🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The appeal of camping at Khao Yai is that you actually sleep inside the Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai forest, a genuine UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site — not just driving through it. At night it's quiet enough to hear the insects and the running water, and before dawn, if you're lucky, mist fills the grasslands and the cold bites. That's an experience the resorts outside the park can't give you, but you trade it for more preparation and far fewer creature comforts.
The park has two main campgrounds close to each other: Lam Takhong and Pha Kluai Mai. Both sit in the inner zone near the road to Heo Suwat Waterfall, with toilets, shower rooms (cold water), a welfare shop selling food and water, and tents plus bedding for rent. They suit anyone who wants to camp but doesn't want to haul all their own gear.
Costs and booking — sort this out before you go
- Park entry fee: Thai adults 40 THB, children 20 THB, four-wheel vehicle 30 THB/car. Paid in cash at the checkpoint.
- Campsite fee (your own tent): 30 THB/person/night if you bring your own tent.
- Tent and bedding rental: a 2-person tent runs about 150 THB/night, a 3-person tent about 225 THB/night, including a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, and a pillow.
- How to book: reserve a campground pitch in advance at nps.dnp.go.th, up to 60 days ahead. The tents and bedding, though, are rented on the spot and can't be booked in advance.
- Good to know: the park's online booking system has gone down and been unusable at times. If your booking won't go through, call the park directly at 086-092-6529 or 044-249-305.
Long weekends fill up fast
In the cool season (November–February) and over long weekends, the Lam Takhong campground gets packed. Reserve a pitch ahead through the park website, or call to check availability first. Don't count on walking in on a holiday and getting a spot — the rental tents can sell out fast too. Always have a backup plan.
Book the activities in your Khao Yai trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Which campground? — Lam Takhong vs Pha Kluai Mai
Lam Takhong
The big one — high capacity and the most popular. It has the welfare shop, toilets, and a gear-rental point all on site, which makes it good for first-timers and anyone who wants convenience. The trade-off is more crowds and more noise when it's busy.
Pha Kluai Mai
Near Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall, with a shadier, slightly quieter feel — better if you want to be a little deeper in nature. The facilities are just as complete.
Outside the park (backup)
If the park is full, there are plenty of private campgrounds on the Pak Chong–Thanarat side. Some have electricity, hot water, and better facilities — but you won't get the forest atmosphere and wildlife you'd find inside the park.
Day 1 — Up the mountain, pitch the tent, waterfalls, night safari
The aim on day one is to reach the park by late morning, so you have time to pitch the tent, stash your things, and still get out to the waterfalls and an evening wildlife watch. The highlight of the first night is the night safari, which you book with the rangers, and simply lying in your tent listening to the real sounds of the forest.
Set up camp + night safari
Driving slowly in the park is real advice, not a scare tactic
The park roads twist up and down the mountain the whole way, and wildlife crossing the road is normal — especially elephants, deer, and barking deer. There have been several vehicle-wildlife accidents already. Avoid driving at night if you can. If you meet an elephant, stop the car, turn off the engine, and wait quietly — don't honk, don't shine high beams at it, and don't get out to take close-up photos.
Day 2 — Early start for the sea of mist, a forest walk, pack up
The heart of day two is waking before sunrise for the morning mist. In the late-rainy to early-cool season you stand a chance of a sea of mist drifting over the grasslands and valleys — a sight you'll never see sleeping in the city. After that, slowly pack up the tent, take a short stroll, and head down the mountain before you leave.
Morning mist – forest walk – break camp
The morning mist doesn't show up every day
The sea of mist depends on the weather — it usually appears in the late-rainy to early-cool season when it's cold and humid. Some mornings there's no mist at all. If you get up and it isn't there, don't be disappointed — a crisp, cool morning and a chance to see wildlife is already worth it. Don't expect the social-media shot every time.
What to pack for camping at Khao Yai
- Serious warm clothing — cool-season nights on the mountain get very cold. Bring a thick jacket, socks, and a knit cap.
- Flashlight/headlamp + power bank — the forest is dark and some spots have no charging outlets.
- Extra bedding — even if you can rent a sleeping bag, bring an additional blanket or warm sleeping bag for the cool season.
- Food, water, and a portable stove — the campground shop has limited choices and closes early, so stock up in Pak Chong before heading up.
- Mosquito repellent and basic medicine — the forest has mosquitoes and insects, so bring your personal medications too.
- Trash bags — pack out every piece of your own trash. It helps protect the forest and keeps animals away from people.
- Cash — entry fees, tent rental, and the in-park shop are mostly cash only, and the phone signal is weak in places.
Watch out for monkeys and animals raiding your gear
The campground has monkeys and small animals that are used to people. Don't leave food or snack bags outside your tent or in a car with the windows down — always store them securely. And never feed the animals; it makes them aggressive and dangerous to other visitors.
Tweak the plan for your group
Camping beginners
Rent a tent with bedding at Lam Takhong so you don't have to haul gear. Focus on Heo Suwat, which is an easy walk, plus the ranger-led night safari — safe and not too much of a hassle.
Fully kitted-out adventurers
Bring your own tent, stove, and bedding, and pay just the 30 THB/person pitch fee. Add a longer guided forest trail and Heo Narok, and chase the mist at several viewpoints at dawn.
Families with kids
If you have small children and worry about the cold nights and cold-water showers, consider a private campground outside the park with hot water and electricity, then drive into the park to sightsee during the day instead.
If you'd rather sleep more comfortably than in a tent tonight, check out the hotels around Khao Yai as an option.
See the Top 10 Khao Yai hotels →