Khao Yai National Park was established in 1962 as Thailand’s first national park. It remains one of the largest, and includes more than 2,200 sq km of mountainous rainforest and grassland. The park is one of five which comprise the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex UNESCO heritage site. It includes more than 6,000 sq km – stretching east to the Cambodian border – and is built around a pair of mountain ranges: Sankhampaeng and Dong Phaya Yen.

Given the region's splendour and abundance of wildlife, nature photography is one of the most popular activities in Khao Yai. Scenic mountain viewpoints remain among the best ways to see the beauty of the National Park, while dawn and dusk spotting provide ideal settings for world-class wildlife photography.

Because of its elevation and tropical rainfall, Khao Yai National Park is home to many waterfalls. Among the most famous are Haew Narok – or the Abyss of Hell; Haew Suwat – Suwat Chasm; and Pah Gluai Mai – the Forest of Orchids.

Khao Yai National Park is home to seven major public trails, most of which require a guide or ranger. The trails lead through a variety of landscapes – including dry rainforest, freshwater swamps, rolling hills and basins, open grasslands, fern thickets and bamboo groves, waterfalls and even ancient volcanic fields.

Wildlife abounds even within the grounds of InterContinental Khao Yai Resort. Guests always have chances to interact with local wildlife – including feeding swans, ducks and koi fish, and sighting white squirrels and rare hornbills. Our in-residence naturalist will guide you to the best viewing spots, and also provide in-depth tours which educate on local trees, flowers and fauna.