Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1000m); and savannah and secondary-growth forest in areas where agriculture and log-
ging occurred before the park was protected.
Some 200 elephants tramp the park's boundaries. Other mammals include tigers, leo-
pards, bears, gaur, barking deer, otters, various gibbons and macaques, and some rather
large pythons. Khao Yai's bird list boasts 392 species, and one of Thailand's largest popu-
lations of hornbills lives here, including the great hornbill ( nók gòk or nók gah·hang ).
The main entrance is south of Pak Chong, but there's a second, seldom-used southern
entrance in Prachinburi Province.
Sights & Activities
Waterfalls
Khao Yai has many waterfalls. Little Nam Tok Kong Kaew , sits right behind the visitor centre
while Nam Tok Haew Narok in the far south of the park (an 800m walk from the parking area),
whose three levels combine to form a 150m drop, is the biggest. The beauty award,
however, goes to 25m Nam Tok Haew Suwat , which scooped a starring role in Danny Boyle's
film The Beach . It has water year-round, and you can walk down to the bottom, but
swimming isn't allowed. Though easily reached by car, Haew Suwat can also be accessed
by a couple of footpaths including the Kong Kaew-Haew Suwat Trail.
Wildlife
There are several viewpoints and salt licks (often attracting elephants in the early morning and
evening) along the roads through the park. There's a good chance of seeing gibbons and
hornbills on the Kong Kaew-Haew Suwat Trail, and it's probably the best footpath for
spotting elephants, though encounters here are unlikely; the roads are better for elephant-
spotting.
The Nong Phak Chi observation tower overlooks a little lake and a salt lick, and is one of the
best wildlife-spotting spots in the park. This is the most likely place you'll see a tiger, but
you have to be very lucky (like lottery-winner lucky) to do so. In the early evening, deer
congregate at the visitor centre and campgrounds.
Hiking
The Nong Phak Chi observation tower can be reached via a couple of walking trails; the
shortest way (900m) to the tower starts 1.8km north of the visitor centre, and it's a wide,
well-maintained path. Trekkers can also get to the observation tower either by a 5.4km
Search WWH ::




Custom Search