“A rest stop and viewpoint on the way up to Khao Yai National Park. You can see the intricate mountain ranges and the World Heritage forest as far as the eye can see.”
Viewpoint Km. 30 Khao Yai National Park is one of the most important rest stops and photo spots for tourists entering Khao Yai National Park via Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province (via the Chao Pho Checkpoint/Noen Hom Checkpoint). This point is located on Thanarat Road (Highway 2090), approximately 30 kilometers from the park entrance, according to the installed kilometer markers.
Landscape and Facilities
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Large Viewpoint: This large viewpoint has been developed into a spacious area paved with concrete or other solid materials, able to accommodate a large number of visitors and providing convenient parking.
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Walls/Railings: A wall or metal railing has been installed along the viewpoint for safety, as it is located at a high elevation, offering clear views of the scenery below.
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Viewpoint: This is a prominent vantage point offering panoramic views of the northern part of the park. Visitors can enjoy a wide and unobstructed view of the Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai mountain range, a World Heritage Site. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the complex rainforest and the surrounding plains.
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Signs: The viewpoint area often features the "World Heritage Site" sign, or the large park name sign is a popular spot for check-in photos.
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Services: Small shops or stalls offer hot/cold drinks and snacks, allowing tourists to relax and enjoy the view.
Importance and Best Time to Visit
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First Stop: This is the first stop for most tourists after traversing the winding road up to the park. This allows them to acclimate to the cooler weather and breathe in the fresh air before continuing on to the main attractions, such as Haew Narok Waterfall or wildlife viewing spots.
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Sea of Mist Viewing: This spot is well-known as a beautiful sea of mist viewpoint, especially during the rainy and winter seasons. Arriving early in the morning (around 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM) offers a high chance of witnessing the mist blanketing the valley.
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Sunrise/Sunset Viewing: In the evening, visitors can enjoy a romantic view of the sun setting over the mountain range.
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Weather: Due to its high altitude, the average temperature is relatively cool year-round, with a chilly winter, making it ideal for a relaxing escape.
How to Get There
- Travel by private car, head towards Thanarat Road (Highway 2090), and enter the Khao Yai National Park toll booth at Pak Chong. The viewpoint is located at kilometer marker 30 from the entrance.
Travel Tips
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Early morning or evening offers the best light for photography.
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Please park in designated areas for safety.
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Be aware of strong winds during certain times, especially in winter.
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Avoid stopping at night, as the road is dark and has dangerous curves.
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There are no shops in the area, so it's best to bring drinking water in advance.
Admission Fees:
Tourists must pay a personal and vehicle service fee at the checkpoint before entering the park (e.g., the Pak Chong Shrine Checkpoint). This entrance fee is the park entrance fee and includes a visit to the Km. 30 viewpoint.
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Thais (adults): 40 baht
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Thais (children under 14): 20 baht
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Foreigners (adults): 400 baht
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Foreigners (children under 14): 200 baht
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Senior citizens (over 60) and disabled persons (Thai nationals) free
Vehicle fee (per vehicle)
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Motorcycles: 20 baht
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4-wheel vehicles: 30 baht
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6-wheel vehicles: 100 baht
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Vehicles with more than 6 wheels (up to 10 wheels): 200 baht
Opening Hours:
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The viewpoint will be open for viewing according to the park's opening and closing hours, which are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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Note: After 6:00 PM, tourists without overnight accommodation reservations are not allowed to drive into the park.