A 3 hour drive from Bangkok lies a metropolis stuffed with wineries, farms, and big floral fields. Wait what? That exists in Thailand? Sure it does, and you could find all of it in Khao Yai. Right here’s cowl all of the must-eat-see-do on this 4D3N Khao Yai itinerary.
Bangkok has been my go-to getaway each time there’s a brief window for travelling. Flights are pretty low cost (being solely 3 hours away), meals is scrumptious and reasonably priced meals, and it’s straightforward to get round. However there’s solely a lot the town can proceed to excite us stressed travellers.
Proper after we landed in Bangkok this time, we drove 3 hours north to the town of Khao Yai the place we spent 4 days exploring locations we hardly anticipated to see in Thailand.
Pre-trip Necessities
Finest time to go to: Khao Yai is mostly a couple of levels cooler than Bangkok however the cool climate and clear skies are greatest skilled in the course of the post-monsoon/winter season between November – February (flights then are comparatively low cost too!). Common temperatures within the day hover round a snug mid-20 and drop to 10–15°C at evening.
Getting round: Many key sights will be as much as an hour’s drive away. There are additionally no metered taxis nor experience hailing apps round right here. We booked an reasonably priced 4-day non-public automotive constitution by means of Klook which gave us full freedom to determine what we wished to expertise every day in Khao Yai. Extra on that beneath!
Connectivity: 8-day limitless information SIM card (choose up from BKK airport)
Journey insurance coverage: TravelCare covers medical abroad bills together with adventurous actions cowl (begins from $4.50/day)
Learn additionally: 11 Whimsical Lodging in Khao Yai for an Additional Magical Vacation
Day 1
Arrive in Bangkok
When you’re touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you’ll be able to spot the drivers ready outdoors Gate 4 with distinct orange (Klook) signboards. We met our driver, purchased some breakfast and had been on our approach.
*Professional-tip: The experience will take 2.5–3 hours so seize your self some meals on the airport’s Household Mart. You may get a fairly respectable Thai Basil Rice set with a runny fried egg for ฿65.
Yellow Submarine Espresso Tank
After a 2.5-hour drive, we took a espresso cease on the Yellow Submarine Espresso Tank. The black partitions and minimalist structure attracts many locals who use the assorted corners for a mini photoshoot.
However don’t simply come for the photographs, some notable objects on the menu embrace their Hokkaido Espresso (฿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 properly with the vanilla ice cream.
Value: From ฿140/dish
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Mon – Thu), 9AM – 7PM (Fri – Solar), closed on Tues and PH
Deal with: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
*Be aware: Is perhaps closed on weekdays in the course of the off-season
Primo Piazza
Only a 3-minute drive from Yellow Submarine Espresso 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 underneath the noon solar.
However 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 photographs with the animals 😀.
Entrance price: ฿200
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Fri – Mon), closed from Tue – Thu
Deal with: 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 just a little buying executed. Entrance is free and we had 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 had been transported out of Thailand for a bit. It’d additionally add to the expertise for those who’re visiting in the course of the cooler winter seasons the place night temperatures drop to 16–20°C!
Entrance price: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM
Deal with: 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 means of little Italy, we had been craving some homely Thai meals and chanced upon Kua Kampan — a 10-minute drive from Palio. Its cosy, open-air setting and reasonably priced costs turned out to be fairly fashionable with native vacationers.
The centrepiece is a modified boat made to accommodate a few tables on the deck. Fashionable dishes listed here are the Crimson Curry with Snails (฿200) — snails had been alright however the curry was actually good, and Crimson Ruby Fish (฿320) — the fish was large! If there are solely two of you, the grilled mackerel (฿220) is an effective different.
Value: From ฿200/dish
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
Deal with: 94-94 / 1 Moo 6, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Day 2
PB Wine Valley
Begin 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 situations are excellent for rising sure sorts of wine grapes in addition to different seasonal fruits you could find right here.
The tour leaves 4 instances every day (9:30AM, 11AM, 1:30PM, and 3PM) and can convey you thru vineyards, the wine manufacturing unit, and naturally, to style some wine. Children 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.
Value: From S$29/pax for a 70-minute tour across the vineyard (contains 3 wine tasters)
Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM (Solar – Thu), 8AM – 10PM (Fri and Sat)
Deal with: 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. Sadly, we couldn’t ebook the tour however heard nice critiques 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 means of pre-booking).
When you miss the farm tour, there are additionally ATV rides (฿360) that convey you into the forest and an open farm with sheep and horses you’ll be able to feed for ฿40. There’s additionally a Chokchai museum that homes a variety of collections from cowboy merchandise to classic vehicles and cameras.
Value: ฿300 for a 2-hour Farm Tour
Farm excursions: 10AM and 2PM (Tues – Fri); 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM (Sat, Solar and PH) Open on Monday provided that it’s a PH.
