Khao Yai Destination

Things to Do · Attraction guide

Nong Phak Chi Tower and the Khao Yai Night Safari: Wildlife Watching Guide

Two of the best ways to see Khao Yai’s animals: a 20-metre watchtower over grassland and salt licks by day, and a ranger-led spotlight safari after dark.

At a glance

  • Nong Phak Chi tower: about 3 km from the visitor centre; 20 m tall (per the park)
  • Night safari: about one hour, roughly 10 km, in a ranger-driven pickup
  • Safari departures: 19:00 and 20:00; charged per vehicle of up to 8 people
  • Booking: at the visitor centre before 18:00 on the day
Two wild Asian elephants partly hidden in green foliage in Khao Yai National Park
Wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park. Photo: Mammalwatcher via Wikimedia Commons, CC0
A wreathed hornbill clinging to a tree trunk at its nest cavity in Khao Yai
A wreathed hornbill at its nest. Photo: Khaoyaicult via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Highlights

  • Early morning and late afternoon at the tower offer the best chance of deer, gaur or elephants at the salt licks
  • The night safari can reveal sambar deer, civets, porcupines and owls
  • Excellent birding: several hornbill species live in the park

Who it suits

Families, wildlife lovers and photographers with a long lens. The tower walk is short; the safari suits all ages who can sit in an open vehicle for an hour.

How to get there

Drive to the visitor centre area inside the park; the tower is signposted a short walk from the road. Guided Nature Trail No. 3 (Km 33 – Nong Phak Chi) and No. 5 (Dong Tiw – Nong Phak Chi) also end here and require a registered guide.

For the night safari, book and pay at the visitor centre before 18:00.

Best time to visit

Year-round. Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. The cool season is comfortable but busiest; bring a warm layer for the open-air night safari.

Check before you go

  • Current safari times and fee on the official night safari page
  • Personal spotlights and flash photography are not allowed on the safari
  • If you meet elephants on the road, stay in your car, keep your distance and never feed wildlife

Where to stay nearby

Families who want a kids club and plunge-pool rooms can read our InterContinental Khao Yai Resort review; for more options, see pool villa resorts in Khao Yai.

Last reviewed: 28 September 2026. Facts summarised from Khao Yai National Park’s official Places to Go and Night Safari pages.