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8 Reasons To Explore Khao Yai, The Secret Thai Wonderland Only Locals Know

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Ayuni Ayatillah •  Aug 15, 2017

Thailand is often regarded as the best place to visit for its pristine beaches and endless shopping, but did you know that just outside of Bangkok is an incredible wonderland waiting to be discovered?

Credit: Giphy

Welcome to Khao Yai – possibly Thailand's best-kept secret with its picturesque landscapes and amazing wildlife! In case you need more convincing, here are 8 reasons why this magical place will blow you away!

1. Charming European-themed villages

Saving up for the ultimate Europe tour doesn't mean you need to put all other travel plans on hold. In fact, you can experience the charm of quaint European villages right here in Khao Yai!

Palio Village

Here at Palio Village, you will be transported to the Tuscan countryside in Italy!

Credit: Triumph Star Travels on Facebook

There’s also quirky cafes and of course, lots of photo opportunities.

Credit: MIA Travel on Facebook

Opening hours: Weekdays 9am-7pm, Weekend 8.30am-8pm

Primo Piazza

Just ten minutes away from Palio Village is Primo Piazza, where you can soak in the Italian vibes for a while more ?

Credit: @ronak_3012on Instagram

Fall in love with the charming 'houses' painted in warm golden tones as you pace across the cobblestone square styled after typical Italian neighbourhoods!

Credit: @tragteu on Instagram

Hang out with your buddies for a chat at the balcony to admire the view from above!

Credit: @ivanukh on Instagram

Credit: @yoyoohsimon on Instagram

Opening hours: Daily from 9am-6pm

Thames Valley

If you want to experience the serenity and beautiful landscape on English countryside, the Thames Valley has it all.

Credit: @mayntn on Instagram

It offers a beautiful charm of a southern English village, complete with neat, landscaped gardens, riverside walks and even bridges!

Credit: @pitta_patitta on Instagram

2. Meet (and feed!) fluffy animals

The barn at Primo Piazza

At Primo Piazza, you have a chance to meet fluffy barn animals from alpacas to merino sheep ?

Credit: @nookiitty on Instagram

Animal lovers, this is an activity you won't want to miss to complete your European experience ?

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This is really how fluffy the wool on merino sheep can be!

Credit: @mrymdw on Instagram

3. Step into a Hobbit's house

Lord of the Rings fans behold – now you don’t need to travel all the way to New Zealand just to get a feel of the Hobbiton! Khao Yai has its own Hobbit House, known as Baan Suan Noi, with everything set up to resemble Bilbo’s house in Hobbiton.

Credit: @janeamarin on Instagram

It has rooms decorated with props that you can see in the epic movie, and even a chance for you to dress up and become a fellow fantasy character yourself.

Credit: @tetehbukaneceu on Instagram

4. Stay at one-of-a-kind places

Here are some examples of the fun and quirky places to check in at Khao Yai:

Panther Creek Resort

The cowboy in you will surely scream Yeehaw once you arrive at this Western-inspired resort.

Credit: tiutiuk2  on Instagram

Everything resembles a cowboy town, complete with a resurrection of Western battles, railways, trains and teepees.

Credit: @petchupaige on Instagram

Address: 123 Moo 15 Thanarat Road, Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

Casa de Montana

Ever wanted to go on a roadtrip with a campervan, but don't want to rough it out? Stay at Casa de Montana instead!

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The best part of checking into these chic, stationary campervans is that - you never have to go without your creature comforts!

Credit: Supinya Chanthasing on Facebook

Every campervan is equipped with a double bed, couch, TV and a tiny pantry.

Credit: Noowa Muanard on Facebook

As the evening skies fill up with dazzling stars, cuddle up at the communal campfire with your travel buddies and new friends for some storytelling and campfire songs! ?

Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

Lala Mukha Tented Resort

Credit: @LalaMukhaKhaoYai on Instagram

Ever heard of the word glamping? Yes, you can do it here. Check in to a posh tent and you get your glamping experience checked off your list.

Credit: @lalamukhakhaoyai on Instagram

Address: Mu Si, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130, Thailand

5. Stunning natural scenery

Khao Yai is blessed with a UNESCO World Heritage national park which means there are lots of nature activities waiting for adventure junkies.

Credit: brubear on Instagram

Enveloped in lush greenery and vast biodiversity, exploring the natural wonders of Khao Yai will definitely be an experience to treasure:

Haew Narok Waterfall

The most popular and gorgeous waterfall, with three drop levels of over 150m in height, is Haew Narok.

Credit: vin_nies on Instagram

Haew Suwat Waterfall

Credit: Tapanuth Photography on Facebook

Haew Suwat is a beautiful waterfall with an ethereal cave made popular by the movie, The Beach.

Credit: Attapon Yoskai‎ on Facebook

6. Incredible wildlife interactions

Hiking

One way of exploring the natural scenery in Khao Yai, and encounter the diverse wildlife it contains is to go on a hike!

Credit: Mirasierra Khaoyai on Facebook

There are plenty of hiking trails in the park, depending on how far or how near you’d want to go. It is advisable to hire a guide for the longer routes though, so be smart and plan ahead.

Night Safari

There is a park-organized night safari available with a guide if you would love a close encounter with nocturnal park residents.

Credit: VRgo Travel-Thailand on Facebook

7. Gorgeous flower gardens

Make sure you have a lot of storage space in your cameras when you travel to Khao Yai, because there are a lot of places you can visit to enjoy a photo opportunity while basking in a whimsical and country vibe.

The Bloom

This gorgeous flower farm is home to over 30 species of flowers spanned in an area of 100 acres.

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It’s easy to fall in love with this place. Flowers always brighten up anyone’s day!

Credits: iroseapple on Instagram 

Opening hours: Weekdays 7AM-7PM, Weekends 7AM-10PM

Sunflower Garden

If you are in Khao Yai around November to January, don’t miss out the opportunity to view this amazing field of sunny yellow sunflowers.

Credit:Yeoh Keat Yuen on Facebook

You won't believe how tall these sunflowers can grow!

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8. Go for multiple rides at the theme park!

Scenical World Khao Yai

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While this theme park is rather quiet compared to many others, it just means you almost never have to queue for the rides!

Credit:เกมออฟทีนส์on Facebook

This article could go on and on if it's up to me, but I'll leave it to you to explore Khao Yai yourself. So, pack your bags and start your adventure in Khao Yai!