Deal with: 169 หมู่ที่ 2 Thanon Mittraphap, Nong Nam Daeng, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
*Be aware: 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. Whereas strolling in, you’ll see an in depth assortment of characters like Superman, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and even Colonel Sanders. Strolling by means of the hall to our tables was a complete 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 had been all actually tasty and priced affordably.
Value: From ฿60/dish
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
Deal with: 21, Mittaphap Street, Tambon Pak Chong, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130, Thailand
Baan Suan Noi (Hobbit Home)
After lunch, wean off your meals coma with a 40-minute nap within the automotive earlier than arriving at Baan Suan Noi; often called the Hobbit Home. Primarily an lodging (that will get booked up actually rapidly) you may also go to simply to take photographs and discover the world.
There’s even a complete room filled with costumes starting from Snow White to Harry Potter and naturally, The Hobbit characters. A number of the unbooked rooms are even left open for anybody to discover.
There are 13 themed rooms in both Hobbit or Santorini fashion.
Should 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 had been in Santorini.
Value: ฿50 (Entrance Solely); ฿100 (Entrance + Costume Rental)
Opening hours: 8AM – 11PM
Deal with: Lat Bua Khao, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30340, Thailand
Dinner at Midwinter Inexperienced
Up for a fortress eating expertise? Head to Midwinter Inexperienced an hour earlier than the solar units so you’ll be able to see the place when there’s nonetheless pure gentle but in addition at its most lovely when the outside lights go on.
When you’re visiting within the cooler seasons, ask for the outside seats so you’ll be able to benefit from the cool night breeze and dwell music, whereas eating with a view of the fortress.
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.
Value: From ฿295/dish
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (Solar – Thu), closes at 11PM on Fri and Sat
Deal with: 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 Nationwide Park
Spanning throughout 2,000 sq. kilometres, Khao Yai Nationwide Park is a UNESCO World Heritage web site and is dwelling to a number of wildlife like elephants, deers, otters and gibbons.
You’ll be able to seize a map from the Customer Centre earlier than happening self-guided treks to take a look at waterfalls and viewpoints the place you’ll be able to overlook the huge greenland. A lot 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 price: ฿400 and ฿50/automotive
Opening hours: 6AM – 6PM
Haew Narok Waterfall
Ranging from the furthest level, and likewise the tallest waterfall within the Nationwide Park, Haew Narok measures 100m excessive. From the closest drop-off level, it’s a straightforward 900m stroll to the lookout level.
When you’re recreation, there’s additionally a rocky path from the left facet of the barrier the place you’ll be able to climb right down to the bottom. It would look actually steep however you’ll see a number of households with younger youngsters making an attempt the path too.
Advisable time: 1.5 hours
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
Pa Deo Die Cliff (Additionally 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 the perfect. There’s a raised picket path that makes the cliff simply accessible and a spherical journey across the path solely takes 15 – 20 minutes.
Though there are indicators warning in opposition to getting too near the sting, the flat boulders are fairly protected to hold your legs over as you benefit from the panoramic view upfront.
Advisable time: 30 – 45 minutes
Haew Suwat Waterfall
Haew Suwat Waterfall is far 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 more likely to get a photograph with out getting photobombed. The waterfall is 25m excessive and splits into two separate streams. You’ll be able to even stroll to the again of the waterfall though you’ll most likely get just a little bit moist.
Advisable time: 1 hour
Night time Safari
On the customer centre, you’ll be able to pre-book your evening safari for ฿500 a automotive (matches as much as 10 pax) which matches out at two timings (7PM and 8PM). Though for those who’re fortunate (like us 😀) you’ll be able to spot wild elephants in the course of the day from the grassland between Haew Narok and the customer centre.
Fashionable animals noticed on the safari experience aside from elephants embrace deer, otters, oxes and gibbons.
Value: ฿500/automobile
Time: 1 hour
*Professional-tip: Convey alongside a sweater as temperatures are inclined to dip fairly a bit at evening.
Pak Chong Night time Market
After a complete day of mountain climbing, the yummy road meals on the Pak Chong Night time Market was a deal with.
Not essentially the most appetising however it wasn’t as unhealthy as anticipated!
A few of our favorite finds right here had been the Mango Sticky Rice (฿60 for a complete mango and beneficiant servings of rice), contemporary fruits like papaya (฿20, neatly lower and packed in a field), instantaneous noodle salad (฿60) and the Chilli Cheese Fries (฿39).
Value: From ฿20/dish
Opening hours: 5PM – 10PM
Deal with: 2422 Tambon Pak Chong, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Learn additionally: Thailand Street Journey Information: 5 Epic Concepts Underneath 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 Manufacturing facility
Though referred to as the Chocolate Manufacturing facility, this glass constructing is definitely extra of a restaurant with a pastry and chocolate retailer on the primary ground.
