Thailand Guide
The northeast: Isaan
Khao Yai tours
Tours of Khao Yai are reasonably priced and cater primarily for independent tourists rather than big groups. All tour operators offer customized trips as well as their own version of the popular, undemanding one-and-a-half-day programme (average price B1500 per person, not including the park entry fee) which typically features a trip to a bat cave just outside the park at dusk, walks along one or two easy trails, a swim in Haew Suwat Falls and some after-dark wildlife spotting; it's usual, though not compulsory, to stay in the tour operator's own accommodation on the middle night. If you're on your own and your time is limited it's worth booking ahead, as prices quoted are for a minimum of two trekkers. Advance booking is essential for overnight expeditions in the park.
An alternative would be to hire a park ranger as your personal guide for the more remote trails, though their command of English is limited; you can arrange this at the park headquarters the night before, but will have to sort out your own transport. There's no set fee, but a fair rate would be B500 for a few hours, or around B1000 for the whole day.