Bangkok, Thailand Nature & Wildlifes

Explore the protected green landscapes of Khao Yai National Park on a full-day guided excursion from Bangkok. The ideal city escape for those looking to get back to nature during their stay in Bangkok. You'll have the opportunity to sample indigenous fruit and search local wildlife including tigers, black bears and leopards.A highlight is a 45-minute elephant ride through the lush forest at Pakchong Creek.

Khao Yai National Park lies about 108 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of Bangkok and is Thailand's most visited reserve for good reason. Covering 1,347 square miles (2,172 square kilometers) of forests, jungles and grassland the park covers five vegetation zones and is one of the few remaining intact monsoon forests in Asia. The reserve is home to over 153 different species of animals, including 200-300 wild elephants, as well as other rarely seen mammals such as Asiatic black bear, tiger, leopards, barking deer to name a few. Exotic birds such as the great hornbill and the Himalayan ribbed bats also live inside the park and are protected by law. Sightings can never be guaranteed but it is great to wander the park knowing wildlife is out there!
En-route to the park your tour will stop at a local fruit market in the province of Nakhon Nayok so you can enjoy exotic fruits such as mango and rambutans - other wise known as the 'hairy fruit' which is similar to a lychee. Once at Khao Yai National Park you can take a walk along one of the well marked trails that wind their way through the mountains, forests, streams and waterfalls.

On your way back to Bangkok from Khao Yai you will stop at Pakchong Creek to experience a 45-minute elephant ride with a trusted mahout (elephant caretaker) through the lush forest.

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If you are looking for a family friendly day tour from Bangkok then look no further. Situated just 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Bangkok is the Sampran Elephant Ground and Zoo, a place where the whole family can learn more about Thailand's most revered animal - the Elephant.

You'll be picked up from your centrally located Bangkok hotel and travel one-hour to the Elephant Ground and Zoo complex.

This is the perfect opportunity to take a 30-minute elephant ride (cost not included, payable direct, approximately BAHT500 per person) as well as learn, via performances, just how and why these mighty creatures are held in such high regard by the Thai people.

There are a variety of shows on display, including elephants at work as well how elephants once played an important part in the battles that took place in ancient Siam. One show in particular will depict the battle between King Naraesuan The Great and the Burmese Prince, where elephants were used by both armies. Can elephants play football? Well, you will find out at one of the many shows complete with dramatic sound and narration.

The Sampran Elephant Ground and Zoo also has other animals on display, including crocodiles which star in the crocodile wrestling shows. Don't worry, the animals are all cared for well. The Sampran Elephant Ground and Zoo was accredited by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) as maintaining one of the cleanest and most impressive public crocodile displays in the world.

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Take the family on a full-day guided excursion out of Bangkok to Safari World, Thailand's greatest and most popular open zoo. Covering over 200 acres, Safari World comprises of two main attractions - Safari Park and Marine Park.

If you have never been to Africa then the Safari Park is the ultimate safari experience. Drive in the comfort of your car through the African designed landscapes to see hundreds of animals from all over the world.

At the Marine Park you can take a jungle cruise, see the white tiger exhibit, visit adventure island or catch one of the many exciting shows including a stunt show, dolphin show or professional water skiing.

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