How to Plan Your Khao Yai National Park Tour from Bangkok Including Thai Cooking Class (SHA Plus)
If you want to escape the busy city of Bangkok and get up close to nature, the Khao Yai National Park is an excellent destination. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a vast wilderness that includes dense forest, streams, waterfalls, and unique wildlife. With this day tour, you can explore this exotic location with an easy itinerary that includes a hike to a spectacular waterfall, a visit to a local market, and a stop at a fruit plantation where you can enjoy a Thai cooking class. Here is everything you need to know to plan your Khao Yai National Park tour from Bangkok.
Overview
The Khao Yai National Park is situated about 175 kilometers from Bangkok, and due to its distance, it can be challenging to plan a visit by yourself. We offer a hassle-free way to travel to and from the park by providing hotel transfers from selected hotels in Bangkok. Our air-conditioned cars, minivans, and coaches offer comfort and convenience as you embark on your journey into the countryside.
What’s Included
Our Khao Yai National Park tour includes a variety of features designed to keep you comfortable and entertained during your visit. Here’s what’s included in the package:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Transportation by car, minivan, or coach
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Thai cooking class at a fruit plantation
- Thai-style lunch
The Itinerary
Our tour begins in the early morning, with pick-up from selected hotels in Bangkok. We depart from Bangkok and head to the Khao Yai National Park, where we enjoy a scenic, two-hour drive through picturesque countryside. On the way, we will make a stop at a local market, where you can browse local produce and handicrafts or sample some of the delicious street food.
Once we arrive at the Khao Yai National Park, an experienced English-speaking guide will take you on a hike through the lush forest to the Haew Narok Waterfall. During the trek, you’ll have the chance to see various types of wildlife native to Khao Yai, including gibbons, hornbills, and macaques. At the waterfall, you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the cascading waters while taking some amazing photographs.
After the waterfall, we will head to a fruit plantation where you can get an insight into how the fruits are grown and harvested, as well as enjoy a Thai cooking class with a professional chef who will teach you how to prepare some of Thailand’s most iconic dishes. You’ll be able to enjoy your culinary creations for lunch before heading back to Bangkok.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Please wear comfortable shoes, and bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat to protect you from the sun.
- We recommend that you carry some cash with you, as there won’t be any ATMs available in rural areas.
- This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, so please ensure that you are fit enough for the activity.
Conclusion
The Khao Yai National Park tour is an excellent way to get a taste of Thailand’s stunning natural environment, while also taking part in some immersive cultural activities. With our all-inclusive day tour, you can enjoy all of the sights, sounds, and tastes of this beautiful place without any of the hassle of making your arrangements. Book your tour today with us and experience the beauty of the Khao Yai National Park firsthand.
An Insider’s Guide to Khao Yai National Park: Uncovering Hidden Gems, Delicious Eats, and Cultural Experiences
If you’re planning a trip to Khao Yai National Park, you’re in for a special treat. Its breathtaking natural beauty, including lush forests, streams, and waterfalls, has made it a go-to destination for nature lovers. But there’s much more to this city than nature. As a creative and insightful assistant, I’ll take you beyond the conventional tourist spots to explore hidden gems, dining hotspots, cultural experiences, local history, and little-known off-the-beaten-track suggestions. Let’s dive in.
Local Attractions: Uncovering Hidden Gems
While most tourists head straight to the Khao Yai National Park, the city has many other hidden gems that only the locals know about. For example, the Prasat Hin Phimai, a magnificent Khmer temple that dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, is a must-visit for history buffs. Even if you’re not a history buff, the impressive ruins and intricate carvings will leave you in awe. Another unique spot is the Jim Thompson Farm, where silk is cultivated and processed. You can witness traditional silk-making techniques and try your hand at dying silk, all while surrounded by beautiful gardens and farm animals.
Dining Spots: Savor Local Cuisine and Delights
When it comes to dining in Khao Yai, there’s one food item that stands out: steak. Khao Yai is renowned for serving up some of the best steak in Thailand. But that’s not all. You’ll find plenty of mouth-watering Thai delicacies, including som tam (a tangy papaya salad), larb (a spicy minced pork dish), and pad kra pao (stir-fried meat with basil). For a truly authentic experience, check out the local street food scene, where you’ll find a mix of sweet and savory treats, including roti (flaky pancakes) and mango sticky rice (a sweet and refreshing dessert).
Cultural Experiences: Exploring Khao Yai’s Traditions and Customs
Khao Yai carries a rich heritage, and you can see it in the array of cultural experiences in the city. For instance, you can attend the Khao Yai Wine Trail, an annual two-day festival that celebrates the Khao Yai wineries and food. You can also attend the Khao Yai Flower Festival, where locals display handcrafted flower arrangements and compete for the best installation. For music lovers, the Big Mountain Music Festival, held annually in late December, is a must-attend event. This outdoor music festival brings together diverse music genres and draws music enthusiasts from across the world.
Local History: Captivating Stories from the Past
The history of Khao Yai is compelling, and you’ll find many captivating stories to explore. For instance, did you know that Khao Yai was previously a battleground for the Communist insurgency? You can visit the Pha Taem National Park, which was the location of several bloody battles during this time. You’ll also find several ancient cave paintings that date back more than 3000 years. These paintings are believed to have been created by the Mon-Khmer people, who were the earliest inhabitants of the region.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable and Unique Experiences
If you want to go beyond the conventional sightseeing spots, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions. One of the most interesting is the PB Valley Khao Yai Winery, where you can join a grape stomping session and emerge with feet dyed purple – a fun photo opportunity. Another exciting activity is to go on a night safari. This experience will offer a completely different perspective on the wildlife of Khao Yai. For an adrenaline rush, you can trek in the jungle and camp overnight. You’ll have an unforgettable experience, exploring the lush greenery and wildlife under the stars.
In conclusion, Khao Yai has something for everyone. From nature lovers to history buffs, foodies, and cultural enthusiasts, its charm will leave you hooked. With this insider’s guide, you can experience Khao Yai from a different lens and create unforgettable memories.
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