1-Day Wildlife Tour with Night Safari in Khao Yai National Park
While Khao Yai National Park deserves more than just a single day's visit, this full-day and night tour is a great way to get a taste of the jungle for those with limited time. The reserve is renowned for its wildlife watching, though spotting animals does require a bit of luck. To give you the best experience, this tour provides a perfect mix of wildlife tracking and enjoying the natural scenery—featuring guided jungle hiking, safari drives, stops at scenic viewpoints, a visit to a famous waterfall, and an exciting night safari.
Pak Chong or Khao Yai area hotels (Bangkok transfers available)
Physical Rating
Easy/Moderate (Includes jungle walking on uneven terrain)
Availability
Daily year-round (Subject to guide availability)
Booking Tip: As we have a limited number of specialist wildlife guides, booking well in advance is highly recommended to secure a guide for your preferred date.
*Important Pick-up Information: Not every hotel in the Pak Chong or Khao Yai area is within our pick-up range. We highly recommend confirming your hotel's exact location with us before booking your accommodation to ensure it falls within our service area.
Detailed Day Itinerary
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM pickup
Hotel Pickup
We will meet you at your hotel or another pick-up location we agreed on to begin your full-day adventure.
Park Introduction
Scenic Viewpoint Stop
After a stop at a viewpoint where you will learn more about the park, we officially begin our journey into the reserve.
Morning safari drive
Roadside Wildlife Spotting
A slow drive along the main road into the park for wildlife observation, actively looking for gibbons, hornbills, macaques, and other animals that frequently appear along the road.
Immersive nature walk
Guided Jungle Hike
We continue the tour by heading to a trailhead to set out on a jungle hike. Learn more about the forest inhabitants and the plant life.
Included in tour price
Local Thai Lunch
By the end of this walk, we will take a break to enjoy a delicious, authentic Thai lunch at one of the national park restaurants.
Cinematic landmark
Haew Suwat Waterfall
We continue the program with a visit to Haew Suwat waterfall, widely known from Leonardo DiCaprio's movie The Beach.
Panoramic vistas
Khao Khiao Viewpoint
Possibly continuing the tour to one of the best viewpoints of the national park for sweeping views over the jungle canopy. (Note: Closed annually from June to September).
Late afternoon observation
Elephant Spotting & Saltlicks
We visit saltlicks and other areas where wild elephants tend to visit as the day cools down.
Included in tour price
Dinner
Enjoy a hearty dinner to recharge before setting out on a nighttime safari drive.
After dark exploration
Night Safari
The tour continues with an exciting night safari using spotlights from the vehicle to spot nocturnal wildlife active in the park after dark.
Arrival ~8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Return Transfer
At the end of the trip, you will be returned safely to your hotel or other destination we agreed on.
Footwear: Closed-toe hiking shoes or sturdy sports shoes are recommended for the jungle trek.
Attire: Long trousers and lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirts are highly recommended to protect against branches and insects.
Leech Socks: During the rainy season (May-October), leech socks are highly recommended. Your guide will provide them if necessary.
Sun & Insect Protection: Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.
Gear: A small daypack for water and a camera/binoculars for wildlife spotting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one day enough to visit Khao Yai National Park?
One day is enough to get a good introduction to Khao Yai, but the park is large and deserves more time if you have it, specially if you want to increase your chances to see some impressive wildlife. A one-day tour allows us to combine wildlife watching, a jungle walk, waterfalls and scenic areas, but we cannot cover everything the park has to offer in a single day.
Is a one-day Khao Yai tour worth it?
If you have limited time in Thailand, yes it is worth it. Although spending several days in Khao Yai gives you increased opportunities for wildlife watching, a full-day private tour allows you to experience several different parts of the park without having to stay overnight.
Is this tour suitable for someone visiting Khao Yai for the first time?
Yes. The tour is designed as a general introduction to Khao Yai, combining wildlife watching, forest hiking and some of the park's main natural attractions.
Is this a wildlife tour or a sightseeing tour?
It is a combination of both. Wildlife watching is an important part of the day, but the tour also includes hiking, waterfalls, scenery and learning about the forest. Visiting scenic sites adds an additional reason to explore more of the park. Animals may also be seen during the jungle walks or in the vicinity of these various scenic attractions.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. The tour is private, meaning you will not be joined by unrelated guests. This also gives us more flexibility to adapt the day to your interests and the conditions in the park. However, if you prefer to form a larger group, feel free to let us know. Perhaps we can find additional participants to join you.
How long does the Khao Yai day tour last?
The tour normally starts around 8:00–8:30 am and finishes around 5:00–6:00 pm, depending on the day's conditions and your agreed pickup and drop-off locations.
What happens if the itinerary has to change?
The itinerary is flexible. Weather, trail conditions, temporary closures, wildlife activity and other circumstances can require changes during the day. We will adapt the itinerary to make the best use of the available conditions.
