Khao Yai Entrance Fees and Rules: Complete Official Guide (2026)
Knowing the Khao Yai entrance fees and rules is essential for planning a smooth, hassle-free trip to Thailand’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage park. Located 180 kilometers (112 miles) northeast of Bangkok—a 2.5 to 3-hour drive—Khao Yai National Park costs 400 THB for foreign adults and 200 THB for foreign children (ages 3–14), plus small vehicle permits. Gate entry operates daily from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Strict rules regarding wildlife protection, drone bans, speed limits, and alcohol prohibitions are strictly enforced by park rangers to protect the park’s lush rainforests and wild elephant populations.
Official Entrance Fees & Price Breakdown
Khao Yai National Park utilizes a dual-pricing structure separating foreign tourists and Thai residents to support ongoing conservation and trail maintenance. Tickets are purchased directly at the entry gates (Pak Chong or Noen Hom) and are valid for a single calendar day (or 3 days if staying at official park campgrounds/bungalows).
| Ticket Category | Foreign Visitor Rate | Thai Resident Rate | Notes & Requirements |
| Adult Ticket | 400 THB | 40 THB | Age 15+. Thai rates require valid Thai National ID or Passport. |
| Child Ticket | 200 THB | 20 THB | Ages 3 to 14. Children under 3 enter free. |
| Car Entry Permit | 30 THB / car | 30 THB / car | Standard 4-wheel passenger vehicle or rental sedan. |
| Motorcycle Permit | 20 THB / bike | 20 THB / bike | Scooters and motorbikes. |
| Bicycle Permit | 10 THB / bike | 10 THB / bike | Non-motorized pushbikes. |
| Camping Overnight Fee | 30 THB / person | 30 THB / person | Per night at Lam Ta Khong campsite (10 THB for children). |
Essential National Park Rules & Regulations
Park authorities strictly enforce environmental and safety guidelines to safeguard visitors and protect roaming wildlife.
- Operating Gate Hours: Park entry gates are open daily from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM. You cannot enter after 06:00 PM unless participating in an official, pre-booked night safari.
- Speed Limit (60 km/h): The maximum speed limit inside the national park is 60 km/h. Speed bumps are installed across major roads to prevent collisions with wild deer, monkeys, and elephants.
- Wild Elephant Safety Protocol: If you encounter wild elephants on the road, stop your vehicle at least 30 meters away. Keep your engine running, do NOT honk your horn, do NOT use flash photography, and slowly reverse if the animal approaches.
- Strict Drone Ban: Flying recreational drones is illegal without prior written permission and official licensing from the Department of National Parks (DNP).
- No Alcohol or Noise Pollution: Bringing or consuming alcohol inside the national park is strictly illegal and subject to heavy fines. Loud music and late-night noise are banned at all campgrounds.
- Zero Wildlife Feeding: Feeding macaques, deer, or birds is illegal and carries fines up to 5,000 THB.
How to Get There
Reaching Khao Yai National Park from Bangkok takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
- Private Car / Self-Drive: Drive northeast along Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) from Bangkok, turn onto Highway 2 (Mittraphap Road) to Pak Chong, and exit onto Thanarat Road (Hwy 2090), which leads directly to the Northern Pak Chong Park Gate.
- Minivan or Bus: Board a minivan at Mo Chit New Van Terminal (Mochit 2) in Bangkok to Pak Chong town (approx. 160–200 THB). From Pak Chong market, take a local blue songthaew (shared truck taxi) to the park gate for roughly 40–50 THB.
- Train: Take the Northeastern Line train from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Pak Chong Railway Station, followed by a short local taxi or songthaew transfer.
Difficulty & Trail Length
Visiting Khao Yai is easy to moderate in physical difficulty, depending on how far into the forest you venture.
- Accessibility: Main viewpoints (like Pha Diew Die) and major waterfalls (Haew Suwat & Haew Narok) feature paved steps, wooden boardwalks, and marked paths suitable for families and senior travelers.
- Jungle Trekking Trails: Hiking trails inside the park range from short 1 km nature walks to 8 km deep-jungle routes. While short trails around the Visitor Center can be walked independently, longer routes require a certified park ranger guide for safety and navigation.
Best Time to Visit
- Cool & Dry Season (November to February): The best overall time to visit. Crisp mountain air with daytime temperatures between 15°C and 23°C makes hiking, camping, and sightseeing delightful. Pack a light jacket for cold evenings!
- Wet & Lush Season (June to October): Waterfalls roar at maximum capacity and lush green rainforest foliage peaks. Afternoon showers occur frequently, so carry a raincoat and leech socks for jungle trails.
- Warm Season (March to May): Warmer midday temperatures (28°C–32°C), but noticeably cooler than central Bangkok heat.
Tips from Our Visit
First-Hand Experience: “Keep cash on hand! Park entry checkpoints prefer cash payment in Thai Baht, especially during peak morning entry hours when mobile signal can lag. If you want to do the official 1-hour Night Safari (600 THB per truck for up to 10 people), make sure to reserve your slot at the main Visitor Center before 05:00 PM. Seeing wild deer, civets, and elephants after dark is worth every single baht!”
- Pro Tip 1: Work permits and local Thai driving licenses are no longer accepted for local discount rates; foreign travelers must pay the standard 400 THB rate.
- Pro Tip 2: Arrive right at 06:00 AM when gates open to catch early morning birdlife, avoid long gate queues, and beat weekend traffic from Bangkok.
Nearby Attractions
Maximalize your trip by exploring top-rated spots just outside the national park gates along Thanarat Road:
- Haew Narok & Haew Suwat Waterfalls: The park’s most famous natural waterfalls inside the gates.
- PB Valley Khao Yai Winery: Premier vineyard offering estate tram tours, wine tasting, and fine dining.
- Primo Piazza: Italian-inspired Tuscan village featuring alpaca feeding, gelato, and photography spots.
- Khao Yai Bat Cave: Located near Pak Chong, where millions of bats fly out of limestone caves in formation at sunset.
Conclusion
Understanding Khao Yai entrance fees and rules guarantees a seamless adventure into Thailand’s premier natural wonderland. With standard international entrance set at 400 THB, clear road safety rules, and well-maintained park trails, your trip from Bangkok to Khao Yai will be both safe and unforgettable. Respect the park regulations, drive carefully around wildlife, and enjoy your jungle escape!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the current Khao Yai entrance fee for foreigners?
A: As of 2026, the entrance fee for foreign adults is 400 THB and 200 THB for foreign children aged 3–14. A car entry fee of 30 THB also applies.
Q: Can I get the Thai resident entrance fee with a Thai Work Permit or Driver’s License?
A: No. Park authorities strictly enforce that local Thai rates (40 THB) require a valid Thai Passport or Thai National ID Card. Work permits and local licenses are no longer accepted for discounts.
Q: What hours are the Khao Yai National Park gates open?
A: The main park entrance gates (Pak Chong in the north and Noen Hom in the south) are open daily from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Q: Are drones allowed inside Khao Yai National Park?
A: No, recreational drone flying is strictly illegal inside national park boundaries without advance written authorization and permits from the Department of National Parks.