Around Khao Yai: Khao Yai — PB Valley Khao Yai Winery Guided Wine Tours & Vineyard Dining |

Looking for an authentic vineyard experience just a short drive from Bangkok? PB Valley Khao Yai Winery is the ultimate destination for wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and nature seekers heading to Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Spanning over 2,500 rai (1,000 acres) along the lush edges of Khao Yai National Park, PB Valley Khao Yai Winery is the largest and oldest winery in the region. Located roughly 150 kilometers (a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour drive) northeast of Bangkok, this award-winning estate offers professional vineyard tram tours, wine tasting flights, local grape juice sampling, and fresh farm-to-table dining. Whether you are taking a weekend road trip, exploring nearby attractions, or seeking the perfect photo spot among rolling green vines, visiting PB Valley Khao Yai Winery provides an unforgettable taste of Thailand’s famous “New Latitude Wines.”

What is PB Valley Khao Yai Winery?

Founded in 1989 by Dr. Piya Bhirombhakdi, PB Valley Khao Yai Winery pioneered commercial viticulture in northeast Thailand. Nestled in a microclimate valley about 300 to 350 meters above sea level, the estate enjoys cool mountain breezes and fertile soil ideal for growing classic wine grape varieties.

Today, the vineyard produces renowned tropical wines under labels like Sawasdee Shiraz, PB Valley Reserve, and Pirom Passion. Beyond wine production, the estate operates as a complete eco-tourism hub featuring:

• Extensive Grape Vineyards: Cultivating Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Colombard.
• Fresh Fruit Orchards: Growing dragon fruit, passion fruit, avocados, and fresh table grapes.
• The Great Hornbill Grill: An open-air restaurant serving Western and Thai cuisine paired with estate wines.
• PB Valley Souvenir Shop: Selling estate-bottled wines, 100% Shiraz grape juice, fruit jams, and fresh produce.

How to Get to PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

Getting to PB Valley Khao Yai Winery is straightforward, whether you drive yourself, hire a private driver, or take public transportation from Bangkok.

Driving by Private Car or Rental

• Route: Take Route 1 (Paholyothin Road) north from Bangkok toward Saraburi, then merge onto Route 2 (Mitrapap Road) toward Pak Chong/Nakhon Ratchasima. Turn onto Route 1016 (Phrom Khao Yai Road) following the well-marked signs to the estate.
• Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on Bangkok traffic conditions.
• Parking: Free and spacious parking is available directly in front of the main visitor center and restaurant area.

By Public Transport & Taxi

• Train or Bus: Catch a train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal or a public van/bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Pak Chong station.
• Local Transfer: From Pak Chong town, rent a scooter, hire a local songthaew (covered pickup truck), or arrange a private Grab/taxi to cover the remaining 25 km to PB Valley Khao Yai Winery.

Vineyard Tour Difficulty & Walking Length

Visiting PB Valley Khao Yai Winery requires minimal physical effort, making it ideal for families, senior travelers, and visitors with limited mobility.

• Tour Type: Guided open-air tram tour (open-sided motorized vehicles).
• Walking Distance: Less than 1 km total across paved paths, grass lawns, and flat winery floors.
• Difficulty Level: Very easy / Low effort.
• Accessibility: Trams, restrooms, and the restaurant area are wheelchair and stroller friendly.

Best Time to Visit PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

While the estate is open year-round, timing your visit enhances your experience depending on whether you want cool weather or abundant grape clusters.

Cool & Harvest Season (November to February)

• Highlight: The absolute best time to visit PB Valley Khao Yai Winery.
• Weather: Pleasant, cool temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C with clear blue skies.
• Grapes: Grape harvesting typically occurs between late January and March, meaning vines are heavily laden with ripe grape clusters perfect for photos.

Green & Rainy Season (July to October)

• Highlight: Lush, emerald-green landscapes and fewer tourists.
• Weather: Warm with afternoon tropical showers. Bring an umbrella or light raincoat.
• Vibe: Tranquil, picturesque, and ideal for avoiding crowds at the restaurant and tasting rooms.

Entrance Fee, Tour Schedule & Rules

Entry onto the main grounds of PB Valley Khao Yai Winery and access to the restaurant and gift shop is free. However, joining the vineyard and wine tasting tour requires a ticket.

