Comparing Khao Yai National Park wildlife from two trips
When I returned to Thailand last December, I made a beeline to Khao Yai National Park. I had visited there in 2005 and the experience was amazing. I saw elephants, civets, a snake, deer, a giant squirrel, porcupines, and several species of beautiful birds. Khao Yai National Park wildlife is incredible.
This recent trip was not as bountiful on the bird and animal front, but I still had an amazing time, met some incredible people, and saw a fair share of interesting birds and animals. There were no heavy hitters this time – no gibbons, elephants, or anything spectacular.
Just being in a wild environment is tremendous
Although it makes for a great trip to see awesome wildlife, I just enjoy the feeling of being in the habitat of certain animals even if you never see them. It is still thrilling to be hiking in a jungle with elephants, tigers, and cobras. In fact, sometimes it is best if you don’t see them.
When you are in a jungle halfway around the world from your home, everything you see is interesting. Even the common animals like the monkeys, deer, and myna bird are unique to the traveler. This makes every species you come across an adventure. I enjoy seeing birds that resemble the ones from back home, but are much more colorful. We have kingfishers in Illinois, but not like the ones found in Thailand.
![Masked horned lizard Khao Yai National Park](https://travelingted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/lizard.jpg)
Helps to have a keen eye in Khao Yai as not all wildlife is in your face – Masked horned tree lizard
The biggest disappointment is I only saw 1 hornbill, and it was flying a long way away. I saw flocks of them last time I visited. It is advised to either hire a guide or to rent a car. Next time I visit, I will rent a car and drive myself. Although hitchhiking around the park was an adventure and a great way to meet people, I would have gotten more out of the park with the use of a car.
Khao Yai National Park wildlife
I can guarantee that you will see macaque monkeys, sambar deer, and barking deer also called Indian muntjac. They are all over the place, especially in the campground areas. In fact, one sambar deer ripped open my tent and started munching on my Lonely Planet guidebook (who said print media is dead). Seeing two species of deer and one species of monkey is a good start. You have a good chance to see elephants too and there is a huge list of birds and mammals on the menu, so anything is possible. Animals like leopards and tigers are extremely rare and hardly ever seen by humans even on the night safari. They are so elusive they are usually only seen on trail cameras, so don’t get your hopes up on seeing these creatures.
Khao Yai is for some reason off the adventure travel circuit for many who come to this great country. People travel back and forth from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Bangkok to the southern beaches, but many do not include this park on their itinerary, which I think is a huge omission in your Thailand travel plan. If you have a chance, visit this amazing park. It is an easy bus ride from Bangkok and worth at least two to three days if you can spare the time. Thank you goes out to this wonderful website in helping me identify the species.
Please read some of my Khao Yai adventures here:
Khao Yai Overlook with adopted family
Camping with ladyboys at Khao Yai National Park
![Barking deer Khao Yai National Park](https://travelingted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/muntjac.jpg)
I loved the coloring on these deer – Beautiful brown fur with white underneath and darker brown streaks on their head
![Khao Yai National Park wildlife](https://travelingted.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/blackhead.jpg)
Khao Yai National Park wildlife – Although not listed under the birds of Khao Yai, I believe this to be a white bellied minivet
Adventure on!
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Visiting this park isn’t required for admission to TBHOF? 😉
Getting to see all that wildlife is awesome. If I ever make it to Thailand, I’ll be sure to include Khao Yai on my itinerary.
Francesca recently posted..Five things I love about Berlin
It would not hurt your chance, but only Chiang Mai is required.
Mighty different than the jungle in the Windy City, eh? 🙂
Glad you get to re-visit a place you so liked – a real treat.
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Sope Creek: A Hike, a Creek, and an Old Mill
Much different than any park in the U.S. except perhaps Florida. It was great to be back, and I hope to revisit again soon.
The birdlife looks very similar to India. Wonderful, can see why you returned.
I would love to visit some national parks in India and see some of the same birds and animals there.
You captured some great shots of the wildlife, the place sounds beautiful!
JP Chartier recently posted..The “Dali Museum” – St. Petersburg, Florida
One of my favorite places I have ever visited. Similar to some places in Florida, but more exotic birds and animals.
Sigh. All of these posts make me want to hop on the next plane. Last time I was in Thailand, I was not the nature enthusiast I am today! 🙂 I’d love to visit Khao Yai National Park.
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..Casa Cortés ChocoBar: A Chocolate-Lover’s Paradise.
Look forward to see some wildlife reports from Mongolia unless your crazy car scares them all away 🙂
Wow ! You have really captured beautiful shots. It seems you are a natural talented photographer and traveler by hobby.
Thanks Cheenu!
Wow! It certainly looks like you had quite the adventure in Khao Yai National Park – looks like a beautiful place to see the wildlife at home, the way mother nature intended. Wonderful photo essay my friend! You’ve really brought the experience to life for all of us!
Jeff Titelius recently posted..ArtOdysseys: In search of Michelangelo
Thanks Jeff!