Activities
Khao Yai is one of Thailand's most beloved domestic holiday destinations — a place where Bangkokers escape the city heat for cool air, lush greenery, and a slower pace of life. For international guests, it offers a rare and authentic side of Thailand, far from the tourist trail. January is one of the best times to visit: the weather is cool, dry, and clear. We highly recommend hiring a car, as public transport in the area is limited and the best spots are spread across the region.
Things to do around Khao Yai
Khao Yai National Park
One of the best national parks in Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is vast, dense jungle — and while that makes it spectacular, it also means that spotting wildlife on your own can be genuinely difficult without knowing where to look. We strongly recommend setting aside at least one extra day beyond the wedding programme and booking a guided tour in advance. It is absolutely worth the time.
The main draws are hiking, wildlife watching, and spectacular waterfalls. With a knowledgeable guide and a bit of luck, you may spot wild elephants, gibbons, hornbills, macaques, and deer. Activities include:
Haew Narok Waterfall — the park's largest waterfall, exceptionally beautiful in the cool season.
Haew Suwat Waterfall — accessible by car or via a jungle hike with a ranger guide. Made famous as a filming location for The Beach.
Night Safari — a ranger-led tour by pickup truck with spotlights, giving you the chance to observe nocturnal wildlife. Two sessions run nightly; reserve your spot at the Visitor Center before 6 pm.
Park gates are open from 6 am to 6 pm. Guided tours can be arranged through the resort or local operators.
Wineries
Khao Yai is Thailand's most exciting wine region — and a genuinely surprising one. The cool nights, high altitude, and mineral-rich soil have allowed local producers to craft wines that hold their own internationally. January is a wonderful time to visit, with clear skies and the vines in full leaf before the February harvest. All three wineries below are worth visiting and can easily be combined into a full day out.
GranMonte — a family-owned, award-winning sustainable vineyard in the Asoke Valley, adjacent to the national park. The Thai-owned vineyard opened in 1999 on a former cashew plantation — the name "Gran Monte" or "Great Mountain" is a tribute to the national park itself. Visitors can tour the vineyard and winery and finish with a tasting flight paired with artisanal snacks.
PB Valley — the largest winery in Southeast Asia, established in 1989 and stretching across over 2,500 rai of land. Matthew-woodward Guided tours run several times daily and include tastings of their signature wines. There is also a lovely on-site restaurant. Booking in advance is recommended.
Alcidini — a small, organic boutique winery ideal for a more intimate and personalised wine experience. The family behind it studied winemaking in Australia and Napa Valley, and uses only organic compost with no herbicides or pesticides. The setting is beautiful, the hosts are extraordinarily warm, and the visit feels like a genuine privilege. On arrival you are likely to be greeted by the family's goats — as well as sheep, turkeys, and chickens roaming the grounds. Don't leave without trying the organic spiced raisins made by the owner's mother. A hidden gem.
The Mango House Farm
A charming and very Thai afternoon out. The farm cultivates thousands of mango trees and has turned the estate into a delightful destination. Come for the setting and stay for the food — the mango sticky rice is a must-try, served in an open-air dining area surrounded by lush greenery. You can also pick up fresh mangoes and mango products to take home.
Farms and animals
Khao Yai has a lovely cluster of farm experiences that are fun for all ages. January is perfect timing — strawberry picking season runs from November to March.
Strawberry Picking — pick your own strawberries straight from the field and enjoy fresh strawberry treats at the on-site café afterwards. A simple, lovely stop.
Farm Chokchai — a large, well-known working farm home to cows, goats, sheep, horses, and rabbits. The guided farm tour includes a tractor ride, dairy production session, ice cream tasting, and a cowboy show. Very popular — book in advance.
Primo Piazza — a quirky Italian-themed village with cobblestone streets, mountain views, and farm animals to feed including alpacas and sheep. More charming than it sounds.
