Khao Yai National Park

At 2,168 square kilometres, Khao Yai is one of Thailand's biggest as well as oldest National Parks. In fact, it was the first national park to be established in the country in 1962.

Since 2005, the tropical forests of Khao Yai (meaning 'big mountain') have been renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site so should be on any nature lover’s list. Within this vast nature reserve lies one of the largest monsoon forests in Asia, which is accessible via 50-kilometres of trekking trails and home to a vast array of flora and fauna.

Over 2,000 varieties of plants can be found here, from tangled trunks of strangling figs, rattan palms to multicoloured lichens and an ever-changing array of fungi; as well as 320 species of birds, including the Great Hornbill. 70 mammal species also roam the wild terrain, with barking deer, gibbons and macaques being easier to spot than the elephants and tigers that also live in this park.

At an altitude of 350 metres, temperatures are cooler than Bangkok which is only a 3-hour drive away, making this an ideal secluded spot to escape to when the sun is out in full force. Refreshing waterfalls are dotted around within the thick evergreen wilderness, as are scenic rivers. If you are feeling adventurous, make sure to visit the Khao Luk Chang Bat Cave here.

Kirimaya is the place to stay within Khao Yai National Park: with its idyllic views of the surrounding hills and a delightful blend of natural Asian materials and earthy woods, this property is the best spot to enjoy the national park for it hosts a variety of activities: take your pick between trekking through the craggy wilderness, wildlife watching with specialists and stargazing under the cover of complete darkness or better still; enjoy all of them!

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson