Khao Yai and Isaan Isan Boutique Resort, Khorat, Thailand

Khao Yai means "big-mountain" in Thai. The name which is famous for its national park and needs no introduction to the world. However, today Khao Yai is known beyond the infamous Khao Yai National Park. Many people called it a Little Europe of Asia. I define it as "a collection of uniquely designed boutique hotels and resorts  in a 50 km radius"  

Taking advantage of one of the largest national park in Thailand and the climate, Khao Yai has now transformed to a must-visit destination in Thailand. Endless attractions are provided here, including but not limited to flower gardens, wineries, uniquely designed hotel and resorts and valleys. Not forgetting, abundant eating places, resorts and hotels, cafes, restaurants of all kinds and standards. 

How to get to Khao Yai

Khao Yai can be reached in approximately 3 hours drive from Suvarnabhumi international airport or 2.30 hours drive from Don Mueang international airport for distance about 120 km and 100 km respectively, which may cost around Baht 2,000 to Baht 3,000 for a passenger car per trip. The conversion is 1 USD equivalent to 30 Baht.     

Best time to visit Khao Yai

The best time to visit Khao Yai is from November to March as the weather is cooling with blue sky. During the period the temperature can go down to 17 to 25 degree centigrade, with little rain is expected. Flowers bloom at its best. However, bear in mind that this will be a peak period as both local and foreign tourists will be visiting the place during this period. Do expect more expensive accommodations during this period.

Challenges in Khao Yai

Since the place is relatively new, there is no public transportation available to move around and to visit those attractions. The only thing available is to rent motorbike or bicycle. Motorbike rental is priced at Baht 500 per day inclusive of patrol and for bicycle is less than half of the price. At the time of this writing, there is no car for rent available. However, car with driver for hire is available at Baht3,000 per day. 

In view of the distance from one place to another which may go beyond 50 km radius, motorbike and bicycle may not be the ideal mode of transportation. 

Secondly, there is no tourist map available at the time of writing showing the location of hotels, restaurants, attractions and amenities in Khao Yai. Hence, the best way is searching those places from the internet, listing the interested ones down and ask the local when you arrive. Alternatively, print some simple map from the internet.  

Some Attractions to Khao Yai

The main attraction to Khao Yai is Khao Yai National Park. The third largest national park in Thailand is famous for hiking and trekking activities. The park is rich with tropical rain forest, flora and fauna. It has two waterfalls.

Secondly, some uniquely designed hotels and resorts, include Isaan Isan, Toscana Valley, My Ozone, Chateau De Khao Yai just to name a few. 

Other attractions include The Bloom, Pirom Cafe, PB Valley and Asoke Valley, Water theme park, Khao Yai Art Museum and Palio.

Some of these places require entrance fee which is charged differently for local and foreigner. The entrance fee is ranging from Baht 100 to Baht 350 for adult and most of them open from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily.

Isaan Isan Boutique Resort

One of the most unique and eye-catching accommodation is Isaan Isan boutique resort. Strategically located just on the main road to Khao Yai National Park that you will not miss. The name of this resort reflects the unique culture of Isaan which is the largest region in Thailand where the infamous food of Thailand, papaya salad or 'som tam" originated from. 

 

Grey-breasted Spiderhunter @ Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

Grey-breasted Spiderhunter (Arachnothera modesta) is very fast, very active and attractive bird among few hundred species of birds can be found in Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia. The bird usually can be sighted at the forest edges around the Hill. 

Fraser's Hill is definitely one of the best birding destinations in Malaysia and in Asia as it is a residence to many exotic birds. The hill covers a large area of tropical rain forest, waterfalls, trekking and streams. There are abundant accommodations, food and recreational activities provided at the Hill. It can be reached in approximately two hours from Kuala Lumpur by car. Fraser's Hill has the largest bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders from all over the world to be there. The main target birds in Fraser's Hill include different types laughingthrush, broadbills, cuckoos, flycathers, woodpackers, barbets, babblers, Niltavas, Minivets and Trogons just to name a few. 

As part of it's promotion and global recognition, Fraser's Hill holds Fraser's Hill International Bird Race annually. The hill is truly a heaven for bird and nature lovers.

Siberian Blue Robin @ Bukit Cincin, Ulu Kali, Pahang, Malaysia

Siberian Blue Robin (Larvivora cyane) is yet another very beautiful and active bird among many birds can be found at Bukit Cincin, Pahang, Malaysia. Siberian Blue Robin is a migratory bird to the hill. It can be found in the forest edges along the road of Bukit Cincin.

Bukit Cincin also known as Ulu Kali to many locals is another popular highland birding destination in Pahang, Malaysia. It is located some 56 km for the capital city, Kuala Lumpur and it can be reached in approximately one hour by car. Due to its high altitude, birding may be hinder by the present of mist, especially in the early morning. Hence, be patient and wait for the mist to go away. Be prepared for very chilled weather too. 

Bukit Cincin is a residence to many exotic birds, including different type of Flycatchers, Bulbuls, Nilvatas, Flowerpeckers and Magpies just to name a few and many migratory birds during the month of November to April every year.

Black-throated Sunbird [Male] @ Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia

Black-throated Sunbird (Anthreptes malacensis) is very fast, colorful and attractive bird among few hundred species of birds can be found in Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Malaysia. The bird usually can only be sighted at the forest edges around the Hill. 

Fraser's Hill is definitely one of the best birding destinations in Malaysia and in Asia as it is a residence to many exotic birds. The hill covers a large area of tropical rain forest, waterfalls, trekking and streams. There are abundant accommodations, food and recreational activities provided at the Hill. It can be reached in approximately two hours from Kuala Lumpur by car. Fraser's Hill has the largest bird population and varieties. It certainly entices many birders from all over the world to be there. The main target birds in Fraser's Hill include different types laughingthrush, broadbills, cuckoos, flycathers, woodpackers, barbets, babblers, Niltavas, Minivets and Trogons just to name a few. 

As part of it's promotion and global recognition, Fraser's Hill holds Fraser's Hill International Bird Race annually. The hill is truly a heaven for bird and nature lovers.