A long drive, done in one go
Khao Yai is in Nakhon Ratchasima province, up where the central plains meet the hills of the north-east, and from Pattaya it is a real journey: plan on around four hours, with a break somewhere along the way for coffee, food and a stretch. That is why most people treat it as a trip of a night or more rather than a day out. A private van Pattaya to Khao Yai lets you leave when it suits you, stop whenever someone needs to, and arrive at your resort without changing buses in a town you do not know.
Children cope with a drive like this best when there is a plan: a stop every couple of hours, snacks within reach, and the roomier seats of a van rather than a squeeze in the back of a sedan. Tell us who is travelling and we will suggest the vehicle.
Two kinds of trip: the park and Pak Chong
There are really two Khao Yai holidays. One is Khao Yai National Park itself: forest, waterfalls, viewpoints, and a chance of seeing elephants, gibbons or hornbills from the road. National park entry fees apply and are paid at the gate. The other is the Pak Chong side, where vineyards, farm-style cafés, restaurants and resorts line the roads that lead towards the park. Plenty of visitors mix the two over a few days.
Let us know which you have in mind. If you are staying at a resort and want the driver to take you into the park the next day, or around a few wineries and cafés, that is a multi-stop day and is priced in chat before you go.
- Bring a light jacket: evenings up in the hills are cooler than Pattaya
- Pack water and snacks for the drive and for long stretches inside the park
- Send the resort name and a map pin, as many sit along long side roads
- Coming back a few days later? Arrange the return in the same chat
Price agreed before the long road
Khao Yai is not on our standard rate table, so we quote it for your exact trip. Send your Pattaya pickup address, the resort or area you are heading to, the date and the number of people, and we confirm one fixed price for the whole vehicle in chat before the trip. Tolls and fuel are included, there is no deposit, and you pay the driver in cash when you arrive. Returns, waiting time and extra days with the driver are also priced in chat before you go.
Most groups travelling this far choose the Toyota Commuter: nine seats, room for eight bags, and space to spread out over several hours. On the van Pattaya to Khao Yai run that extra room is often the difference between a worn-out arrival and a good first evening. You can read more about the vehicles on our private van page.