Tour Ticket Prices

• Adults (with Wine Tasting): ~350–400 THB per person (Includes 4 wine tasting pours).
• Teens & Non-Drinkers: ~300 THB per person (Includes 100% estate Shiraz grape juice).
• Children (Ages 4–12): ~200–250 THB per person.
• Young Children (Under 4): Free of charge.

Daily Tour Schedule

Guided tram tours run daily at fixed times (typically 5 to 6 rounds per day):

• Morning Rounds: 09:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM
• Afternoon Rounds: 01:30 PM, 03:00 PM, 04:30 PM
• Tour Duration: Approximately 75 to 90 minutes per session.

Rules & Visitor Guidelines

• Advance Booking: Highly recommended on weekends and public holidays to secure your desired tram slot.
• Age Requirement: You must be 20 years or older to participate in the wine tasting portion (ID required).
• Pet Policy: Pets are generally restricted from joining the tram tours and indoor dining areas.

Tips from Our Visit to PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

To make the most of your day at PB Valley Khao Yai Winery, keep these insider recommendations in mind:

Pro Tip: Book the 10:30 AM tour round! You will finish your vineyard ride and wine tasting right around 12:00 PM—perfect timing to sit down for lunch at The Great Hornbill Grill before the peak afternoon crowd arrives.

What to Expect on the Guided Tour

1. Tram Ride Through the Estate: Your guide leads you through row after row of grapevines, stopping at designated fruit orchards where you can step off and take photos.
2. Winery & Barrel Room Inspection: Step inside the processing plant to learn how grapes are crushed, fermented in temperature-controlled steel vats, and aged in imported French oak barrels.
3. Wine Tasting Session: Sit down in a climate-controlled tasting room where an instructor walks you through tasting notes for white, rosé, and red wines paired with light snacks.

Dining at The Great Hornbill Grill

Do not skip eating here. The restaurant sits elevated above the estate, offering sweeping views of the valley.

• Must-Try Dishes: Smoked ham hock, wood-fired pizza with grape toppings, grilled ribeye steak, and northern-style Thai pork curry.
• Drink Recommendation: Pair your meal with a glass of cold estate Chenin Blanc or a bottle of fresh cold-pressed Shiraz grape juice.

Nearby Attractions Around Khao Yai

Combine your trip to PB Valley Khao Yai Winery with these incredible nearby sights to create a full one- or two-day Khao Yai itinerary:

• The Bloom by TV Pool: A massive floral park featuring colorful flower gardens and photo installations just 10 minutes away.
• Primo Piazza: An Italian-style rustic village offering coffee shops, feeding zones for alpacas and merinos, and European architecture.
• Khao Yai National Park Main Gate: UNESCO World Heritage site known for scenic hiking trails, waterfalls (Haew Suwat and Haew Narok), and wild elephant spotting.
• Hokkaido Flower Park Khaoyai: A vibrant seasonal flower farm featuring Japanese-inspired decorations and fresh bakery treats.
• Pete Maze: A fun outdoor hedge maze suitable for families and photo enthusiasts located a short drive toward Pak Chong.

Conclusion

Whether you are an aspiring sommelier or simply seeking a peaceful escape into the country air, PB Valley Khao Yai Winery delivers a world-class wine tourism experience right in Thailand’s back yard. From informative vineyard tram tours and professional wine flights to exceptional valley-view dining, it remains a flagship attraction that deserves a top spot on your Khao Yai itinerary. Pack your camera, book your tour early, and get ready to enjoy the rich flavors and scenery of Pak Chong’s premiere wine estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book PB Valley Khao Yai Winery tours in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially on weekends, national holidays, and during the peak cool season (November through February), as tram tour slots fill up quickly.

Can non-drinkers and kids enjoy PB Valley Khao Yai Winery?

Absolutely! Non-drinkers, teenagers, and children receive a glass of 100% natural, estate-grown Shiraz grape juice instead of wine during the tasting portion of the tour.

Is there an entry fee if I only want to eat at the restaurant?

No, entry to the main estate grounds, souvenir shop, and The Great Hornbill Grill restaurant is completely free. You only pay for tour tickets if you take the guided vineyard tram ride.

How far is PB Valley Khao Yai Winery from Bangkok?

The winery is approximately 150 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, which usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours by private car or taxi depending on traffic.