The Night Safari activity at Khao Yai National Park has been established for a long time and is considered a significant nature conservation activity. It was inspired by the principles of ecotourism, aiming to allow the public to closely experience and learn about the behavior of wild animals, all while under strict supervision.

The main objective is not merely to "show" animals but to educate visitors about the life cycles and nocturnal ecosystem of the wildlife, as this is the time when many animals—such as deer, porcupines, or bears—come out to feed peacefully.

Operation and Standard Procedures

1. Starting Point: The activity begins and ends at the Visitor Center. Participants must register and pay the service fee before the specified time on the day of the trip.

2. Vehicle: The activity uses high-caged pickup trucks provided by the National Park. Seating is installed in the rear for safety and ease of viewing. Limiting the number of vehicles and people per vehicle is enforced to minimize disturbance to the wildlife.

3. Ranger Guides: Every vehicle is accompanied by a park ranger or an expert staff member. The staff is responsible for operating the high-powered spotlights to locate and identify the animals, as well as providing in-depth information about the species encountered.

4. Route and Duration:

   • The activity lasts approximately 1 hour.

   • The main route is along Thanarat Road and some minor internal paths within the park that pass through open grasslands or artificial salt licks, which are common feeding grounds for herbivores.

   • The journey is conducted at a very slow speed, and the staff follows a "spot-and-pass" method to ensure animals are not startled or disturbed for too long.

Animals Expected to Be Encountered (Based on Probability)

• Common: Wild deer (both Sambar and barking deer) feeding on grass along the salt licks and roadsides, Malayan porcupines, and civets/palm civets.

• Possible: wild elephants (often encountered crossing the road or feeding along the forest edge), wild rabbits, and jungle cats.

• Rare: Large predators such as dholes (Asian wild dogs), clouded leopards, or tapirs (depending on the season and luck).

Conservation Control Measures

This activity is strictly designed under conservation principles:

• Limited Capacity: The number of nightly rounds and vehicles is restricted to maintain a low noise level and minimize overall disturbance.

• Lighting: Staff uses spotlights equipped with yellow or light-colored filters to reduce glare and disruption to the animals' vision.

• Critical Prohibitions: Absolutely no loud noise, no littering, and most importantly, no flash photography is allowed. Flash can startle the animals, potentially causing harm to them or to the participants.

• Contact and make reservations at the Visitor Center within Khao Yai National Park.

• Personal wildlife spotting is strictly prohibited, except for activities organized by the park. This is dangerous and illegal (a 500 baht fine is applicable).

• Book and pay for the service at the visitor center before 6:00 PM on the day of your visit.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself from insects and the cold.

• Do not use flash photography, as it can disturb wildlife.

Admission Fees:

• Park entrance fee (adults): 40 baht/person

• Park entrance fee (cars): 30 baht/vehicle

• Animal viewing fee: 600 baht/vehicle (maximum capacity: 10 people)

• Transportation from the border gate (if available) (approximately 1,000 baht)

Opening Hours:

Service Hours: Two tours per day

• Tour 1: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• Tour 2: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Reservations: Contact the Tourist Information Center before 6:00 PM to make reservations.