Khao Yai is the go-to for those who do not crave for sandy toes and beachy woes, but favour the green embrace of the mountains. Here are the best boutique hotels in Khao Yai to add to your list.
Long known as a peaceful destination to cool off and immerse oneself in nature, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has plenty to offer in terms of serenity and exploration, between spotting wildlife at the Khao Yai National Park or admiring the hilltop views before a quiet nap in nature. It’s a place where you could go chasing waterfalls or wine-tasting in the vineyards, and it’s a place where many like to go to find respite from the heat.
If you too seek this kind of adventure in the woods, Khao Yai may just hit that spot for you. The hotels here take on an identity very different to the rest of Thailand, mostly touching on rustic charms, and embracing the simplicity of countryside life. Here, we’ve put together a few of our favourite boutique hotels to check out in Khao Yai for your next road trip away from the city.
[Hero Image Credit: Kirimaya; Featured Image Credit: Sala Khao Yai]
12 boutique hotels in Khao Yai for a cool escape from the city
Roukh Kiri
Roukh Kiri is an exclusive 12-villa resort boasting a beautifully contemporary and rustic design. Surrounded by the lush greenery of Khao Yai National Park, all villas sit atop a hill, blending harmoniously into the landscape. They range in generous size from 55sqm to 364sqm, making it an especially appealing option for those travelling with family or friends. In the mornings, go for a swim in the large private pool, before indulging in the organic farm-to-table dining concept. In the evenings, catch up by the fireplace and enjoy the cooling temperatures that assure you are far, far away from Bangkok.
Style: Classic little farmhouse in the fields
Price range: From THB 9000/night
Google review rating: 4.6/5
Roukh Kiri Khao Yai, 10 4 Pong Ta Long, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 44 001 300 ext. 0.
Marasca Khao Yai
Marasca Khao Yai was one of the most exciting boutique hotel openings in Khao Yai last year, and it’s easy to see why. The pet-friendly retreat consists of only 18 rooms, yet each comes with a unique personality. Whether you go for the glamping tents or the home haven villas, the quality amenities ensure that even the not-so-outdoorsy can find comfort in this countryside luxury resort. Named after a type of cherry, definitely don’t miss the free cherry ice cream cart, as well as the other cute touches to enhance your “cherry on top moments.”
Style: Tribal glamping with millennial charms
Price range: From THB 3800/night
Google review rating: 4.8/5
Marasca Khao Yai, 87 Moo 5, Phayayen, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 44 003 640.
Hotel Labaris
For those who want to get away from the city and head right into a fairytale, Hotel Labaris is definitely your calling. Inspired by a mythical tale, the property covers a vast 24,000 sqm to accommodate the size of a ‘wonder kingdom,’ as they put it. Divided into 5 ‘chapters,’ guests will get to stay in the Starry Castle or Midnight Castle, between roaming the Labyrinth, the Secret Hill, the Rabbit Cafe, the Whispering Meadows, or the Siren’s Deck. There really is so much to explore (and so much to ‘gram) at this family-friendly resort. A perfect escape that really feels like an escape — from reality and everything else.
Style: Mythical castle, magical forest chic
Price range: From THB 3500/night
Google review rating: 4.6/5
Hotel Labaris Khao Yai, 9 9 Moo Si, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 63 190 1900.
Sala Khao Yai
You may know and love the Sala brand from its outlets by the Bangkok riverside, Ayutthaya, or even on the southern islands, but did you know they also had a hotel in Khao Yai? After a day of trekking through Khao Yai National Park, head back to your 164sqm pool villa, before enjoying a meal at the Hilltop restaurant. Although this is a small hotel, Sala always manages to find the balance between minimalist design and reliable comfort, catering to a young crowd that appreciates the aesthetic, but also yearns for a touch of modernity.
Style: Modern, minimalist cottage on the hilltop
Price range: From THB 6600/night
Google review rating: 4.6/5
Sala Khao Yai, 99 Moo 11, Wangkata Pong Ta Long, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 44 009 950.
Muthi Maya
Kirimaya’s Muthi Maya is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, yet not stray too far away from modern comforts. Boasting elegant and contemporary interiors, the resort is located in the midst of the forest, with mountains surrounding the premises. The design philosophy embraces the greens with an open-air concept, with large 164sqm pool villas that feature a private patio, jacuzzi, garden, and sala for lounging, too.
Style: Quiet pool villa in the woods
Price range: From THB 8500/night
Google review rating: 4.6/5
Muthi Maya, 1/3 Moo 6 Thanarat Road, Moo Si, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 44 426 000.
Lala Mukha
If you’re one for glamping, you’ll love Lala Mukha. The tented camp blends together safari lodge-like elements with the lush landscape of Khao Yai National Park. With grasslands all around, rise in your dreamy ecru tent to admire the lime-stone mountains and take part in many of the back-to-nature activities provided here. It’s like summer camp for adults, and the best part is that it’s an eco-friendly resort, too.
