Khao Yai National Park and Elephant Ride Day Trip from Bangkok

Duration: 10 hours
Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Explore the protected green landscapes of Khao Yai National Park on a full-day guided excursion from Bangkok. Sample exotic fruits, take a ride on a traditional ox cart though the fields and search for tigers, black bears and leopards in Khao Yai National Park, and your day out with an elephant ride through the jungle. This is great city escape for those looking to get back to nature during their stay in Bangkok.

Khao Yai National Park is approximately 108 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of Bangkok. The park has five vegetation zones and one of the few remaining monsoon forests in Asia. It is home to over 153 different species of animals and birds including 200-300 wild elephants, as well as endangered Asiatic black bears, tigers, leopards and barking deer to name a few – no wonder it is Thailand's most visited park. Sightings can never be guaranteed but it is great to wander the park knowing wildlife is out there!

On the way to the park, stop at a local fruit market where you can taste and buy exotic seasonal fruits like mango, rambutan and even the stinky but tasty durian fruit. Then board a traditional cart, pulled by oxen and enjoy a ride among rice fields before continuing Khao Yai National Park.

Follow the paved trail through the jungle walkways and over the bridge to the impressive three tier Haew Norok waterfall. After lunch at a local restaurant take a 45-minute trek through the jungle on the back of an elephant, before returning to Bangkok where your tour will end.