Khao Yai National Park: A Journey to the Heart of Nature

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of four provinces – Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, and Prachinburi – lies Khao Yai National Park, a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty. As the first national park established in Thailand, Khao Yai holds the prestigious title of ASEAN Heritage Park and is recognized as a significant global park.

Embarking on a journey to Khao Yai is an invitation to immerse oneself in the wonders of nature. The crisp mountain air, the symphony of birdsong, and the lush greenery create an atmosphere of tranquility and rejuvenation. Whether it's camping under the starry sky, trekking through dense forests, or simply admiring the breathtaking landscapes, Khao Yai offers a myriad of experiences for nature enthusiasts.

This journey begins with a drive from Korat, the starting point for this adventure. With four eager travelers and a car packed with camping gear, the anticipation for the upcoming adventure is palpable. The journey itself is a scenic prelude to the wonders that await within the park.

Upon arrival at the park, the first glimpse of the serene reservoir at Sai Yai sets the tone for the trip. The crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding greenery, creating a picture-perfect postcard moment. This is just a taste of the natural beauty that awaits exploration within the park's boundaries.

Som began her trip by leaving her home in Korat in the morning.
She traveled at a leisurely pace, not wanting to rush. Som prefers to travel on weekdays
because there is less traffic and fewer people, making the trip more enjoyable for her.
She arrived at Khao Yai around 9:30 am and needed to take care of breakfast first.
An army marches on its stomach, so Som stopped at the restaurant "Isan Lao."
She had eaten there once before, and she and her husband enjoyed it. The food is delicious,
the prices are not too expensive, and the staff is attentive. So she decided to go back.
When she arrived early in the morning, there were no other customers, which was perfect for her.
She ordered tom yum soup, herb-roasted chicken, fried pork sausage, and pork waterfall.
The food was still as delicious as she remembered.
Before the food arrived, the staff offered her fruit juice,
and after the meal, they offered her dessert.

Isan Lao is located on Kut Kla-Phanasuk Road, Moo Si, before Khao Yai National Park, opposite Birder's Lodge.

After a satisfying meal, we continued our journey.
Our destination was Lam Takhong Campground in Khao Yai National Park, where we planned to camp overnight.
Som paid the park entrance fee of 40 baht per adult and 50 baht for car parking.

There are two popular camping spots in the park: Lam Ta Khong Campsite and Pha Kluai Mai Campsite. Tourists can choose the one they prefer. The park offers tent rentals and camping equipment. Some areas have pre-pitched tents, while others allow visitors to set up their own tents. Camping is allowed by the river or under the trees. (I couldn't find the rental prices.) Visitors can also bring their own tents and equipment. The park charges a camping fee of 30 baht per person. Payment can be made at the tourist service center at the campsite or to park rangers during their evening rounds.

Lam Ta Khong Campsite has a convenience store selling drinks, snacks, and cooked-to-order food. When I visited around 4-5 pm, it was closed. If you plan to eat there, arrive early. There's also a new coffee shop where I had a decent lemon tea for 40 baht, which is reasonable.

Lam Ta Khong Tent Site, Khao Yai National Park

The Lam Ta Khong Tent Site is a spacious grassy area with a riverside location where visitors can choose to pitch their tents. Alternatively, they can set up camp in the designated area further inland. Large trees provide ample shade during the day.

One of the highlights of this site is the presence of wild deer. During the day, these deer roam freely and independently. However, at night, if food and belongings are not properly stored, they may become a nuisance, rummaging through and scattering items. This was the experience of the writer on a previous visit, but this time, they were prepared and avoided such an incident.

I arrived around 11 am. It wasn't crowded, and the breeze was cool. The weather was pleasant, even though it was sunny. Some people were setting up tents, while others were sitting and watching.
For this trip, I brought my own tent, bedding, supplies, and food. We went with four people and two tents.
I arrived early and set up everything. Then we sat and talked, soaking up the atmosphere.
We didn't go anywhere else. The area where we chose to camp was great. It had large trees that provided shade.
We parked our car right next to our campsite.
Family trips like this are truly blissful.
If you haven't tried it yet, I encourage you to give it a go.

Today's meals: For lunch, I brought stir-fried pork with basil and rice from home. For dinner, I prepared marinated pork for grilling, along with tom yum soup with meatballs. I also brought a pre-packaged rice for the evening.

A Look at the Restrooms at Khao Yai National Park

After looking at the food, let's take a look at the restrooms. This is very important when camping, as there are no readily available bathrooms like at home.

The restrooms at Khao Yai National Park are quite clean. When I arrived, it seemed like they had just been cleaned. There are multiple restroom facilities throughout the park, separated by gender. Each restroom area has approximately 6-8 shower stalls and toilets, along with several sinks. On a weekday with fewer visitors, the facilities were very comfortable to use.

The park closes around 10 pm, with only the restrooms remaining lit. As a result, a flashlight is essential, especially for late-night bathroom visits.

Sai Sorn Reservoir

The Sai Sorn Reservoir serves as a source of water for domestic and drinking purposes within Khao Yai National Park. It also offers stunning panoramic views.

Left Khao Yai National Park.
Som went to visit the sunflower field, newly opened.
Phrao Tawan Farm, Khao Yai.
Located opposite Toscana Valley.
Officially opened on December 1st.
Entrance fee is 20 baht.

After admiring the sunflowers, we decided to grab some coffee.
The cafe is located opposite Phrao Tawan Farm in Khao Yai, next to Toscana Valley.
The name of the cafe is Tonkhao Coffee Princess.
I ordered green tea, which was delicious and not too sweet. I loved it!
I really like this cafe. The decoration is very sweet, just like a princess.

Khao Yai National Park Camping Trip Summary

Distance: 127 km from Nakhon Ratchasima

Accommodation:

• Bungalows and campsites available
• Tent, bedding, stove, and tarpaulin rentals available
• Convenience store and coffee shop on-site
• Restrooms, showers, dishwashing area, and barbecue area available

Camping:

• Lights out around 10 pm, bring a flashlight
• Choose your campsite freely
• No need to book in advance unless it's a holiday or festival

Wildlife:

• Keep food and belongings inside your tent or car after meals to avoid attracting deer
• This protects your belongings and prevents harm to the animals

Weather:

• Mild weather during the visit, around 18-20 degrees Celsius
• Strong winds at night, secure your tent properly
• Bring warm clothes for adequate warmth

Fees:

• Adults: 40 baht
• Car parking: 50 baht
• Camping: 30 baht per person

Important:

• Please be mindful of noise levels and avoid disturbing others
• Respect the park and its environment

Note: This translation focuses on conveying the essential information from the original text. It does not include the original formatting or personal anecdotes.