Location: Nakhon Ratchasima Province Map
Area: 2,168 km²
Info: TAT, Khorat
Tel. 0-4421-3666
Khao Yai National Park Located in the area of 11
districts in 4 provinces, namely Pak Chong District, Wang Nam Khiao
District. Nakhon Ratchasima Province; Na Di District, Kabin Buri
District Prachantakham District Mueang Prachinburi District
Prachinburi Province; Pak Phli District, Ban Na District, Mueang
Nakhon Nayok District Nakhon Nayok Province; and Kaeng Khoi District
Muak Lek District Saraburi Province It is the first national park of
Thailand. It was declared a national park on September 18, 1962 and
received the nickname "The National Park." "Heritage Parks of ASEAN
Countries"
Khao Yai National Park covers an area of 2,215.42
square kilometers. It consists of mixed deciduous forest, dry
evergreen forest, humid evergreen forest, montane evergreen forest,
grassland and the second generation forest, humid evergreen forest.
This type of forest is a forest located at an altitude of 400-1,000
meters above mean sea level. There are 3,000 species of plants, more
than 189 species of butterflies, More than 350 species of wild birds
and 71 species of mammals, including elephants, tigers, gibbons,
deer and wild boars, are found throughout the wide grasslands.
In the past, travel between the central and northeastern regions was
The obstacle is that you must pass through a large rainforest which is
full of dangers, including dangerous animals and jungle fever. Many
people traveling through this forest died. Therefore, it was called Dong
Phaya Fai. Later, King Chulalongkorn passed by during the opening of the
Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima railway line. His Majesty saw that the name
Dong Phaya Fai sounded scary, so he had the name changed to Dong Phaya
Yen ever since.
When the railroad was built Villagers also came
to occupy the area. Especially on the mountain top By clearing forests
for farming and in 1922 requested to be established as Khao Yai
Subdistrict. But because traveling to the top of this mountain is quite
difficult, it is far from the control of government officials. Khao Yai
Subdistrict became a den of criminals until 1932 when the government
sent a deputy to exterminate all criminals. But in the end, Deputy Zhang
died of jungle fever. It was established as the Khao Yai Chao Por
Shrine. It is respected and respected until today.
After
defeating all the criminals The government saw that this Khao Yai
sub-district was difficult to govern. Moreover, if left untreated, it
will become a haven for thieves and criminals. Therefore, Khao Yai
Subdistrict was dissolved. and had all the people who lived on the
mountain move down to live below. The forest that was cleared for
farming currently still has traces of open grassland on Khao Yai.
1959 Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat saw that this area of Khao Yai
There is abundant nature. It is also beautiful. Suitable for use as a
place to relax. But there is a problem: there is deforestation.
Therefore, a survey of the area of Khao Yai Derm Subdistrict and
surrounding areas was carried out. The National Park Act was enacted in
1961 and a Royal Decree established Khao Yai as Thailand's first
national park in 1962. In addition, Thanarat Road was ordered to be cut
separately. From Mittraphap Road to Khao Yai, this road up Khao Yai will
split into two roads. That is, it ends at Haew Suwat Waterfall. and ends
at Khao Kheow, another road which before 1982, Thanarat Road was the
only road that could go to Khao Yai.
In 1980, the
Prachinburi-Khao Yai road was cut. This road opened in 1982, making
travel more convenient. and traveling from Bangkok takes a shorter
distance. In addition, the route is steeper and has fewer sharp curves
than the original Thanarat Road. It also makes traveling in the southern
part of the park more convenient, such as being able to travel directly
to Haew Narok Waterfall. Which originally had to be walked in from Pak
Phli District and along the cliff. But by cutting a new road, cars can
be parked and then walk about 1 kilometer to reach Haew Narok Waterfall.
On July 14, 2005, Khao Yai National Park was declared a UNESCO World
Natural Heritage Site along with three other national parks: Thap Lan
National Park Pang Sida National Park and Ta Phraya National Park And
another wildlife sanctuary is Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary under the name
"Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai Forest Group".
Khao Yai National Park
Received the Green National Parks Gold Level (Excellent) award for the
year 2020.