Wildlife questions
Will I definitely see elephants?
No. Khao Yai is a genuine wild forest, not a safari park, so elephant sightings can never be guaranteed. We will spend time checking areas where elephants are known to occur, but ultimately the animals decide whether we see them.
What animals can I expect to see?
Possible sightings include elephants, gibbons, pig-tailed macaques, deer, wild boar, hornbills, monitor lizards and many other species. Exactly what you see depends on the season, weather, time of day and, of course, luck.
What are the chances of seeing an elephant on a one-day tour?
Elephants are regularly encountered in Khao Yai, but sightings are unpredictable. A one-day visit gives you a reasonable opportunity, but it is important to understand that there is no guaranteed percentage or guaranteed location for seeing wild elephants.
Will we see gibbons?
Gibbons are relatively common in Khao Yai, and we have a good chance of hearing them. Seeing them clearly in the forest is more difficult because they spend much of their time high in the trees.
Will we see hornbills?
Hornbills occur in Khao Yai and can sometimes be seen flying between trees or feeding in the canopy. They are wild birds, however, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Can we see monkeys?
Yes. Several monkey species occur in Khao Yai, and macaques are among the animals visitors may encounter. We will observe them without feeding or disturbing them.
Can we see snakes?
Khao Yai is home to many species of snakes, but seeing one during a day tour is a matter of luck. We may encounter snakes while walking or driving, particularly if conditions are favourable.
Can we see bears?
Khao Yai is home to bears, but they are extremely difficult to see. A one-day tour should not be booked with the expectation of seeing a bear.
Can we see tigers in Khao Yai?
There hasn't been any record of tigers in Khao Yai National Park for nearly 2 decades, they are probably extirpated (locally extinct). There have been tiger sighting along the road between Khao Yai and the neighbouring Thap Lan National Pak, but no evidence of one crossing the road yet. The short answer is "no".
Can we see leopards?
There are no leopards in Khao Yai National Park. Clouded leopards are present but sighting is extremely rare, it is one of the most elusive cat species in the world.
What if we don't see many animals?
Wildlife watching in Khao Yai is unpredictable. Even without major animal sightings, the tour includes forest hiking, plants, animal tracks and signs, waterfalls and the opportunity to learn about the ecosystem. We cannot control what the wildlife chooses to do on any particular day.
Do you guarantee wildlife sightings?
No. We never guarantee sightings of particular wild animals. We can use our knowledge and experience to improve your chances, but Khao Yai's wildlife is completely free to move wherever it chooses.
Is Khao Yai like a safari park?
No. Khao Yai is a protected natural forest where animals live freely. There are no feeding stations or guaranteed viewing areas, so wildlife encounters are unpredictable and genuine.
Hiking
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes a jungle walk, but the exact distance and difficulty can be adjusted according to the group (or even skipped, if you prefer). The jungle walk typically takes about 2:30 - 3:30 hours. The overall grade is easy to moderate, although forest trails can be uneven, muddy, or slippery depending on weather conditions.
Do I need to be fit for the tour?
If following the standard itinerary, you should be comfortable walking on uneven natural trails. You do not need to be an experienced hiker, but the tour is typically not completely vehicle-based, and some walking through the forest is involved. However, we can adjust the itinerary and we have even operated tours for clients with mobility issues, completely skipping the jungle walking activity.
Can I join if I don't normally hike?
Yes. You do not need previous hiking experience. We can adapt the walking portion to your fitness level and interests.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. Children can join the tour. The guide will adjust the pace to the group's ability. For very young children, it may be advisable to bring a child carrier to carry your child on your back or belly if you wish to do a standard jungle walk.
Can elderly people join?
Yes, provided they are comfortable walking on uneven ground. Please let us know about any mobility limitations in advance so we can plan the day accordingly.
Can we skip the jungle hike?
Yes, it is possible to skip the jungle walk. It is also possible for part of the group to wait at the tour vehicle or in the visitor center area if only some members of your group would like to go for a walk. Alternatively, the walk can be reduced to make sure the entire group is able to join in.
Will there be leeches on the hike?
Leeches can occur in Khao Yai, particularly during wet conditions. They are more likely on some trails and during the rainy season. Long trousers and suitable socks can help protect against them. Leech protection socks are provided on our Khao Yai tours.
Weather
What happens if it rains during the tour?
The tour normally continues regardless of the weather, although the itinerary may be adjusted when necessary. During heavy rain, the guide may decide to do some driving first and wait for conditions to improve before going for a jungle walk.
Can I do the tour during the rainy season?
Yes. Khao Yai is open throughout much of the year, and the rainy season can be an excellent time to visit because the forest is particularly lush and waterfalls are often at their best. However, trails can be muddy and weather conditions can change quickly.
Is Khao Yai cold?
