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Khao Yai National Park is Thailand's first established national park and the country's second largest. Located in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province - in Thailand's North-East - Khao Yai's natural beauty draws many domestic and international visitors every year, and in 2005 the park was made a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One of the highlights of the park is its resident bat population - their nightly migration providing an impressive show for bystanders. Deer, elephants, tigers, bears and gibbons also call the park home, as do 3000 species of plants. Nightly safaris are likely to reveal deer and Leopard Cats (small cats indigenous to Southeast Asia) and are conducted by experienced 4WD guides.

Accommodation in Khao Yai ranges from jungle bungalows to fully-fledged luxury resorts. The area offers golfing, wineries, hiking, safari tours and camping for the adventurous. The park is known for its waterfalls, the most famous of which is featured in the movie, The Beach, though there are many throughout the park including the 80-meter tall Heo Narok.

The best season to visit Khao Yai is the wet season - traditionally Thailand's low season - as during the cool season the waterfalls may be dry. The closest town to Khao Yai National Park is Pak Chong.