United Arab Airlines Flight 869 crashed in the Khao Yai area while en route from Hong Kong to Don Mueang Airport on 19 July 1962[6], two months before the Royal Decree designating Khao Yai as National parks are in effect. 26 people died
Khao Rom
It is the highest peak of Khao Yai National Park, 1,351
meters above mean sea level. Khao Rom can be seen from Thanarat Road. It
is a mountain range parallel to Khao Kheow. To get to Khao Rom, you have
to walk in by foot. There are very few people who travel up to the top
of Khao Rom. Most of them will be forest officers only.
Khao Laem
Because it is a mountain with a sharp peak, it is called Khao Laem. Khao
Laem is second in height to Khao Rom. Traveling must be done on foot as
well, with a very difficult path. It takes at least 7 hours to walk and
before reaching the top you have to climb a rope to reach the top. With
this difficult path The Rotary Club once offered a prize of 60,000 baht
to women who conquered the Laem peak. The winner was Mrs. Catherine B.
Buri, who conquered the Laem peak in 1972.
The importance of the
route to Khao Laem peak is The route used will pass through the paths of
many animals. Therefore many animal footprints were found. There is also
a chance to meet various wild animals.
Khao Khiao
It is
another high mountain in Khao Yai National Park. It is characterized by
a long mountain range. Can be seen from Nakhon Nayok Province. Traveling
to Khao Kheow can be reached by car to the top. At the top of Khao Kheow
is a radar station for the Royal Thai Air Force. which is open as a
viewpoint There is also a viewpoint and study of the Pha Diao Dai nature
trail. Which is a very beautiful viewpoint.
Khao Sam Yot
Located in the northwest of Khao Yai National Park. It is the origin of
important watersheds. There is also an abundance of wild animals.
Traveling to Khao Sam Yot requires walking and takes approximately 6-8
hours. This route is infested with slugs.
Lightning mountain
It is also in the northwest. Khao Fa Pha is the origin of Lam Nang Rong
which flows into Nang Rong Waterfall in Nakhon Nayok Province. There is
also a radio station of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
located. Travel must be done via a dirt road using a four-wheel drive
vehicle.
Khao Kamphaeng
It is a long mountain range like a
wall, so it is called Khao Kamphaeng. This mountain is the origin of
important rivers such as Lam Phra Phloeng, Lam Phraya Than, Lam Sai Yai,
etc.
Khao Samo Poon
This is evident from Prachinburi and
Nakhon Nayok provinces. Some villagers call it Khao Sung. You can enter
by following the route that villagers regularly search for forest
products. And this route can also pass through to Haew Narok Waterfall.
Khao Kaew
Located to the north of Khao Yai National Park. It is
the origin of Huai Khlong Maduea and Huai Chet Khot.
It can be
seen that there is no mountain named "Khao Yai" at all. This area is
called Khao Yai only after the original sub-district that was
established in the past.
It is a waterfall that originates from Tha Dan Canal. Haew Narok
Waterfall is well known as one of the highest and most beautiful
waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park. Originally, before the
Prachinburi-Khao Yai road was cut, You will have to walk in, taking no
less than 6 hours, but after cutting the Prachinburi-Khao Yai road, The
road passes very close to Haew Narok Waterfall. There is a parking lot
only 1 kilometer from the waterfall. Along the way, you can walk and
admire the beautiful nature on both sides of the road. When reaching the
waterfall, there is a staircase that goes down about 50 meters, which is
quite narrow and steep. But when you go down to the viewpoint, you will
be able to see the splendor of the waterfall beautifully. If you go in
the rainy season, there is a lot of water. The water droplets splash
against the sunlight to form a beautiful rainbow. But if you come to see
it in the dry season, you might be disappointed because there is no
water. Only a dry cliff could be seen.
On the way to this Haew
Narok Waterfall. You will notice the cement embankment line from time to
time. It was built to prevent elephants from falling into the waterfall.
Since 1987, there has always been an elephant or two falling into the
cliff below each year. And in the biggest incident in 1992, a herd of
eight elephants wandered in and were swept away by the current and died.
