Itinerary
Khao Yai in 2 Days, 1 Night: Wildlife at Dusk, Waterfalls at Dawn
This plan front-loads the national park: an afternoon and night safari on day one, then sunrise views and a waterfall on day two — with good food and pool time in between.
Book ahead
- A pool villa close to Thanarat Road — see how to choose a pool villa resort in Khao Yai
- A car or driver (no public transport inside the park)
- Check park hours (06:00–18:00) and fees on the official fee page
Day 1: Into the forest
Late morning: drive up and eat
Leave Bangkok early and stop for a Thai lunch around Mu Si — for example Michelin-listed Krua Kampan (listed daily 09:00–21:00). See where to eat near Khao Yai.
Afternoon: park highlights
Enter the park and head for the visitor centre area. Walk the short trail to Kong Kaew Waterfall, then spend the late afternoon at the Nong Phak Chi tower, when animals often visit the salt licks.
Evening: night safari
Book the ranger-led night safari at the visitor centre before 18:00 (departures listed at 19:00 and 20:00). Then return to your villa for a late swim.
Day 2: Mist, waterfalls and a slow finish
Sunrise: viewpoints
Be back at the gate for 06:00 and drive to the Km 30 viewpoint or Pha Diao Dai for morning mist.
Morning: Haew Suwat
Continue to Haew Suwat Waterfall before the crowds arrive.
Afternoon: tea, pool and home
Check out late if you can, stop for afternoon tea (Thames Valley’s Clotted Cream Tea Room lists 11:00–17:00) and drive back to Bangkok before dark.
Swap-ins
- Wine lovers: replace the tea stop with a winery tour — with a designated driver.
- Waterfall chasers: in the rainy season, add Haew Narok, the park’s tallest falls.
- Young children: skip the night safari if bedtime matters and do the Nong Phak Chi tower in the morning instead.
Related articles
- Choosing a pool villa for couples or families
- MUTHI MAYA review — on Thanarat Road
- All things to do in Khao Yai
Planning advice based on official park, restaurant and hotel information checked 1 October 2026; not a personal trip report.