Khao Yai: Jungle & Wildlife
UNESCO jungle, wild elephants, a 150-metre waterfall. Thailand's oldest national park, a few hours from Bangkok.
Early start — 6:30–7:30 AM: Pickup is between 6:30–7:30 AM — be ready in your hotel lobby by the earliest time.
About this tour
Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Forest — 2,000 square kilometres of primary jungle, grassland and rivers just a few hours from Bangkok. Wild elephants, hornbills, gibbons and deer move through the same terrain they've occupied for centuries. The day includes guided trails, a waterfall stop and a lot of time simply paying attention. Whether or not you see the elephants, the jungle itself is worth the early start.
Tour Highlights
- Guided jungle trails in primary forest — hornbills in the canopy, gibbons in the trees, fresh elephant tracks and the possibility of a direct sighting
- Haew Narok Falls — 150 metres of waterfall dropping through three tiers into the jungle below, the largest in the park
- Monika's ecological knowledge of Khao Yai — the animals, the ecosystem and the UNESCO designation that has protected this forest since 1962
- The park at its best in the early morning — when the light is low and the animals are moving
Itinerary
Tour runs approx. 12hHotel Pickup
A very early departure — your guide meets you at 6:30 AM. The drive northeast passes through Bangkok's outer districts before the landscape opens into the central plains and the road rises toward the park.
Arrival at Khao Yai National Park
Enter the park and begin with a briefing from Monika — the wildlife you might see today, how to move quietly in the forest and what the ecosystem you're about to walk through actually consists of.
Guided Jungle Trail
A guided walk through primary forest. Monika identifies birds, plants and animal tracks, and explains what you're walking through. Wildlife on any given day depends on the animals. Monika knows where to look.
Haew Narok Falls
Khao Yai's largest waterfall — 150 metres in three tiers. A jungle trail leads to the viewpoint above the main drop. In the wet season the volume is extraordinary; in the dry season the forest around it is easier to navigate.
Afternoon Wildlife Pass
A final drive through the park's grassland and forest-edge areas before the gates close — the late afternoon often brings different animal activity from the morning. Elephants are most commonly spotted in these open areas.
Hotel Drop-off
A long drive back to Bangkok.
Hotel Pickup
Complimentary Hotel Pickup
Any hotel in Bangkok, Thailand
Included
- Private hotel pickup and drop-off (Bangkok)
- Expert local English-speaking guide
- All private transport including drives to and from the park
- Khao Yai National Park entrance fees
- Bottled water and cold towels
Excluded
- Gratuities (optional)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal purchases
What to Bring
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or hiking shoes
- Insect repellent — essential for jungle trails
- Long light trousers — recommended for the walking sections
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Camera with a long lens if you have one
- Light rain jacket (wet season)
Hi, I'm Monika!
TAT Certified Guide · Thai Native & Food Lover
“Born in Chiang Mai and based in Bangkok, I started 'Hi Monika' to show travellers the authentic side of my country — the places my friends and family actually hang out. I love sharing our food, our culture, and the hidden stories of our neighbourhoods.”
Guest Reviews
“Monika was incredible! We saw parts of Bangkok we never would have found on our own. The street food was amazing and we felt completely safe the entire time.”
“Perfectly organised and so much more personal than a group tour. Monika knew exactly when to go to each spot to avoid the crowds.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we have the tour to ourselves?
Can I change the date after booking?
What happens if it rains?
Do I need to pay anything on the day?
Note: many local vendors and restaurants do not accept credit cards — cash is always the safest option.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Know before you go
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 12 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 12 hours before the tour start time are non-refundable.
for your whole group!
only ~$128/person
$160 first person · $96 each additional
Private Tour · Air-conditioned Transport · Hotel Pickup
Supports Bamboo School
Questions? WhatsApp Monika
$256
TOTAL
for your whole group!
only ~$128/person
$160 first person · $96 each additional
Private Tour · Air-conditioned Transport · Hotel Pickup
Supports Bamboo School
Questions? WhatsApp Monika
Terms & Policies
CANCELLATION
- 12h+Full refund*
- Under 12hNo refund · Credit on request
- No-showNo refund
*Refunds do not include payment processing fees.
RESCHEDULING
- More than 12hFree (subject to availability)
- Under 12hNot available
One free reschedule per booking. Additional reschedules are subject to a THB 1,500 fee.
CHILDREN
- Age 0–4Free
- Age 5+Counts as full guest
GOOD TO KNOW
- •Wheelchair access not guaranteed on all tours
- •Vegan options may not always be available
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