Photo: Wikimedia contributors · See sourceKhao Yai: Forest Road to Nakhon Nayok
Enter Khao Yai from Pak Chong, cross only on authorized park roads and return via Nakhon Nayok.
- Allow
- 3 days
- Route
- 439 km
- Drive time
- 6 hr 46 min
- Stops
- 7
Suvarnabhumi offers a clean airport-edge start toward Saraburi and Pak Chong. Inside Khao Yai, the visitor center—not a sighting chase—sets the plan; Haew Suwat is included only when its road and trail are officially open, and every wildlife encounter belongs to park staff and patient distance.
The route exits toward Nakhon Nayok and Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam before returning to the airport corridor. Seasonal closures, elephants, fog and intense rain can change the day. Never approach wildlife, leave the vehicle in an undesignated place or improvise a forest track.
The road, in one glance
Pinch or scroll with Ctrl / ⌘ to zoom
Drawing the route…
The route earns
its distance
Each pin is selected as a place to do something—not merely proof that you passed through.
- 01Suvarnabhumi Gateway
- 02Saraburi
- 03Pak Chong
- 04Khao Yai Visitor Center
- 05Haew Suwat Waterfall
- 06Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam
- 07Nakhon Nayok
Photo: Wikimedia contributors · See sourceSuvarnabhumi Gateway
An airport rental start reaches the eastern highways without crossing central Bangkok.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK, ICAO: VTBS) is the main international airport serving Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. It is one of two airports serving Bangkok, the other being Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Located mostly in Racha Thewa commune, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province, it covers an area of 3,520 ha (35.2 km2; 8,700 acres), making it one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia, tenth biggest in the world and a regional hub for aviation.
Photo: Wikimedia contributors · See sourceSaraburi
A provincial fuel and food stop marks the turn toward the forested plateau.
Saraburi City (thesaban mueang) is the provincial capital of Saraburi Province in central Thailand. In 2020, it had a population of 60,809 people, and covers the complete tambon Pak Phriao of the Mueang Saraburi district.
Photo: Wikimedia contributors · See sourcePak Chong
The northern gateway provides lodging, fuel and the last full condition check.
Pak Chong is the westernmost district (amphoe) of Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeastern Thailand, and the main point of entry into Isan as the main road and rail lines cross the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains into the region. It is a popular tourist destination, especially among weekenders from Bangkok, and is home to many resorts and touristy attractions, in addition to the main entrance into Khao Yai National Park.
Photo: Wikimedia contributors · See sourceKhao Yai Visitor Center
Park staff, maps and current notices turn a road crossing into a responsible visit.
Khao Yai National Park is a national park in Thailand. Established in 1962 as Thailand's first national park, it is the third largest national park in Thailand.
Photo: Wikimedia contributors · See sourceHaew Suwat Waterfall
A forest waterfall is a worthwhile spur only when road and foot access are officially open.
Khao Yai National Park is a national park in Thailand. Established in 1962 as Thailand's first national park, it is the third largest national park in Thailand.
Photo: Wikimedia contributors · See sourceKhun Dan Prakan Chon Dam
A long concrete dam faces forested hills on the Nakhon Nayok side of the range.
Nakhon Nayok is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand, established by the Act Establishing Changwat Samut Prakan, Changwat Nonthaburi, Changwat Samut Sakhon, and Changwat Nakhon Nayok, Buddhist Era 2489 (1946), which came into force on 9 May 1946. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, and Pathum Thani.
Photo: Wikimedia contributors · See sourceNakhon Nayok
A practical lowland overnight resets the journey before the airport return.
Nakhon Nayok is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand, established by the Act Establishing Changwat Samut Prakan, Changwat Nonthaburi, Changwat Samut Sakhon, and Changwat Nakhon Nayok, Buddhist Era 2489 (1946), which came into force on 9 May 1946. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, and Pathum Thani.
Drive the conditions,
not the itinerary.
Use a small roadworthy car or professional driver, enter only during official hours and follow every ranger instruction. Slow sharply for wildlife, never feed animals and turn back for closure, floodwater or poor visibility.
Checked against
the people who run it
Distances and driving times are planning estimates. Conditions, closures, ferries, permits and park rules can change, so check the linked official guidance before setting out.