Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, Forest complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site in eastern Thailand.
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is a protected forest area spanning eastern Thailand across multiple provinces, featuring mountainous terrain covered with tropical vegetation. Rivers wind through the landscape, creating a patchwork of dense woodlands and clearings that support diverse wildlife.
The complex received UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2005, acknowledging its global ecological importance. This designation brought international attention and resources to support long-term protection of the area.
Local communities have traditionally relied on the forest for sustenance, weaving knowledge about plants and wildlife into their daily practices and seasonal celebrations. These connections to the land remain visible in how people move through and interact with the environment.
The complex is accessible through multiple entry points connected to different national parks, each offering its own exploration routes. November to February presents the most comfortable visiting period with milder weather and easier trail conditions.
The forest is home to a confirmed breeding population of Indochinese tigers, with scientific evidence of their presence documented in recent years. This makes the area one of the few places where visitors might catch signs of these elusive cats in the wild.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
