Khao Yai National Park outside of Bangkok

NileGuide Expert tip:

This is one of the best opportunities to see a wild elephant in Thailand.

Description:

• A full-day guided excursion to the protected green landscapes of Khao Yai, one of Thailand's most beautiful National Parks, is the ideal city escape for those looking to get back to nature on their vacation to Thailand.

  Khao Yai National Park lies about 108 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of Bangkok and is Thailand's most visited reserve for good reason. Covering 1,347 square miles (2,172 square kilometers) of forests, jungles and grassland the park covers five vegetation zones and is one of the few remaining intact monsoon forests in Asia. The reserve is home to over 153 different species of animals, including 200-300 wild elephants, as well as other rarely seen mammals such as Asiatic black bear, tiger, leopards, barking deer to name a few. Exotic birds such as the great hornbill and the Himalayan ribbed bats also live inside the park and are protected by law. Sightings can never be guaranteed but it is great to wander the park knowing wildlife is out there!
  
  En-route to the park your tour will stop at a local fruit market in the province of Nakhon Nayok so you can enjoy exotic fruits such as mango and rambutans - other wise known as the 'hairy fruit' which is similar to a lychee. Once at Khao Yai National Park you can take a walk along one of the well marked trails that wind their way through the mountains, forests, streams and waterfalls.

  On your way back to Bangkok from Khao Yai you will stop at Pakchong Creek to experience a 45-minute elephant ride with a trusted mahout (elephant caretaker) through the lush forest.

• © Viator2013