You have probably visited Bangkok, Thailand, a popular weekend destination known for its vibrant shopping scene, flavourful food and rich cultural heritage. But did you know that just three hours away from Bangkok, you can find endless flower fields, majestic mountain views and architecture reminiscent of European streets?  

A family-friendly destination with something for everyone - here’s a 4D3N itinerary for a relaxing and idyllic escape to Khao Yai, where you might just forget that you’re even in Thailand.

Day 1: The Journey from Bangkok to Khao Yai

Morning. Fly into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and pick up your rental vehicle. It is recommended to pick an earlier flight so that you can arrive in Khao Yai before sunset.

From the airport, it is an easy 3-hour drive up to Khao Yai. You can expect to pay toll fees twice on Highway 1, at a rate of 30 baht (~S$1.20) per toll for 4-wheeled vehicles. In my experience,

Google Maps is highly accurate and will also alert you to road works along the way.

Worried that your vehicle won’t come equipped with CarPlay or a built-in GPS? Consider purchasing a phone mount so that you can use your mobile phone for navigation.

For those who prefer not to drive, you may choose to hire a driver who will pick you up from the airport and bring you around Khao Yai during your stay!

Afternoon. Check into your hotel and drop off your bags before heading to PB Khao Yai Winery. Tours can be booked in advance or on site, and each tour lasts around 70 minutes. The experience begins with a guided visit to the wine factory, where you will learn about the winemaking process. The tour includes a wine tasting session featuring three varieties—red, white, and rosé. The wine is produced from grape varieties more suited for the warmer climate, such as Shiraz, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. For non-drinkers, grape juice is available as an alternative. The tour concludes with a visit to the vineyard, where you can opt to pick grapes for a small additional fee.

PB Khao Yai Winery
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tickets: 380 baht (~S$15) for adults, 300 baht (~S$12) for children between 4 and 12 years old. Tickets include a voucher for the gift shop and restaurant.
Website: https://www.pbvalley.com/

 

Evening. After a long day of travel, indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience at Hansar Thai Wellness Spa, located within Hansar Khao Yai. Your retreat begins with a refreshing cool towel and a welcome drink. The treatment is completely personalised, starting with your selection of essential oil, followed by completing a detailed form to highlight your problem areas and preferred pressure level. You'll leave feeling refreshed and perfectly prepared for another day of adventure.

Hansar Thai Wellness Spa
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SY788Rc8bkyWQKZr9
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Pricing: A 45-minute onsen, steam room and sauna experience costs 500 baht (~S$20), while the Hansar Signature Aromatherapy Massage starts at 1,700 baht (S$67) for 60 minutes. Pampering treatment packages are also available from 2,400 baht (S$95) for 90 minutes (inclusive of onsen, body scrub and 30-minute massage).

Website: https://hansarthaiwellness.com/en/thai-massage/

Day 2: An Adventure into the Mountains

Pick up a National Park Passport from the gift shop and collect stamps as a memento!

Morning. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, make your way to Khao Yai National Park. Most of the sites within the park are easily accessible by car. For those seeking adventure, explore one of seven nature trails with varying levels of difficulty. Wildlife enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled along the way - you might even be lucky enough to spot elephants! 

We attempted Trail 2 which begins at the Pha Kluai Mai Campground and ends at Haew Suwat Waterfall. The 3km trail took me about 2 hours to complete, passing through a bamboo forest and following along a stream to the Pha Kluay Mai Waterfall before reaching the end point. The trail is not for the faint-hearted, with fallen trees along the way that might be a challenge to manoeuvre past for some. Some parts of the trail are also quite narrow and close to the fast-moving stream. Don’t forget to wear good trekking shoes and long pants to avoid being scratched by the surrounding foliage.

If you are planning to visit the National Park, avoid the months of June to September as certain trails and viewpoints will be closed during the rainy season.

The majestic Haew Suwat Waterfall is a sight to behold at the end of Trail 2 - making the hike all worth it.

Khao Yai National Park
Google Map Location for Pak Chong Entrance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8bFCENsqq5xtfiuGA
Google Map Location for Noen Hom Entrance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRmg1ZjNNB6c4sGZ7
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: 200 baht for adults (~S$8), 100 baht (~S$4) for children under 14 years old. This is in addition to vehicle entry fees detailed here.
Website: https://khaoyainationalpark.com/en/

 

Afternoon. After refuelling with a scrumptious lunch, continue your adventure with a visit to Ban Tha Chang Spring, where you will find crystal clear waters in a natural spring, surrounded by lush trees and bathed in gentle sunlight. Do as the locals do and take a dip in the upper stream of the spring or rent a kayak to explore the serene creek.

The majestic Haew Suwat Waterfall is a sight to behold at the end of Trail 2 - making the hike all worth it.

Ban Tha Chang Spring
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gw9Vif493vD9jD4B7
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Admission: Free. Kayak rental prices differ by vendors. 

Still feeling energised and craving some excitement? Make your way to Khao Yai Speedkart for an adrenaline-pumping experience! Put your driving skills to the test as you race against your travel companions down the turns and bends on the thrilling track. An 8-minute time slot will allow you to make at least 10 laps around the track, or more for aspiring racers!

