Sara Buri, Thailand + Add a trip
- Not far from: Lop Buri, Nakhon Luang, Ban Mo, Kaeng Khoi, Nong Khae, Phra Phutthabat, Tha Rua, Wang Noi
Q&A for Bangkok
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Dopplr asks “What's good to explore in Bangkok?”
Thomas: sofitel winebar… -
Dopplr asks “Where do you like to stay?”
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Dopplr asks “What is the best local market or shopping?”
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Dopplr asks “Where can you get a free internet connection?”
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Dopplr asks “Where's good to eat in Bangkok?”
Jo-an: State Tower - The Dome…
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Getting There
Automobiles
It can take up to three hours to motor from Bangkok, but, that said, it's a pretty scenic drive - once you leave the city outskirts, at least. Ayutthaya, Thailand's most famous Khmer city, is a fantastic detour on your journey to or from Bangkok. This former royal capital's status and spectacular ruins mean it's one of the country's most popular attractions.
Planes
The nearest airport to Khao Yai is Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (www.bangkokairportonline.com), which services local and international airlines. From there, the brave may choose to hire a car (Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz all have desks at the airport) although a more sane choice may be to organise a transfer with your hotel.
Trains
It's a 100-kilometre train ride from Bangkok to Nakorn Ratchasima, or you can hop off a tad earlier at Pak Chong. Both are handy for the park region.
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Local Knowledge
Dialing
Country code: 66; regional code (0)44 (drop the zero if you're calling from overseas).
Reads
Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap is an illuminating, funny series of short stories about everyday Thai life. Philip Cornwell-Smith's Very Thai is an entertaining insight into local popular culture.
Do go / Don't Go
The cool season between November and late February is the best time to visit Thailand, when you can expect blue skies, warm sunny days and fresh evenings. Late March and April get extremely hot. The rainy season runs from May to October, but the earlier months are fine for travelling and Khao Yai doesn't get as badly flooded as more northern regions. If you can, avoid weekends and public holidays when it's heaving with city types from Bangkok.
Cuisine
Khao Yai has a cosmopolitan dining scene, and as well as regional Thai fare you can find first-rate Italian, French and even Japanese restaurants. This is the country's main beef and dairy farming area, and there's a thriving organic sector, so look for local red meat, cheese and organic fruit and veg on menus. Perhaps surprisingly, there's also a growing wine industry in this part of Thailand. Sure, it's not up there with Napa Valley or Bordeaux, but the wineries are well worth a visit, and the wines - predominantly shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, chenin blanc and tempranillo - are interesting. PB Valley (www.khaoyaiwinery.com) and GranMonte (www.granmonte.com) are the two most sophisticated wineries boasting gorgeous eateries with vineyard views.
Taxis
Hire a car and driver or use the hotel's limo service, as taxis are few and far between in these remote reaches.
Tipping
Tips aren't expected, but are gratefully received, and you might want to round up taxi fares and food bills. Established restaurants usually add a 10 per cent service charge.
Currency
Thai baht (THB).
Packing
Practicality pays off when hiking or wildlife watching, although there's no need for heavy-duty gear. A good pair of trainers and cool clothes you don't mind getting wet and muddy will suffice. If you want to catch up on some reading, bring books and mags - there's not much choice in the towns near Khao Yai. Safari-influenced Ralph Lauren and Nicole Farhi will fit the jungle vibe when you're out in the evening.
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Worth Doing
Arts
For some unexplained reason - and believe us, we've asked - there's a vibrant cowboy subculture in Khao Yai. Maybe it's all that fresh air and red meat. Drop in on Farm Chokchai (Km 159-160 Moo 2 Friendship Highway; +66 (0)4432 8485; www.farmchokchai.com) to see it in its full kitsch glory. There are several cowboy bars dotted around the area and, if you're really lucky, you might even happen upon a local rodeo. Its cooler climate and proximity to Bangkok has also made Khao Yai a destination for winter music festivals, complete with camping.
And...
Locals sometimes refer to Khao Yai as the Provence of Thailand because of its unusually sophisticated rural vibe. You'll see fertile orchards, farms, vineyards and even Fresian cows, as well as Swiss-style lodges, all adding to its popularity as a weekend destination for well-heeled city folk.
Shopping
You don't come to Khao Yai to shop, but you can try a few local delicacies (fried grasshopper, anyone?) and rub shoulders with locals at Pak Chong night market. Not so keen on cooked insects? The roast pork is a specialty in these parts. Otherwise, visit the town of Pak Thong Chai, one of Thailand's most famous silk-weaving centres, with numerous textile factories.
Viewpoint
For an immediate visual kick, drive through the park's southern entrance and gasp at the jungle-clad mountain views as you creep upwards. It is particularly jaw-dropping at sunset and there are several observation points along the road. Of the three main waterfalls, Nam Tok Hae Suwat (eight kilometres from the visitor centre) is the most spectacular, and starred in the film The Beach, but be prepared for intrepid backpackers visiting in homage.
Something
Spotting animals in the wild is a one-of-a-kind experience you can enjoy even if you don't shell out on a safari. Keep your eye out for elephants, hornbill birds and tigers (if you see one though buy a lottery ticket immediately because it's your lucky day).
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Diary
November Celebrate the history of one of the nearby towns at the Phimai Festival, featuring performances of traditional dances and music, dragon-boat races and light shows.