The national park has therefore created this protection line to prevent
danger to wild elephants from occurring again.
In fact Haew Narok
Waterfall has 2 levels. The one you can see is the 1st level with the
height of the waterfall being about 50 meters. The 2nd and 3rd levels
are further away. This second floor is even higher than the first floor.
In fact, there is a forest trail through the park to the other side of
the cliff to view the second and third waterfalls, but it is not open to
the general public as it is the entrance into the evergreen forest.
There are wild animals out there all the time. If you want to visit, you
should contact the park officials to guide you in for safety. And if you
want to see the most beautiful scenery of the 2nd and 3rd level
waterfalls. You should come to see it in September or October. Because
there will be a lot of water falling in droplets And if you come to see
it around 10 o'clock, it will be the right time for the sunlight to hit
the waterfall droplets to form a rainbow. Overall, the height of the
second and third waterfalls is approximately 150 meters.
Born from Huai Lam Takhong Traveling here requires parking at the Pha
Kluai Mai tent camping area. Then walk along Huai Lam Takhong on foot.
Passing through the rainforest along the way. If you're lucky, you might
see some birds, such as the gray-backed magpie. When you walk about 1.2
kilometers, you will reach Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall. There is a clearly
written sign. Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall is a cliff that is not very high.
The name Namtok Pha Kluai Mai comes from the large number of many types
of orchids. Especially the red rattan orchid which will bloom during the
month of April
Normally, tourists like to view the waterfall
outside only. But if you walk along the rocks for another 100 meters,
you will find the inner waterfall. which is equally beautiful And if you
keep walking along Huai Lam Takhong, you will come to Haew Suwat
Waterfall.
It is another beautiful waterfall in Khao Yai National Park. It is
caused by Huai Lam Takhong flowing down a cliff approximately 25 meters
high and has a pool at the bottom suitable for swimming. But the
national park has a sign announcing that swimming is prohibited due to
fear of a sudden flash flood. In the rainy season, the water that falls
will be scattered everywhere. Makes you feel fresh and cool. But if you
come in the low water season You can walk through it to enter a small
cave beneath the waterfall cliff.
Some people said that The name
of this waterfall is Haew Suwat. Born from a thief named Suwat Fleeing
from the government officials, he was cornered at this waterfall. So I
decided to jump down to the puddle below. But there is no evidence to
confirm it. It's just a story told one after the other.
For this
Huai Lam Takhong After passing Haew Suwat Waterfall There is also Hew
Sai Waterfall and Hew Prathun Waterfall that are even deeper. But you
have to walk through the deep forest and through the slugs. You should
have a guide along as the path is not clear in the deep forest. May
easily get lost
On top of the green mountain You can drive in by car, but the road is
not very good because there are frequent rockslides, causing
considerable damage to the road surface. The road is also steep and has
sharp curves. When you get almost to the top of the mountain, there is
parking near Pha Diao Dai. On the way, you will walk through a nature
study trail. This route has an abundance of various interesting plants
such as Chong Nang Khli, Khao Klam grass, etc. There are also other
large trees which are often covered with moss and are green and look
fresh. And there are also fragrant trees such as agarwood. It takes
about 15 minutes to walk through this rainforest to reach the Pha Diao
Dai viewpoint. Then saw Khao Samo Poon on the right and a field of
pythons in the middle.
If you're lucky, this Pha Diao Dai nature
study route Some rare birds may be found, such as hornbills, black
bulbuls, and snare-tailed sunbirds, etc.
Located a little beyond the entrance to the Pha Diao Dai nature study
trail. It is the entrance to the Air Force's radar center. This area is
actually a military zone. But it has been arranged for the general
public to visit the Pha Trom Jai viewpoint. When you look out, you will
see a wide field of grass as far as the eye can see. This area is quite
quiet as it is a military zone and is far from other tourist
attractions. Traveling is also quite difficult because of the distance
and bad roads. Few people come. The atmosphere is quiet and there are
many types of birds to study. On some days, there will be a photographer
with a camera and a large lens for photographing birds who will sit
quietly and wait for the birds to perch on the branches and take
pictures.
