Khao Yai National Park closed until further notice after flood damage

Why is Khao Yai closed?

Rain fell without a break from 25 September. Run-off from the higher parts of the park rushed down towards Haew Narok, the tallest waterfall in Khao Yai, and on the morning of 27 September rangers reported that the bridge to its viewpoint had been destroyed. Nobody was on it and no visitor was stranded.

The park had already suspended visits and overnight stays because flooded roads, landslides and falling rocks and trees made driving unsafe. That first closure was meant to end on 27 September; after the bridge collapse it was extended with no end date.

When will the park reopen?

No date has been given. Engineers will inspect the bridge once the water drops and access is safe, then decide on repairs. Rangers keep watch day and night for flash floods, landslides and rockfalls, and the park will announce any change to access.

Around the park, Pak Chong district is also flooded: in some neighbourhoods water reached waist height with a strong current, and soldiers and rescue teams have been evacuating residents. Intermittent rain is still expected, so roads in the area may stay difficult for several days.

What should you do if your trip includes Khao Yai?

• If you booked a night in Pak Chong, ask whether the road to your hotel is open before leaving Bangkok.
• Keep written proof of any cancellation: it helps with a refund or with your travel insurance.
• Swap the park for another day out from Bangkok: our list of things to do in Thailand has ideas that do not depend on forest trails.

Heavy rain at the end of the monsoon regularly closes forest parks for a few days. Our rainy season guide explains which regions are most exposed and when conditions usually improve.