Khao Yai, a city that’s only a 3-hour drive away from Bangkok. It is also an up and rising destination amongst those who travel to Thailand. This picturesque city is the complete opposite of Bangkok – filled with wineries, hills and huge fields of flowers.
If you’re looking for an alternative Bangkok experience, why not take a trip down to Khao Yai to relax and simply connect with your loved ones. Our 3D2N Khao Yai Itinerary is perfect for families, friends and those travelling with the elderly.
Khao Yai is easily accessible via private charters. Do take note that there is no public transportation in Khao Yai, so a private charter is the best way to move around in Khao Yai. To read more about the pros and cons of private charter, click here.
Day 1
Lunch at Big Mount
A hearty Thai lunch is the best way to kickstart the trip. Big Mount serves classic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom Yam soup and Green Curry. The place has tables that can be joined to hold up to groups of 10, so you don’t need to worry about seating.
The menu is available in English.
Big Mount | Google | Facebook | Instagram
Phaya Yen, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand
Wed – Mon, 10am to 8pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Hop Over to Mountful Café
Right beside Big Mount is Mountful Café, an up and rising hot spot with tall ceilings flooded with natural lighting.
Make sure to try the Mountful Cappuccino (150 Baht), an espresso-based drink that’s topped with their signature milk foam. If you’re in the mood for desserts, the Mocha Tiramisu (200 Baht) will be bound to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
The baristas speak basic English and are super friendly, so feel free to approach them if you’re unsure on what to get.
Mountful Café | Google | Facebook | Instagram
194/1 หมู่9 ถนนกุดคล้า-ผ่านศึก Phaya Yen, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320
Tel: 096-245-1963
Thurs – Sun, 8am – 5pm. Mon, 8am – 3pm. Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Sip Wine at PB Valley Khaoyai Winery
PB Valley is the birthplace of the Khao Yai wine region and one of, if not the oldest winery in Khao Yai. PB Valley offers guided tours for guests, where they’ll be introduced to the wine production process and get a chance to do some wine tasting.
As the wine tours can get crowded during peak season, we suggest booking online via their official website prior to your visit or sign up for one of the tour packages available on KKday or Klook.
The tour is conducted 6-times daily at 08:30 am, 09:50 am, 11:10, 01:20 pm; 02:40 and 04:00 pm and takes slightly more than an hour.
Entrance to the area is free, however tours are priced at 350 Baht per adult and 300 Baht for children aged under 12 years. 100% fresh grape juice, a produce of PB valley, will be served to anyone who isn’t of legal drinking age.
PB Valley Khaoyai Winery | Google | Facebook | Instagram
102 Moo 5, Phaya Yen, Pak Chong Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand
Tel: +66 81 7338 or +66 85 4811 741
Sun – Thurs, 8am – 8pm. Fri – Sat, 8am – 10pm.
Dinner at Chocolate Factory
A trip to Khao Yai will not be completed without a visit to the famous chocolate factory, a perfect place to grab some souvenirs. The Chocolate Factory houses the Chocolate Restaurant, which serves not just chocolate, but a variety of dishes ranging from European-styled food to Thai food.
There is also a glass partition where you can see how the chocolates are manufactured.
The ‘factory’ area closes earlier, so make sure you get your souvenirs before heading to dinner at the chocolate restaurant.
The Chocolate Factory and Restaurant | Google | Facebook | Instagram
352 หมู่ 2 Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Tel: +66 62 617 7462
Mon, 9:30am – 9pm. Tues – Sun, 9:30am – 10pm.
Day 2
Feed Alpacas at Primo Piazza
Khao Yai is famous for having architecture and attractions similar to Europe and Primo Piazza is one of those places.
The entrance fee to Primo Piazza is priced at 200 Baht which is honestly somewhat on the expensive side. However, the tickets are inclusive of the food which you can redeem and feed to the animals within the premises.
Make sure to feed some of the animals such as the famed alpacas and take lots of pictures to pretend like you’re in Europe.
Your ticket also entitles you to a 10% discount to the shops within Primo Piazza.
Primo Piazza | Google | Facebook | Instagram
200/2 หมู่ที่ 10 Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Tel: +66 044-009-900 or + 66 081-922-9000
Mon – Sun, 9am – 6pm.
Lunch at Ban Mai Chay Nam
Ban Mai Chay Nam is more than a restaurant, it is also a museum. Apart from the amazing river view you get while munching on your lunch, Ban Mai Chay Nam is home to an array of collectables ranging from lifestyle items from the 90s to arcade pinball machines.
