do not cut firewood or bring firewood to make fires

In case of emergency, contact Khao Yai National Park office at 086-0926527 or Visitor Center at 086-0926529

Relax Comfortably After Hiking at Hotel Labaris Khao Yai

After spending the whole day hiking in Khao Yai, immersing yourself in nature and the peace of the forest, finding accommodation not far from Khao Yai National Park will allow you to return and rest much faster without wasting time on the road. Hotel Labaris Khao Yai welcomes you with various types of rooms. You can view room details at ACCOMMODATION

We also have complete facilities such as The Fable Feast Khao Yai restaurant, Rabbit Cafe, swimming pool for relaxation, and children’s play area, allowing you to spend your day relaxing comfortably and privately.

Interested in booking accommodation, contact us at LINE: @hotellabaris or inquire for more information, Tel. 063-190-1900 and 044-300-999

FAQs About Khao Yai Hiking Trails

Q: Which Khao Yai hiking trail is most suitable for beginners?

A: Kong Kaew Nature Study Trail is most suitable for beginners. Only 1.2 kilometers long, taking about 45 minutes on flat, non-steep terrain with plant and animal identification signs throughout, perfect for families and elderly people.

Q: What is the best time to hike in Khao Yai?

A: The best times are morning 6:00-10:00 AM and afternoon-evening 3:00-6:00 PM to avoid intense sun and hot weather. The air is cool and comfortable with better chances of spotting wildlife.

Q: Can I hike in Khao Yai alone?

A: Hiking alone is not recommended. For safety, you should hike in groups of at least 2-3 people and inform park staff of your travel plans beforehand to prevent accidents and emergencies.

Hotel Labaris Khao Yai