PB Valley and GranMonte @ Khao Yai, 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 maps 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.

PB Valley Khao Yai

One of a must-visit destination in Khao Yai is PB Valley. It is a beautifully designed vineyard and winery cum recreational park. The valley opens daily from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. except on Saturday and Sunday it closes at 10.00 p.m. Visitors can take a tour around the valley by special vehicle provided and taste the wine for Baht 350. Alternatively, the picturesque view of the valley can be enjoyed from the restaurant located at the higher ground.  

PB Valley can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by car or motorbike from Khao Yai National Park.

 

GranMonte Khao Yai

GranMonte is yet another famous and beautiful vineyard and winery in Khao Yai. GranMonte is located in Asoke Valley just less than 30 minutes away from PB Valley. GranMonte welcomes visitor daily from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. at the restaurant where wine is served and sold.