They also recently expanded to a resort where you can stay for the night.
The food here was delicious, with the Prawn Vermicelli leaving an impactful impression on us. This was one of the best that we had, with a spicy peppery kick that’s too good to be missed.
Ban Mai Chay Nam | Google | Facebook | Instagram
21, Mittaphap Road, Tambon Pak Chong, Amphoe Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30130
Tel: +66 44 314 236
Mon – Sun, 9am – 9pm.
Meet Giraffes and White Tigers at Bonanza Exotic Zoo
The Bonanza Exotic Zoo is a great place for families with kids. Besides the white tiger enclosure, you can get up close and personal with giraffes and other animals.
Make sure to exchange your tickets for a pack of carrots at the entrance before entering. The giraffes are extremely attracted to visitors who feed them.
Walking around in the zoo is not that taxing, with pathways sheltered throughout the entire zoo. However, a taxi option around the zoo is also available at 50 Baht for families with the elderly if needed.
Bonanza Exotic Zoo | Google | Facebook | Instagram
236, Khanong Phra, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Tel: +66 44 921 109
Mon – Sun, 9am – 5pm.
The Birder’s Lodge and Café
Probably one of the OG cafes in Khao Yai, besides Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank, is The Birder’s Lodge and Café.
The café itself has different areas for seating, and it can be difficult to get a seat here during peak periods. However, right beside the café is a farmer’s market where different vendors sell items such as fresh produce and dried fruits. A great place for you to find potential souvenirs to bring back to Singapore as well.
The Birder’s Lodge and Cafe | Google | Facebook | Instagram
282 หมู่ที่ 10 Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30450, Thailand
Tel: +66 44 002 306
Sun – Thurs, 8:30am – 6pm, Fri – Sat, 8:30am – 9pm.
Dinner at Kua Kampan
A popular restaurant among locals and tourists, Kua Kampan serves homely Thai food at an affordable price. For the best view, grab the tables facing the seemingly endless cornfields at sunset. Just like the online reviews, their Tom Yum Soup and Curries were the highlight of the meal, simple yet delicious.
Kua Kampan | Google | Facebook | Instagram
94-94 / 1 Moo 6, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Tel: +66 93 514 1599
Mon – Sun, 9am – 9pm
Day 3
Dance in Fields of Sunflowers
It is a must to make a visit to the sunflower fields when you’re in Khao Yai! In Khao Yai, there are two main sunflower fields – Rai Manee Sorn and Saraburi Sunflower Field.
The Saraburi Sunflower Field would be a great option for anyone who is arriving or leaving Khao Yai as it is on the way from/to Bangkok.
Rai Manee Sorn is a hit among tourists because the flowers are beautiful and cover as far as you can see, almost like a sea of sunflowers.
However, for those visiting during off-peak season, you can check out The Bloom as an alternative instead.
Saraburi Sunflower Field | Google | Facebook | Instagram
Chong Sarika, Phatthana Nikhom District, Lopburi 15220, Thailand
Open from Nov – Jan
Rai Maneesorn | Google | Facebook | Instagram
Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Tel: +66 98 305 9051
Mon – Sun, 6am – 6pm
Season Special: Jim Thompson Farm
Jim Thompson Farm is only open for a month once a year. The exact date varies, but usually they are open from December to the first week of January.
This is the largest farm we’ve visited in Khao Yai, and it is worth every cent. With free shuttle buses that bring you around the farm, you’ll get to see pumpkin patches, fields of flowers and how silk is made.
There are various food stalls around the farm, at very affordable prices no less.
Jim Thompson Farm | Google | Facebook | Instagram
2072, Takhop, Pak Thong Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30150, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 700 2566
Date Varies, Usually Dec to Jan, 9am – 5pm
Lunch at Krua Khao Yai Restaurant
People flock to Krua Khao Yai for one reason – their signature smoked pork ribs. At affordable prices, the place is full of tourists on weekends.
This place is directly opposite The Chocolate Factory, which explains the crowds as well.
One downside is the amount of houseflies in this place – some might find it a turn off and lose their appetite.
Krua Khao Yai | Google | Facebook | Instagram
27 หมู่ 7 ต.หมูสี, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
Tel: +66 86 865 9263
Sun – Mon, 9am – 8pm
Head Back to Bangkok or the Airport
This itinerary is just a guide for anyone planning to pay a visit to Khao Yai. Feel free to mix and match the places to create your own itinerary. We saved all the places on Google Maps for easy reference. Click here to check it out.
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