accommodation Khao yai (1 Viewer)

[Steve Babbs]

Hi

Where do people tend to stay at Khao Yai these days? I've camped when I've stayed there before but I'm older now and I'm no longer keen on camping in tropical countries. The park website is unobtainable.

Regards

Steve

 

[Andy Adcock]

Hi

Where do people tend to stay at Khao Yai these days? I've camped when I've stayed there before but I'm older now and I'm no longer keen on camping in tropical countries. The park website is unobtainable.

Regards

Steve

If you don't want to pay every day to enter the park then you have no choice but to stay at the headquarters AFAIK?

Elephants are always a concern for me there often as well, been a bit too close before!




A

 

[Steve Babbs]

I can risk elephants; camping when the temperatures are very high at night, I find a nightmare. I know there was some other accommodation at the HQ but I read that this is rarely available and there would seem to be no way to books as the site is down - which I have also read is the norm. Tbh I'd much rather stay in the park to look for mammals round the campsite at night.

 

[RafaelMatias]

On the 2 times I went there I stayed in one of the bungalows close to the HQ and there were plenty available and very affordable (can't recall how much though). I guess it depends on the exact period re having available accomodation (avoid weekends at all costs...). There were also organized night mammal/wildlife watching tours leaving from the HQ every other night (if I recall correctly), but I never took those (the organized thing puts me off). I know of birders (from BF actually) staying overnight at the watch towers... (perhaps if he's seeing this thread he might add more useful info, as he's been there countless times). This has been a few years ago so take these words with a pinch of salt...

 

[albatross02]

Because I sleeped in a tent in the Khai Yai, I can give only the link form Nick Upton. Do not mix it with Kate Upton, because Kate is not helpful in this case.

http://www.thaibirding.com/locations/north_east/ky.htm


Khai Yai has much lower temperature in the night than other national parks in Thailand, because the camping places located higher and away from the coast.
Kaeng Krachan NP in March was 30 centigrade or higher until midnight.

 

[Steve Babbs]

Thanks. I did camp there on both of my previous visits and I have to admit I don't remember it being as unbearable as some places, although it was 25 years ago so my memories are rather faded. I guess I'll probably go for turning up and seeing what is available as it doesn't seem to be possible to book in advance.

 

[Britseye]

On the 2 times I went there I stayed in one of the bungalows close to the HQ and there were plenty available and very affordable (can't recall how much though). I guess it depends on the exact period re having available accomodation (avoid weekends at all costs...). There were also organized night mammal/wildlife watching tours leaving from the HQ every other night (if I recall correctly), but I never took those (the organized thing puts me off). I know of birders (from BF actually) staying overnight at the watch towers... (perhaps if he's seeing this thread he might add more useful info, as he's been there countless times). This has been a few years ago so take these words with a pinch of salt...

Hi Rafa, Hi Steve

Yes, I am reading this, Rafa! How are you doing! And you too, Steve, long time no see and all that... As it happens, I was just at Khao Yai (again) in late April. With my girlfriend in tow this time, I elected not to stay in the Wildlife Tower or camp in the forest. We asked at the HQ and they offered us a bungalow for 500 bhat (between us) straight away. It was fabulous, bathroom, towels etc although I was glad I had a little camp stove to cook on after dark, since the food places close around 5ish. The bungalows are roughly a mile from the old HQ but it's a pleasant enough walk back to the food courts/HQ and it does offer access to other trails, i.e. around the old golf course.

Steve, you do know you are going in the wet season (I assume?) unless you are planning well in advance for next winter? I've known Khao Yai to be very wet in both April and September, which are the 'shoulder seasons' for the wet season, June to August could be particularly bad, if you're unlucky.

Night-spotting without a guide is frowned upon at Khao Yai these days, as they want you to pay for their trips. I've done it occasionally and either hidden when I've seen a vehicle going down the main road, or as in the case this spring, staying on the road and seeing what the rangers say. And they said 'Stop!'. They may well be protecting you from Elephants, but I must admit I think if you're sensible there shouldn't be too much danger from them. Obviously you don't run towards them to take their photographs as some have done in the past to their cost.

Anything else you need to know, Steve, PM me.

 

[Steve Babbs]

Hi Rafa, Hi Steve

Yes, I am reading this, Rafa! How are you doing! And you too, Steve, long time no see and all that... As it happens, I was just at Khao Yai (again) in late April. With my girlfriend in tow this time, I elected not to stay in the Wildlife Tower or camp in the forest. We asked at the HQ and they offered us a bungalow for 500 bhat (between us) straight away. It was fabulous, bathroom, towels etc although I was glad I had a little camp stove to cook on after dark, since the food places close around 5ish. The bungalows are roughly a mile from the old HQ but it's a pleasant enough walk back to the food courts/HQ and it does offer access to other trails, i.e. around the old golf course.

Steve, you do know you are going in the wet season (I assume?) unless you are planning well in advance for next winter? I've known Khao Yai to be very wet in both April and September, which are the 'shoulder seasons' for the wet season, June to August could be particularly bad, if you're unlucky.

Night-spotting without a guide is frowned upon at Khao Yai these days, as they want you to pay for their trips. I've done it occasionally and either hidden when I've seen a vehicle going down the main road, or as in the case this spring, staying on the road and seeing what the rangers say. And they said 'Stop!'. They may well be protecting you from Elephants, but I must admit I think if you're sensible there shouldn't be too much danger from them. Obviously you don't run towards them to take their photographs as some have done in the past to their cost.

Anything else you need to know, Steve, PM me.

I'll be there in April. 500 bhat for a cottage would be perfect. I certainly won't be running towards any elephants!