Additionally, within the radar center there is another
rock cliff which offers a beautiful view. But general tourists are not
allowed to enter.
It is a reservoir for consumption within the area of Khao Yai National Park. and to be a source of water for wildlife It was built by Mr. Bunruang Saisorn, the first head of Khao Yai National Park in 1981. During this construction period Mr. Bunruang has returned to the position of superintendent for the second term. It was originally called the Mo Singto Reservoir. It was called after the name of Khao Mor Singto which is in front of the reservoir which has a shape similar to a lion. But later in 2007 the name was changed to Sai Sorn Reservoir in honor of Mr. Bunruang Sai Sorn, the former head of the first Khao Yai National Park (P. 2503-2506) who played a pioneering role in the establishment of the park. And do not let the general public misunderstand that there are lions living in Khao Yai National Park.
Originally, there used to be villagers who came to occupy areas to live on Khao Yai. and clearing the forest to grow some vegetables such as coriander, chili, etc., using the water source, Nong Phak Coriander, for agriculture When the authorities ordered to evacuate from Khao Yai The area that used to grow crops is now abandoned and has tall grass growing. It is a source of food for herbivores, which come to graze in this area regularly. The National Park has built the Nong Phak Chi Animal Observatory to watch animals that come down to eat grass. The animals usually come down to eat grass in the early morning and evening.
The national park was created for tourists to use to see animals that
come down to eat salt licks. There are 3 locations in total:
Nong
Phak Chi Animal Observatory
Lion Animal Observatory
Khlong Pla
Kang Animal Observatory
All of these animal viewing towers will be
built near the salt lick because animals will come down to eat the salt
lick. Most of which are seen to be deer. There are some wild elephants,
but less. And if you're lucky, you may have the opportunity to see a
bull come down to eat a salt lick, which is very rare. The greatest
chance of seeing a bison is found at the Khlong Pla Kang Animal
Observatory.
If traveling from the Prachinburi side This viewpoint is the last
stop before descending from Khao Yai National Park to Pak Chong
District. At this point, tourists often stop to take photos as a
souvenir before descending from Khao Yai. Because you will see a view
behind you that extends into a beautiful complex mountain range. And on
a quiet day Many types of birds may be seen perched on the branches in
this area. There will sometimes be photographers setting up cameras to
take pictures of birds.
The scenery that can be seen from this
point is as follows: Khao Luk on the left is Khao Luk Chang. There is a
bat cave. At dusk, bats may be seen flying out of the cave in chains in
search of food. Seen as a long black line cutting across the horizon.
The furthest mountain range is Khao Phaeng Ma, which is tens of
kilometers away. The open field in the middle in the shadow of the
clouds is a trace of the clearing of forest for farming before it was
established as a national park. In this open field you can see a number
of houses. It is part of Ban Tha Maprang. and on the right you will see
three or four other small peaks, which are part of the Kamphaeng
mountain which extends to the east. These include Khao Phaeng Ma, Khao
Wang Hin, Khao Pha Chaeng, Khao Rim Hua, and Khao Saeng Kham,
respectively.
Located on the 23rd kilometer marker of Thanarat Road, Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat planned it to be built in remembrance of Palad Jang. who successfully defeated bandits on Khao Yai more than 70 years ago. Tourists always come to pay homage, and every January 26th there is a ceremony to commemorate the kindness of Palad Jang who took care of this area in the past.
Well-known pongs such as Pong Nong Phak Chi, Pong Chang, Pong
Krathing, and Pong Club of Friends, etc. This friend club's pong is an
artificial pong. That is, humans are the ones who put mineral salts in
the soil for animals to eat. Built since 1974, natural salt licks will
also be added. This is because over time the natural mineral salts will
be depleted. Adding mineral salts will cause animals to come and eat the
salt licks at that salt lick as before, making it easier for us to
explore and view wildlife. And wildlife doesn't have to find a new salt
lick.
