Khao Yai from Pattaya: Jungle Treks, Resorts and Wild Elephants

Khao Yai is about four hours from Pattaya, and it's a completely different side of Thailand: nature, greenery and mountain views. It suits families, couples and anyone who loves the outdoors.

You need a car

The only sensible way to go is by car. Khao Yai is huge and spread out. A taxi would be very inconvenient and very expensive, and you can't realistically ride a motorbike there from Pattaya. Rent a car or take your own.

The roads are very good: wide, clean, with trees overhanging them. Driving around gives me the feeling of being back in old England.

The national park

The national park is a must. It's so big that you drive round it. Mostly you see forest, and occasionally wildlife. When you reach the busier areas, with toilets, shops and tour guides, you can park and walk. There are short trails of around a kilometre that aren't too hilly. Foreign adults pay ฿400 to get in, plus a small fee for the car.

Book a guided trek

Some treks you can only do with a guide, because it can be dangerous if you come across certain animals, believe it or not including elephants, some of which can be aggressive.

Last time we booked a private guide who had lived in the jungle, and he was attuned to everything. It wasn't expensive, maybe around ฿1,000. The trek isn't hilly, but it's long, so you need to be fit. We saw some small tree-climbing animals that look a bit like raccoons, and some really big wild birds. We didn't see elephants, though we got fairly close to some.

Camping

Lots of Thais camp in the park. You see them parking up, getting the tents out and staying overnight. I haven't done it myself, but it looks like great fun and an experience kids wouldn't get elsewhere in Thailand.

Where to stay and eat

The hotels are fantastic. They're big, grand resorts spread over lots of land, usually only one or two storeys, with green mountain views from the rooms. The restaurants and wineries are just as impressive, so you won't struggle to find a good meal.

How long to stay

Two nights, three days at most.

When to go

The cooler months of the high season, roughly January to March. You spend a lot of time outside the car walking and hoping to spot wildlife, which is uncomfortable if it's too hot.

If you need a car for the trip, Pattaya Rent a Car can help, and before you go, read driving in Pattaya.

This is part of my series on trips from Pattaya: Koh Chang, Kanchanaburi, Bang Saen, Bang Saray, Sukhothai, Khao Yai and Rayong. For shorter outings, read the best day trips from Pattaya.