Khao Yai is a popular nature destination, known for its scenic flower fields, lush plantations, and wildlife encounters. Located just 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok, it is an ideal weekend getaway for those looking to escape the city and enjoy cooler, refreshing weather.

As there is no public transport in Khao Yai, travelling between attractions without a car can be challenging. Visitors who do not self-drive are encouraged to hire a private driver with a customisable itinerary for a more convenient and flexible experience.

In this blog, I will be covering both well-known attractions and hidden gems in Khao Yai, helping you plan a balanced and memorable trip.

Table of Content

1. Hokkaido Flower Park
2. Sunflower Field Rai Manee Sorn
3. Primo Piazza
4. PB Valley Winery
5. Mulberry Khao Yai
6. Bat Cave at Khao Yai National Park
7. Kayaking at Ban Tha Chang Spring
8. Final Thoughts

Hokkaido Flower Park

Khao Yai’s cool climate provides ideal conditions for flowers to grow. The park features a wide variety of blooms, including lavender, roses, chrysanthemums, and lilies, making it a great spot for photography. Open year-round, the best time to visit is from November to February, when the flowers are in full bloom.

Entrance fees are 120 THB (~ S$4.90), which include discount coupons for use at the café. Cafés are located at the park entrance and within the park, offering drinks, ice cream, and desserts. The strawberry ice blend is highly recommended for its refreshing flavour. 

Address: 88/8 Moo4, Pak Chong, Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima

Website: https://www.facebook.com/hokkaido.flower/

Sunflower Field Rai Manee Sorn

Sunflower fields are a must-visit in Khao Yai, offering a surreal, movie-like atmosphere. With temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C between November and January, the weather is perfect for sunflowers to grow. Additionally, December is usually when they’re in full bloom.

One of the highlights of visiting the sunflower fields is the ability to walk between the rows for close-up photos. In addition to exploring the fields, visitors can also purchase sunflower seed snacks to bring home as souvenirs. 

Entrance fees: 100 THB per person (~S$4.08)

Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

Website: https://www.facebook.com/manesornsunflower/

Primo Piazza

If you love animals, this is a place you’ll enjoy. You can interact with and feed animals such as goats and alpacas, making it a fun and hands-on experience. The entrance fee is 200 THB (~S$8.16), which may be slightly pricey but includes animal feed.

The atmosphere is worth exploring, with strong Italy-inspired vibes that make it a great photo spot. So much so that you might even trick your friends into thinking you’re in Italy. There are also restaurants and pop-up shops on-site, giving you more to see, eat, and enjoy.

Address: 200, Primo Piazza Khaoyai, 2, Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

PB Valley Winery

Khao Yai is known for cultivating mainly red-purple grapes, which are carefully processed and aged to produce a variety of red wines. Factors such as grape variety, local climate, fermentation, and ageing methods contribute to the distinct flavours of each wine. This winery produces popular varieties including Shiraz, Tempranillo, and Chenin.

A winery tour is available at 380 THB (~S$15.60) per person and offers great value for money. The guided tour takes visitors through the vineyards, the wine production process, and a wine-tasting session. Children are welcome to join and will be served grape juice instead of wine. As each tour has limited slots, it is recommended to book in advance via the winery’s website or a third-party booking platform. 

Visitors can also pick fresh grapes, priced by weight, and shop for wines at the winery. The wines are on the pricier side, with bottles starting at around S$30 and above.

Address: 102/2 Moo5, Mitraparp Road Payayen Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand

Website: https://www.pbvalley.com/wine-tour/

Mulberry Khao Yai

Fruit picking is a fun experience in Khao Yai, especially during the mulberry season from November to February. The farm is slightly secluded, and visitors will need to drive along a narrow, bumpy road to reach it.

Mulberries can be picked for 100 THB (~S$4.08) per punnet, and they are fresh, sweet, and well worth the experience.

Address: 10, Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

Website: https://www.facebook.com/mulberrykhaoyai/

Bat Cave at Khao Yai National Park

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Khao Yai National Park, but there is much more to see beyond the trails. Visitors may also encounter wildlife, including the bat cave, one of the park’s unique attractions. Entry into the cave is not permitted.

Each evening at around 6:00 PM, thousands of bats emerge from the cave in a dramatic flight. The direction of their flight varies daily, depending on where their prey is located. For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to walk around the area, as trees may block the view from certain spots.

Address: GGXW+W85, Wang Katha, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

Kayaking at Ban Tha Chang Spring

Apart from sightseeing, Khao Yai also offers outdoor activities such as kayaking. I tried kayaking near Ban Tha Chang Spring, though it can get quite crowded on weekends. Since parts of the canal are blocked off, kayaks may occasionally get jammed. 

These water sports organisers prioritise safety, providing life jackets and a safety briefing before the activity. There are several resorts along the Lam Takhong Canal that offer kayaking activities. It’s a good idea to do some research and compare options to find the best deal and overall experience. 

Costs: 100 THB (~S$4.08) for 30 minutes;170 THB (~S$6.98) for 1 hour

Address: Soi Yothakarn, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130, Thailand

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into nature, photography, food and wine, or outdoor fun, this region has a little bit of everything. The cool climate and scenic landscapes make exploring comfortable year-round, and seasonal highlights like flower blooms and fruit picking add extra charm. From unique experiences like winery tours and bat cave sightings to relaxing strolls through sunflower fields, Khao Yai delivers memorable moments for couples, families, and solo travellers alike. If you’re looking for a refreshing escape from city life with plenty of things to see and do, Khao Yai is definitely worth visiting.

If you’re eager to discover excellent dining spots in Khao Yai, don’t miss my other post here.