Khao Yai National Park, National park in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand
Khao Yai is a nature reserve in Nakhon Ratchasima Province and three other provinces of Thailand, covering rainforest and open grassland across different altitudes. The landscape ranges from dense forest with high canopies to meadows spreading across gentle hills, cut through by rivers and several waterfalls.
The zone was established in 1962 as the country's first protected area after the government decided to end earlier agricultural uses. Villages had farmed the land since the 1920s before the state chose to return it to natural vegetation.
The name means "big mountain" in Thai and refers to the highest peaks within the protected zone. Hikers regularly encounter troops of wild macaques along roads and viewpoints that have grown accustomed to human presence.
The main entrance sits near the town of Pak Chong, which serves as a starting point for visits. Roads and trails through the reserve are mostly paved, but side paths can become difficult to pass during the rainy season.
The reserve holds the largest population of hornbills in all of Thailand, often seen flying in groups through the treetops. More than 3000 plant species grow here, from low ferns on the forest floor to tall trees forming the canopy.
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