Sai Yok National Park
The basics
From the diminutive Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, weighing in at less than 1/10th of an ounce (2 grams), to full-grown elephants at the Elephant Haven sanctuary, Sai Yok National Park has bags to offer animal lovers. Many trips to Kanchanaburi and the notorious Bridge on the River Kwai make a stop here to see a waterfall, enjoy a leisurely bamboo raft ride, or have lunch at a floating restaurant. Multi-day adventures bring you deeper into the park, sleeping in tents, simple bungalows, or floating raft huts, and kayaking, cycling, or hiking with ranger guides: A few also visit neighboring Erawan National Park.
Things to know before you go
- While you can see deer, monkeys, monitor lizards, and Kitti’s hog-nosed bats close to the visitor center, the best wildlife-spotting opportunities lie in remote areas.
- Not all park accommodation has electricity. Consider bringing a power bank or reserve camera batteries.
- Currents on the river can be strong. Check before swimming.
- Sai Yok National Park is not generally wheelchair-accessible.
How to get there
The main entrance to Sai Yok National Park lies about a 55-mile (90-kilometer) drive north of Kanchanaburi. Buses for Thong Pha Phum stop at the turnoff where you’ll need to negotiate with local transportation or walk over 2 miles (3 kilometers) to reach the park. Most travelers find it easier to join a tour.
When to get there
The park is open daily throughout the year. While caves sometimes close during the rainy season (roughly, May to November), the waterfalls come into their own from late June until October. Plan to visit midweek and avoid national holidays.
Should I Choose Sai Yok Noi or Sai Yok Yai Waterfall?
The Sai Yok Yai and Sai Yok Lek waterfalls pour into the River Kwai conveniently close to the park visitor center: Although only 25 feet (8 meters) high, Sai Yok Yai’s smooth limestone cascade is picture perfect. The Sai Yok Noi falls are much closer to Kanchanaburi, and tumble in stages down a limestone crag, with a last drop of 50 feet (15 meters).