Khao Yai is Thailand’s oldest National Park, Thailand

Khao Yai is Thailand's oldest and most revered national park. Spanning four provinces, this 2,000-square-kilometer biological wonderland contains more than 70 mammal species, including tigers and elephants, as well as 320 varieties of birds. It has been declared an ASEAN National heritage site and probably it will be by the United Nations soon, too.

Like most of Asia's wildlife sanctuaries, Khao Yai has been long under threat from poachers who are stripping the forest of its plant and animal wealth. In March 2000 the government launched the so-called Khao Yai Conservation Project, so hopefully future generations are able to visit this outstanding piece of nature. The park has over 50 km hiking trails, many of them formed by wildlife movement. Elevations range from 100 to 1400 metres. It is easy to get lost so it's recommended to hire a guide. Trips to the park can be arranged easily from Bangkok.

Khao Yai National Park consists of complicated mountains such as Khao Rom, the highest about 1,351 meters, Khao Lam about 1,326 meters, Khao Keaw about 1,292 meters, Khao Sam Yod about 1,142 meters, Khao Far Pha about 1,078 meters, Khao Kampang about 875 meters, Khao Samor Poon about 805 meters and Khao Kaew about 802 meters above sea level. Moreover, the area has vastly grassy field alternating with productive forest. The north and the east part are smoothly sloping down, while the south and the west part are rising up. The area is the source of five main rivers as follows.
(1) Prachin Buri River and
(2) Nakhon Nayok River situated in the south part and important for local agriculture and economy, meet each other in Chachoengsao District to become Bangpakong River go to the Gulf of Thailand.
(3) Lam Ta Kong River and
(4) Praplerng River, in the north part, go to maintain the agriculture of Korat Plateau and meet Moon River, the main river of Southern Isan that goes to Khong River.
(5) Muag Lek Stream, located in the northwest part and going to Pasak River in Muag Lek District, is valuable for local agriculture and cattle, and has water all the year round.

Khao Yai National Park
P.O.Box 9 Amphur Pak Chong Nakhorn Ratchasima Thailand 30130
Tel. 0 4429 7406, 0 4429 7426 Fax 0 4429 7426