Temperatures in Khao Yai can be considerably cooler than in Bangkok, particularly in the morning and during the cool season. A light jacket or sweater can be useful.
What should I wear?
We recommend long trousers, comfortable hiking or sports shoes and clothing suitable for walking in the forest. A rain jacket, insect repellent and sun protection are also recommended.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, long trousers, drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen, a rain jacket and a light jacket. Binoculars and a camera are highly recommended if you are interested in wildlife and birds.
Transport & pickup
Where does the tour start?
The tour normally starts with pickup from your hotel or another agreed location in the Khao Yai/Pak Chong area. The location of your hotel must be in our main service area, not too far off route.
Can you pick us up from Bangkok?
For an additional cost, a private transfer from Bangkok to Khao Yai can be arranged separately.
Can you pick us up from our hotel in Khao Yai?
Usually yes, provided the hotel is within our normal service area. Please confirm your hotel with us before booking because some properties are too far away or do not allow tour operators to pick up guests directly.
Can you pick us up from Pak Chong?
Yes, we can pick up from Pak Chong town.
Can you drop us somewhere other than our hotel?
If the drop off location is within our main service area, yes we can drop off at alternative places. Please let us know your desired drop-off location when booking so we can confirm whether it is possible.
What vehicle is used for the tour?
The tour uses pickup trucks suitable for travelling through Khao Yai and for wildlife watching.
Food & drinks
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch is included. It is normally a simple Thai meal at one of the restaurants inside or near the park.
Can you provide vegetarian food?
Vegetarian options can normally be arranged. Please let us know in advance if you have dietary requirements.
Can you accommodate vegan food?
Vegan options can normally be arranged. Please let us know in advance if you have dietary requirements.
Can you accommodate food allergies?
Please inform us about any food allergies when booking. We can advise you on what options are available and communicate your requirements to the restaurant. However, always remind the guide about any food allergies when ordering food.
Should I bring snacks?
Yes, you can bring any snacks you fancy, particularly if you have specific dietary requirements.
Tour flexibility
Can we customise the tour?
Yes, to a certain extent, but within some boundaries. This depends on what is logistically possible, and the guides may also have specific limitations regarding what they are comfortable with. Please make sure to communicate any specific preferences with us before confirming your booking so we can inform you about the possibilities.
Can we focus more on wildlife?
Please contact us if you have specific target species. We can then discuss the possibilities with you in more detail.
Can we focus on birdwatching?
Yes. We offer birding tours.
Can we focus on hiking?
Each tour day typically includes a jungle walk, but the guides have set some limitations on the duration and distance. We focus more on wildlife watching than specifically on physical exercise.
Can we skip the waterfall?
Even though it is possible to skip a visit to the waterfall, we would like to explain that visiting a waterfall doesn't mean you won't see any wildlife. Even at the most popular waterfalls, we regularly see animals, sometimes even rare species. The roads in the park exist because they lead to scenic sites such as waterfalls. Therefore, visiting a waterfall means you will get to see more of the park and experience different habitats, increasing the chance of seeing more animal species.
Can we spend more time looking for elephants?
Yes, where conditions allow. However, spending more time searching does not guarantee a sighting because wild elephants are free to move throughout the park.
Practical questions
Can I book the tour at the last minute?
Sometimes, depending on guide and vehicle availability. However, we recommend booking in advance rather than relying on last-minute availability.
Is the tour available every day?
We operate tours throughout the year, subject to guide availability and any temporary park closures or restrictions.
What happens if the park closes part of the itinerary?
National park authorities may temporarily close trails, viewpoints or other areas because of weather, safety concerns, maintenance or other reasons. If this happens, we will adapt the itinerary to the conditions on the day.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the national park entrance fees are included in the tour price.
Is a guide included?
Yes. The tour includes a private English-speaking guide.
Is the tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. The tour can be booked by a single traveller as a private tour. The price per person is similar to the total price for a couple because the vehicle and guide are not shared with other guests.
Can two people book the tour privately?
Yes. Two people can book the entire tour privately, with no unrelated guests joining the group.
Do we need to book in advance?
When booking with us, advance booking is a must, at the latest one day before the tour. However, we don't recommend leaving the booking process until the last couple of days before the planned tour date. Our team of guides is fairly small, and therefore we often get booked out well in advance, sometimes even months in advance, particularly on popular dates during the peak seasons, such as July-August and November-February. Even during the lower-season months, it is not uncommon for us to get fully booked.
Is there a lot of driving?
There is a reasonable amount of driving because Khao Yai is a large national park, and its attractions and wildlife areas are spread out. The driving is an important part of the wildlife-watching experience, as animals - particularly larger charismatic species - are often more commonly encountered along the park roads than on the walking trails.
Is the tour tiring?
