Khao Yai Experiences
Stories from Thailand’s World Heritage ParkArchive for Visits
Five great places to stay
Cabbages & Condoms
Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant and Resort at Sap Tai is nestled in a valley surrounded by the steep limestone hills of Khao Yai National Park.
Established by Thailand’s Population & Community Development Association, the resort once acted as a Community Development Centre but now focuses on catering to visitors. Profits still contribute to rural development, education and scholarships, HIV/AIDS and sexual health awareness, as well as environmental protection.
Pannaburee Resort
“No air-condintioning, no TV, no fridge – just you, your friends and nature,” is the slogan of this simple but comfortable resort, located within easy striking distance of Khao Yai.
Nicknamed ‘Little Pai’, this is a great place to relax, with canoeing, cycling or just chillin’ at the bar among the alternatives for those ‘all hiked out’.
Greenleaf Guesthouse & Tour
Basic backpacker accommodation, but Greenleaf’s wildlife tours are worth taking even if you don’t stay at the guesthouse. Full and half-day tours led by experienced English-speaking guides will usually encounter wild elephants, hornbills, bats, macaques and other colourful Khao Yai inhabitants.
Camping/Park Accommodation
During the dry season, camping is one of the most fun ways to stay at Khao Yai. Wake up inside World Heritage forest to the sound of gibbon calls. If a tent isn’t your style, bungalows and terraces can also be reserved through the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation – it’s a popular option, so book ahead.
Staying inside the park helps support Khao Yai’s upkeep. Make sure to dispose of any rubbish at the allocated points or take it with you, and bring some extra warm clothing – Khao Yai can get cold at night.
Village Homestay
Adventurous travelers who stay with a family in one of the many villages dotted around Khao Yai will enjoy a unique experience. Homestay offers a chance to see how local people live, taste home-cooked thai food, and see FREELAND’s sustainable development projects in action. But be warned, people in the villages around Khao Yai are not wealthy – housing is extremely basic.
These suggestions are provided independently. Other environmentally responsible or interesting recommendations are welcome.
Explore Khao Yai without leaving a footprint
Explore Khao Yai from anywhere in the world by delving into three-dimensional photographs featured online.
Amazing panophotographic views of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including several spots in Khao Yai National Park, can be viewed on the non-profit website World-heritage-tour.org
We think they’re worth checking out, especially if you can’t make it to Khao Yai in the flesh.
Things to do with leech socks
When Khao Yai’s trails get wet, leeches come out to feed on unsuspecting hikers. Luckily, protective socks can be purchased from park stations for around 50THB ($1.5 USD).
After a long trek, handing your smelly leech socks to an armed ranger is not advised! So hang on to them.
Emblazoned with a flying hornbill, Khao Yai leech socks make a nice souvenir. Or with a little creativity they can become:
- A Christmas stocking
- The stars of a sock puppet show
- Cover for your hockey stick, golf club or didgeridoo
- A zany fashion statement
- …
Got an idea for recycling leech socks? Add your comment below…
Sustainable Visitor’s Guide Now Available
With information on hiking and park highlights, FREELAND’s newly launched Khao Yai Sustainable Visitor’s Guide (PDF 275kb) is a must read for anyone thinking of visiting this amazing World Heritage listed National Park.
The Guide contains advice on getting to Khao Yai and booking accommodation for overnight stays. Some of Khao Yai’s best sights and activities are featured, with a map of selected short hikes. The Guide also contains information on wildlife and park conservation, as well as tips on limiting the impact of your visit.
Students learn about conservation at Khao Yai
Earlier this month, 300 students attending the Sai Jai Thai Youth Camp spent three days in Khao Yai to learn about the forest, its wildlife, and the importance of nature conservation.
The Sai Jai Thai Youth Camp allows students from the South of Thailand, many from families affected by the 2004 tsunami, to experience a new environment and learn about other parts of the country, including the World Heritage Listed Khao Yai National Park.
Khao Yai and FREELAND staff assisted with fun educational activities, including hiking in the forest; bird watching and wildlife spot lighting; singing folk songs; and hands-on learning with animal bones and paw print casts.
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Khao Yai Sustainable Visitor's Guide (PDF 275kb)