Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Need to Know
BEST TIME TO VISIT
November to March
TOP TIP
A good guide will know
where to look for wildlife, depending on seasonality and animal behaviour
For
further coverage,
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Khao Yai National Park Don't Miss
List
BY RITTICHAI (NINE) KENGSUNGNOEN, GUIDE AT GREENLEAF GUESTHOUSE
1 BIRD-WATCHING
On most days we'll see hornbills, which can be found at fruit-bearing fig trees.
There's nothing like hearing the whooshing sound of a great hornbill flying over
your head. Khao Yai has one of Thailand's largest populations of hornbills, in-
cluding the great hornbill (
nók gòk
or
nók gah·hang
), wreathed hornbill (
nók
grahm cháhng;
literally, 'elephant-jaw bird'), Indian pied hornbill
(nók kàak)
and
brown hornbill
(nók ngêuak sĕe nám đahn)
. The park's bird list boasts 315 spe-
cies.
2 ANIMAL-WATCHING
It is also common to see snakes, elephants and gibbons. Animals can often be
found at different spots in the park depending on the season. For example, at
waterfalls and streams you can find snakes and lots of insects, and at fig trees
bearing fruit, you can easily spot gibbons. Elephants are sometimes spotted in
the evenings, travelling along the road.
3 TREKKING
It is a good idea to hire a guide for trekking because the trails aren't well marked
and people do occasionally get lost. A guide will also know where the animals
are feeding in the forest. I got involved in guiding after I lost my job as result of