It is a full day, normally lasting around 9–10 hours, with a combination of driving, walking, and sightseeing. Most people who are comfortable with a full day outdoors should find it manageable, but it can be tiring for visitors who are not accustomed to hiking or spending a full day in nature. You can always let the guide know if you would like to relax for a while or finish the tour earlier than initially planned.
Expand to see more FAQs
How much?
All rates are per person in Thai Baht (THB) for a completely private group.
Yum war eine exzellente Begleitung für die Safari. Sie hatte den besten Blick, um Tiere zu entdecken. Wir haben gestaunt über die Art, Fotos zu machen - durch das Fernglas. Es sind tolle Fotos und Videos geworden. Ich kann die Tour wärmstens empfehlen.
By: Laura Vandervoort
| posted Mon 26 Jan, 2026
5/5 stars
We loved our safari with guide mr. Apple. He had a good eye for spotting animals (especially birds which we love) and was very easy and funny to be around.
By: Traci FALBO
| posted Sun 18 Jan, 2026
5/5 stars
Ken and Jill were fantastic. They arrived early to pick us up at Khao Yai Cottage. They spoke English well and gave us great information about each bird or animal we encountered. They also helped us to take pictures through the scope. Ken was fast to set up the scope and get it in sight. We saw lots of gibbons (3 families/2 different kinds), 3 different kinds of hornbills, water monitor lizards, porcupines, a viper (snake), and lots of birds. We opted to do the night tour, which I wouldn't do again (it was with rangers and not Jill and Ken). It was a great tour. I was sooo glad that we got this great pair as guides.
By: Solène Derville
| posted Fri 3 Oct, 2025
5/5 stars
We really enjoyed our tour, particularly the guided hikes on the trails where we found our guide really experienced and nice. We liked the night safari less because we felt that animals where being harassed by the numerous cars and light. We would not recommend or do the night safari again as we did not find it ethical and sustainable for wildlife.
As a side note, I also read the species fact sheets that are provided on the Thai national parks website and found them extremely well documented and detailed. It is a great resource!
Thank you for this experience
Best
Solene
> Tour operator's response
Thanks Solène for your feedback. We're glad to hear you’ve enjoyed the tour.
We understand your concerns regarding the night safari.
As mentioned in the blog post that we've shared in our first reply to you before you booked the tour, we don't have influence on how this activity is carried out. It is run by the national park staff, not our own staff. We definitely believe there is room for improvement. But unfortunately this is out of our hands.
Visiting nature affects wildlife. Be it in daytime or nighttime. But wildlife densities are higher in the areas that are regularly visited by tourists than in the inaccessible parts. Poaching is an issue in areas where tourists don't go. The positive effect of wildlife tourism outweighs the negative effects.
Night safaris have been operated by the park authorities for decades, long before we started our tour business. The night safaris are popular and run every day. I'm not saying that it doesn't have any effect on the wildlife. But if it would have a serious negative effect on the animals, then you have to wonder why the wildlife is still showing up every evening. They could easily forage a bit further away from the road. Due to park regulation, the night drives are restricted to the first few hours of the evening. The majority of the night there is no spotlighting taking place. Also, all drives follow the same route, so only wildlife in this area is 'affected'. We believe the impact on the wildlife is limited.
> Solène Derville
Hi,
I greatly appreciate that you took the time to write this response and discuss the pros and cons of this activity. I definitely agree with your points regarding behavioral changes / density changes. You also make an intresting and important point about the poaching risk decrease in tourism areas. This does bring a new perspective that I had not considered.
Altogether we had a wonderful time and I was really impressed by the professionalism of the tour and conservation efforts in the park. Thank you again for the work you do!
Best
Solène
By: Klaas Sonck
| posted Wed 10 Sep, 2025
5/5 stars
Very pleasant experience with a great guide that was one with nature. We got a lot of information, guidance & explanation on everything in and around the park. A full day of very nice experiences, with the apotheose of seeing all the animals, including the wild elephants.
By: Iseult Marchant
| posted Mon 18 Aug, 2025
5/5 stars
We had a very nice guide. Thanks to kun Tata
By: Mirjam Schnüriger
| posted Sat 16 Aug, 2025
5/5 stars
Very sympathetic tourguide.
By: Paola Colasanti
| posted Wed 23 Jul, 2025
5/5 stars
Good morning, the tour was great, our guide was highly competent, friendly and very passionate about his work.
We learned many things about different animals and nature.
The whole family appreciated the safari very much!
Thank you!
By: Davide Paolini
| posted Sat 3 May, 2025
5/5 stars
I went on the trip with a friend of mine, we had a lot of fun, we saw a lot of animals and our guide, Tong Suk, was very kind and very well prepared
By: Mark Carter
| posted Sat 19 Apr, 2025
5/5 stars
Didn't see elephants, dhole or Gaur, but it was still one of the best days I've had. Guide was great and I can't recommend having one enough.