While you enter, there’s additionally a small glass kitchen the place you’ll be able to 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
Deal with: 352 Moo 2 Thanarat Rd. T. Musee Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Jim Thompson Farm
Saving the perfect for the final (partially additionally as a result of it was essentially the most out of the way in which), it takes about 2 hours to drive to the Jim Thompson Farm however for those who love flowers, the size of those flower fields are properly price 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 average visitors.
There’s a meals court docket inside the Jim Thompson Farm at very reasonably priced costs. Seize a bowl of noodles or rice with curry earlier than heading off for the airport.
*Be aware: Completely closed
1) Luxurious: 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 attractive you don’t actually wish to go away the resort, no kidding!
The realm is surrounded by mountains, loads of greenery and to not point out how cutely designed the lodging is. You get to choose from three decisions:
Loft Tree home — has one double and two single beds
Deluxe Savana Tent — comes with connected bathe and bathroom
Eco Safari Tent — no connected rest room however comes with a lounge space, a fridge, a settee and a TV.
We bought the Eco Safari Tent as all of the others had been absolutely booked however liked each little bit of it! The shared loos weren’t too distant from the tents, modernly designed and had been exceptionally clear!
Breakfast with a view.
All of the tents include air con though for those who’re right here from November to January, you’ll wish to roll down the tent home windows and benefit from the cool, crisp air outdoors.
Did we point out there’s additionally a stunning infinity pool overlooking the lake?!
Value: ฿3750 (~S$177) for the Eco Safari Tent (Excessive season value)
Deal with: 515 Moo 5 Musi Pakchong Nakhonratchasima, Tambon Mu Si, Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
2) Enjoyable: The Children Journey Khao Yai
Positioned simply 500m from the northern entrance of Khao Yai Nationwide Park, The Children Journey Khao Yai is a superb mid-range different.
These are two storied lofts with connected loos in a small however cosy house. Although as a result of the beds are situated upstairs and chilly air sinks, you may wish to flip the air con just a little colder than you’re normally used to.
Being a kid-friendly lodging, there are free archery and golf stations you should use anytime.
Value: From S$34.55/evening
Deal with: 91 Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
3) Funds: At Dwelling Hostel
Photograph credit score: Reserving.com
Positioned inside strolling distance from Pak Chong Night time Market, At Dwelling Hostel is likely one of the first few that opened in Khao Yai and is run by a pleasant couple.
Photograph credit score: Reserving.com
It’s nice for those who’re right here with out your individual non-public driver as you’ll be able to meet and share transport with the opposite friends staying right here.
Photograph credit score: Reserving.com
Value: ~S$17/pax for a dorm mattress
Deal with: 27 Soi 1 Tesaban16 St., Nakhon Ratchasima Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province 30130, Thailand
Khao Yai Customized Excursions
How this tradition tour works is, you’ll be assigned a driver who’ll choose you up from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang or your resort) and drive 3 hours north to Khao Yai. Every day, you’ll be able to plan out a 12–hour itinerary to suit round three to 5 points of interest relying on the gap.
Learn additionally: Final Khao Yai Information — 25 Issues to Do in Khao Yai
The common salon vehicles will cater for 3 to 4 passengers however for those who’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 had been so much decrease!
When reserving, make sure you have your itinerary prepared as you’ll have to enter the main points throughout reserving. We picked Bundle B as a result of we wished to cowl locations just like the Hobbit Home and the Jim Thompson Farm that are additional away. When you’d prefer to comply with our itinerary, right here’s the concise model:
Day 1: Yellow Submarine Espresso Tank, Primo Piazza, Palio, Kua Kampan, again to lodging
Day 2: PB Wine Valley, Farm Chokchai, Ban Mai Chay Nam Restaurant, Hobbit Home, Midwinter Inexperienced, again to the lodging
Day 3: Khao Yai Nationwide Park, Pak Chong Night time Market
Day 4: Chocolate Manufacturing facility, Jim Thompson Farm, Suvarnabhumi Airport
For PB Wine Valley and Farm Chokchai, make sure you name up the workplace to make reservations for the tour a minimum of sooner or later earlier than going. For us, we arrived on a Sunday and lots of excursions had been absolutely booked however our driver was typically fairly versatile about making on-the-spot improvisations. Simply make sure you have a listing of all of the locations you plan to cowl and your driver may help plan essentially the most environment friendly route.
We hope you discovered this 4D3N Khao Yai itinerary helpful!
Learn additionally: 5D4N Khao Kho Itinerary — The ‘Thai Alps’ simply outdoors Bangkok
This text was first revealed on 17 Dec 2017 and up to date on the date above! If spot any adjustments to the areas, do tell us within the feedback beneath so we will maintain the content material up to date and contemporary!
This publish was dropped at you by Klook.
