Khao Yai National Park has closed indefinitely to visitors and overnight stays after flash floods destroyed the bridge providing access to the Haew Narok Waterfall viewpoint, one of the park’s best-known attractions. Park officials say the collapse was caused by powerful runoff following continuous heavy rain since September 25, and confirmed that no tourists were injured or stranded. The closure, first announced as temporary, was extended indefinitely on September 27, 2026.
No reopening date has been set. Engineers will inspect the bridge’s structural stability once water levels recede and the site is safe to enter, and the park will only reopen once the crossing meets required safety standards.
Why This Matters for Travelers
Khao Yai is one of Thailand’s most visited national parks and a common day-trip or overnight destination from Bangkok, known for waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails. A traveler who shows up expecting to enter the park or check into an in-park campsite right now will find it fully closed, with no partial access — this isn’t a single-trail closure but a park-wide suspension of visits and overnight stays.
What Travelers Should Do
If you have a Khao Yai trip planned in the near term, treat it as cancelled or postponed rather than assuming partial access, and contact your tour operator or campsite booking for a refund or reschedule. Check the Department of National Parks (DNP) website or Khao Yai’s official channels shortly before any rebooked visit, since no reopening timeline has been given. If your itinerary is flexible, nearby alternatives in the same general region (such as Khao Yai’s surrounding Pak Chong area wineries and resorts, which remain open) can still fill a day, but the park itself is currently off the table entirely.
FAQ
Is Khao Yai National Park completely closed?
Yes. As of September 27, 2026, both day visits and overnight stays inside the park are suspended indefinitely, not just the trail to Haew Narok Waterfall.
Why did Khao Yai close?
Flash floods from heavy rain starting September 25 destroyed the bridge leading to the Haew Narok Waterfall viewpoint, and officials suspended access park-wide while assessing the damage.
Was anyone hurt?
No. Park officials confirmed no tourists were injured or stranded by the bridge collapse.
When will Khao Yai reopen?
There is no confirmed reopening date. Engineers need to inspect the bridge once floodwaters recede, and the park will stay closed until the crossing meets safety standards.
What should I do if I already booked a Khao Yai tour or campsite?
Contact your tour operator, campsite, or booking platform directly for a refund or reschedule, and check official park channels again closer to your new travel date before finalizing plans.
Plan Your Thailand Trip
If Khao Yai isn’t reopening in time for your trip, it’s worth building flexibility into your Thailand itinerary. Our Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide covers other top destinations worth adding to your route, and our First Time in Thailand guide can help you re-plan on short notice.
Sources
Nation Thailand, September 27, 2026 — Khao Yai extends park closure indefinitely.
Pingback: Thai Airways Cancels Flights: Suvarnabhumi Baggage Backlog