The important problem is Humans have come close to Pong to
see the animals. This will cause animals to become frightened and not
come down to eat salt licks again. Some pongs have almost become
deserted, such as the Nong Phak Chi pong. In the past, there used to be
bulls who regularly came down to eat the salt licks, but nowadays no
bulls come down to eat the salt licks anymore. The last time a bull was
seen at Pong Nong Phak Chi was in 1981. It means that in this period,
Pong Nong Phak Chi has far fewer animals coming out to eat the salt
marsh than before, etc.
An important example that confirms that
human disturbance has affected the eating of salt licks by animals is
that there was originally a large salt lick. There are many types of
animals that regularly come to eat salt licks. But now it has become a
deserted pond. It's a plane crash. It got its name from an Arab Airlines
plane that crashed in this area. (Correcting with the 31st kilometer
mark on Thanarat Road) a total of 23 people died. When the accident
occurred, officials cleared the forest to make a path to transport the
bodies of the victims from the wreckage of the plane. And after that, a
path was cut from the forest clearing to the remains of the plane crash
and then cut to Haew Suwat Waterfall to become a hiking route. Including
the construction of a mall to watch animals at night in the area of this
plane crash area as well. All of this causes disturbance to wildlife. As
a result, the plane crashed and eventually became an abandoned pong.
Traveling to Khao Yai National Park Can travel in 2 ways as follows:
1. Go up the mountain at Pak Chong which is the original route Built
since 1962, traveling through Mittraphap Road. When reaching Pak Chong
District, there will be an intersection onto Thanarat Road. From
Mittraphap Road, follow Thanarat Road for approximately 20 kilometers to
the toll gate. Nearby is the location of the Khao Yai Shrine. Or the
deputy sergeant who suppressed bandits on Khao Yai 80 years ago from
this toll gate. You have to travel approximately 20 kilometers to reach
the tourist center. This route is quite steep compared to the new route
up the mountain on the Prachinburi side. On both sides of the road is
evergreen forest, there is a tiger grove, a cobra grove, and an elephant
grove, etc., where once in a while you may see animals walking on the
main road. Especially the monkeys, which may number in the hundreds and
block traffic. You should use extreme caution while driving as there are
frequent accidents between driving and hitting monkeys.
2. Go up
the mountain on the Prachinburi side It is a road that was newly cut in
1982, which if traveling from Bangkok It is considered convenient and
closer than the Pak Chong side. Also, the ascent is slightly less steep.
By driving along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road. When you reach Nakhon Nayok
city, turn onto Suwannason Road (No. 33) towards Prachinburi. Travel
until you reach the roundabout, turn left onto Prachinburi-Khao Yai
Road. which is counted from this roundabout It is about 40 kilometers
from the tourist center, but if coming from this direction, it will be
closer to Haew Narok Waterfall. There aren't as many animals on this
side of the trail as there are on the Pak Chong side. But there are just
as many monkeys, and you should drive with caution as well.
There are houses, row houses. and camping Providing services to
tourists in 4 areas, including the tourist service center area Mountain
area - viewpoint Suraswadi camp area and Thanarat House area Each
district is quite far apart, so tourists who have already reserved
accommodations and services You should contact the national park housing
and service staff near the visitor center first. so that the staff can
give you the keys to your accommodation Recommended routes to enter the
accommodation and other advice that is useful for traveling in Khao Yai
National Park before staying
Place to set up a tent
There are
tent sites at various points and tents for rent. Reservations for tent
accommodation can be made by contacting the national park for details
and booking accommodation directly.
Open from 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Monday - Friday and 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM on Saturday - Sunday. There are 5 locations:
Pha Kluai Mai tent camping area
Lam Taklong tent camping area
Haew Suwat Waterfall area
Haew Narok Waterfall area
Tourist
Service Center
Tourist Service Center It is close to Khao Yai
National Park. It is large enough to accommodate at least 150 visitors
at one time. This area has a conference room that can hold up to 100
people and is used for lectures, slide shows, and movies.
There is a two-way road system connecting from the service.
Thoroughly go to various tourist and recreation spots. Total length is
more than 86 kilometers. There is electricity and water available 24
hours a day.
toilet
There are toilets available at tourist
service points. and the tent area