Khao Yai National Park holds a special place in Thailand’s conservation story. Established in 1962, it was the first national park in Thailand, marking the beginning of the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Located across four provinces—Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Prachinburi, and Nakhon Nayok—the park covers over 2,000 square kilometers of tropical forest and grassland.

Before becoming a protected area, the region was known as a wild frontier, home to farmers, poachers, and outlaws who lived deep in the forested hills. Its transformation into a national park was part of a national effort to protect Thailand’s biodiversity, spearheaded by visionary conservationists and royal support.

Today, Khao Yai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as part of the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex, thanks to its incredible biodiversity. It shelters hundreds of species, including elephants, gibbons, hornbills, and even the elusive Asiatic black bear.

The park also has historical remnants like old ranger stations and lookout posts that remind visitors of its journey from untamed land to a model of conservation. Visiting Khao Yai isn’t just about nature—it’s about stepping into a landscape with a proud legacy of protection and sustainability.