As this year draws to a close, we invite you to join us for an early-winter weekend in rediscovering the rich biodiversity and ecosystems, along with beautiful wilderness and the outstanding values in scenic, cultural, educational, research, recreational and tourism at Khao Yai National Park.

Designated as Thailand’s first National Park and UNESCO’s 184th Natural World Heritage site, Khao Yai National Park also earned the title of an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP, just like its two sisters: Phu Kiew Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Sok National Park.

Situated in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range and covering eleven districts in four provinces: Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Nayok, Khao Yai National Park is a part of the 6,152.13 square kilometres of land that forms the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. A mountain retreat for Bangkokians, Khao Yai can be easily reached with just under a 3-hour drive from the capital city. It is also regarded as a wellness retreat, where you can catch a breath of fresh mountain air in a natural and serene surrounding.

Khao Yai’s location in the mountains on the edge of Thailand’s North-eastern plateau lends itself to significant watersheds as it receives rainfall from the monsoon wind coming from both the Andaman and the South China Sea. Many waterways in the region trace their origin to Khao Yai, including the Nakhon Nayok and Mun rivers.

Visitors to Khao Yai will be enthralled by its botanical and topographical diversity. Most of its 200 square kilometers forest area consists of expansive grasslands and many types of primary rainforest, such as dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, mountain rainforest and tropical rainforest- each of which is the habitat of a large variety of flora, fauna and wildlife. In terms of topography, the area is a complex of mountains, formed by water-eroded volcanic and sedimentary rocks.

On this trip, you will also have the opportunity to experience the local wine culture at PB Valley Khao at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery. Established in 1989, the winery is regarded as one of the very first large-scale wineries in Thailand, and settles beautifully on a valley over 2,500 Rais (1,000 acres). You can also find a Barrique room housing genuine oak barrels made in France.

We will also pay a visit to Palazzo Pavone, a simple European style country home housing an art gallery, featuring various work of art (oil paintings, watercolors, prints, sculptures, and carvings) throughout the life and working career of Ajarn Prayat Pongdam, a former Thai National Artist.

It is also worth noting that Professor Prayat is the originator of the design and creation of many postage stamps which are rich in artistic values.  These designs, featuring lotus flowers, rooster crows, mother and child, owls, and geckos, offers an impeccable illustration into the way of life of the Thai people.

Given a vast network of our friends and partners in Khao Yai, you can also expect a warm and hospitable welcome from many of the places that we will be visiting on our itinerary.