Families with young children will be put together in the same timeslot for a safer experience, and dual-seat karts are also available for younger children to enjoy the ride with their guardians.

Pro Tip: Get more bang for your buck by purchasing the ticket bundles to share!

Khao Yai Speedkart
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xg2Y1KASz18WMtjg9
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Admission: 390 baht (~S$15) for 8 minutes.

 

Evening. Make a stop at Primo Piazza, where you will feel as though you’ve been transported to a charming Italian village. This picturesque destination is a favorite for photo enthusiasts, with cobblestone paths, rustic architecture, and vibrant floral accents that make every corner Instagram-worthy. Animal lovers will be delighted to find friendly alpacas and sheep, which you can feed and interact with - a delightful experience for all.

As evening falls, indulge in a romantic dinner at Primo Ristorante, located at the heart of the piazza. Savor fusion Thai cuisine in an enchanting setting, complete with warm lighting and a cozy ambiance that perfectly complements the dreamy surroundings. 

We recommend getting the Picanha Beef Krapow and Crispy Omelette with Garlic Prawns from Primo Ristorante – a delicious burst of fusion Thai flavours!

Primo Piazza
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/czv2M9YBM3TVqXHr5
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Admission: 100 baht (~S$4) for adults, 50 baht (~S$2) for children. Tickets include vouchers for animal feeding, and discounts for the restaurant and gift shop.

Day 3: Skip into Floral Wonderland

Morning. Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at Silver Cafe, where you can savour freshly brewed coffee and decadent cakes while enjoying a scenic view. Then, head to Manee Sorn Sunflower Field and be surrounded by vast fields of sunflowers. The entrance to the field is also lined with stalls selling sunflower seeds, souvenirs and even a petting zoo!

Catch the most spectacular view with the sunflowers in full bloom during the cooler months of November to February.

Silver Cafe
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qZyd82PqKeypNKc7A
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM 

Manee Sorn Sunflower Field
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hN52CY8nZTTswS468
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: Free

 

Afternoon. Visit Stardoi Farm for an unforgettable experience where you can get up close and personal with sheep roaming freely in the open fields. Purchase pellets and fresh grass for just 100 baht (~S$4) to feed these friendly animals. Whether you're capturing candid moments with the sheep or snapping scenic landscapes, the farm’s idyllic charm guarantees stunning shots.

Stardoi Farm Khao Yai

Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e44ppJv3KX15XJEf7
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Admission: 120 baht (~S$4.70) per person. Ticket includes a voucher for the restaurant.

 

Next, head to Hokkaido Flower Park where you can marvel at a stunning array of vibrant flower species in full bloom. While the flowers are in full bloom all year round, the best time to visit is during mid-October to February, so that you can avoid the rainy season If you’re looking to take a break from the sun, the park offers several cosy cafes where you can relax and unwind. Sip on a refreshing cold drink while soaking in the panoramic views of the gardens. Whether you're enjoying the peaceful atmosphere or simply admiring the flowers, Hokkaido Flower Park is a serene and delightful spot to spend a leisurely afternoon immersed in nature.

Hokkaido Flower Park Khao Yai

Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uwtMqMMh4hqrUkqm6
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: 120 baht (~S$4.70) for adults, 50 baht (~S$2) for children at for children aged 5-12. Ticket includes discount coupons for the cafe and yukata rental shop.

 

Evening. For your final night in Khao Yai, head to Lamaya Khaoyai, a unique safari-inspired restaurant that offers more than just delicious food. As the night falls, enjoy a mesmerising light and sound show that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. On weekends, the excitement intensifies with thrilling fire-throwing performances that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're savouring exquisite dishes or immersing yourself in the captivating performances, Lamaya Khaoyai promises a memorable conclusion to your Khao Yai adventure.

Lamaya Khaoyai  

Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5zvsXWAqnH68f8jY6
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Website: https://www.lamayakhaoyai.com/

Day 4: Carry on in Bangkok

Morning. Start your day with a relaxing brunch at The Birder’s Lodge, where you can enjoy a peaceful meal before hitting the road back to Bangkok to continue your journey. If you're visiting on the weekend, be sure to stop by the charming farmer’s market - the perfect place to browse through a variety of locally-grown produce, sample traditional snacks, and pick up souvenirs to remember your trip by.

 

Tips for first-timers: Planning your trip to Khao Yai

  • Best time to visit: November to February is the best time to visit! Temperatures range at a comfortable 15 to 20 degrees celcius, with clear skies and flowers in full bloom. Avoid the rainy season during June to September as parts of the National Park will be closed. 
  • Flights and transportation: 
    • Multiple airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar and Thai Airways offer direct flights from Singapore to Bangkok  
    • It is possible to reach Khao Yai from both Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, but the drive from Don Mueang International Airport is shorter. 
    • There is little to no public transportation available in Khao Yai, outside of Pak Chong. Grab services are also quite limited. It is recommended to hire a driver or rent a car during your stay for easy access to attractions. The attractions listed above are in close proximity to one another, and can be accessed by a 20-30 minute car ride. 
  • Accommodation: 
  • Travel essentials 

 

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