Style: Tented safari adventure
Price range: From THB 1600/night
Google review rating: 4.5/5
Lala Mukha Khao Yai, 515 Moo 5 Moo Si, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 44 300 691.
The Hidden Village Khao Yai
With the Khao Yai National Park just five minutes away, The Hidden Village may not seem very hidden, though it is definitely an intimate getaway. The rustic-chic villas are well-designed, with a warm wooden interior that adds a cosy ambience. Modern and sophisticated, guests even get their own bar — which is especially handy for those on group trips. As for the views, beyond the freeform swimming pool and the mountains, you’ll even find a waterfall.
Style: Wooden cabin, but make it luxe
Price range: From THB 3900/night
Google review rating: 4.8/night
The Hidden Village Khao Yai, 70 Moo 5, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 44 756 239.
Kirimaya Khao Yai Resort
Khao Yai is the location for anyone who wishes to be closer to nature, and this is an idea that Kirimaya really understands. At the resort, your activities could range between gazing at the stars to gazing at the wildlife around, or even taking up the challenge of the Jack Nicklaus golf course. We love that the resort also houses the MAYA Spa on the premises, making it one-stop-sanctuary for serenity in Khao Yai. It is part of the greater Kirimaya Group, which houses Muthi Maya and Atta, too.
Style: Resort comforts with natural surroundings
Price range: From THB 5600/night
Google review rating: 4.5/5
Kirimaya The Resort, 1/3 Moo 6 Thanarat Road Moo Si, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima,+66 4 442 6000.
Thames Valley
We may be far away from the British riverside, yet something about Thames Valley brings a little bit of Europe to the Thailand. 10 minutes away from Khao Yai National Park and 3 minutes away from Life Park, this resort really goes for the rustic aesthetic, with wooden floors and exposed brick walls — much like an English country home. A romantic getaway for couples especially, the restaurant here is called ‘The Castle,’ so if you’ve always wanted to vacation like the Lord and Lady, here’s your chance.
Style: Luxury weekend chateau
Price range: From THB 5200/night
Google review rating: 4.6/5
Thames Valley Khao Yai, 999 Moo Si, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima,+66 44 009 999.
Hansar Khao Yai
For those looking for a wellness-centric getaway, Hansar Khao Yai makes for a cute boutique option. The retreat sits at around 5 kilometres from the entrance of the National Park, boasting garden or mountain views from every room. There’s a wide range of activities taking place every day, from morning exercise to outdoor biking, as well as a series of treatments available at the spa. We particularly like the sleeping yoga class to really round out the experience.
Style: Warm wooden wellness by the mountain
Price range: From THB 5200/night
Google review rating: 4.5/5
Hansar Khao Yai, 223 10 Moo Si, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 62 432 0599.
The Birder’s Lodge
Inspired by “tiny houses,” The Birder’s Lodge is a small resort that sits on a land of 6 acres. The accommodation comprises of cottages and camping tents that manage to stay very in tune with the nature all around them. Each tiny house comes with a large outdoor living area for quiet reading and relaxing, though we especially love the outdoor bath tub, too.
Style: No-fuss immersion into nature
Price range: From THB 3400/night
Google review rating: 4.5/5
The Birder’s Lodge Khao Yai, 110 Moo 10 Moo Si, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima,+66 44 002 306.
The Paz Khao Yai
The Paz Khao Yai makes for an Instagrammable destination, not just because of its captivating infinity pool. The glass-walled rooms and villas ensure you’re constantly surrounded by panoramic views, and the facilities complement this sense of peace and privacy. We especially like that this Khao Yai hotel even has its own onsen and sauna.
Style: Scenic laze for days
Price range: From THB 2500/night
Google review rating: 4.5/5
The Paz Khao Yai, 455 Moo 20 Nong Sarai, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, +66 44 009 921.
This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok on 15 July 2020, and has since been updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially if you prefer milder (often cooler) weather, as compared to Bangkok. There are a lot of nature retreats, as well as organic farms with good restaurants, and wineries making their own wines. There is also a growing cafe scene.
Khao Yai is famous for its national park. Khao Yai National Park takes over 2000sqm of forest, and popular activities include hiking and biking. The park is home to wildlife like bears, gibbons, deer, elephants, and hornbills.
A minimum of two nights is a good amount of time to spend in Khao Yai. It is perfect for a long weekend getaway.
The best way to get to Khao Yai is by car. The distance from Bangkok is an approximate 320km, and the drive time is around 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. For price-friendlier options, you can also get bus or train tickets, though schedules vary.
Tags
Written by
Lisa Gries
Creative Content Director, Bangkok
Lisa is the Creative Content Director for Lifestyle Asia and Prestige Thailand. She leads a data-driven content strategy for both titles, finding the balance between scathing SEO metrics and sucks-you-right-in story-telling. Lisa writes mostly on dining, travel, and pop-culture, and is a sucker for a good savoury cocktail. Passionate about Bangkok’s ever-growing bar scene, she also sits on the committee for various bar and spirit awards in the region.
Most Popular
