Pattaya to Khao Yai National Park this weekend 19-20 Oct. ?

[jmccarty]

A few weeks ago, I planned a few days in Khao Yai for the family this coming weekend. With the rain and flooding, my earlier plan to take the scenic route via Hwy 331 is off the plan and now planning to go via Hwy 7 and 2 to enter the park from the North end.

Anyone advise against this route or against going to Khao Yai because of the rain and flooding this weekend?

[Lakegeneve]

Given that you'll miss the most scenic route into the park from south entrance north of Prachin Buri due to the extensive flooding, end up driving 2.5 further distance and the current & expected further post Nari tropical depression rains hitting mainly the area you wish to visit; then it seems unless there is some compelling reason to go this weekend just defer it by 2-3 weeks.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Nari-swamps-the-East-and-Bangkok-30217271.html

I definitely wouldn't go with family - esp young children - unless they are all the adventurous types......

[Spaniel]

We have been to Khao Yai many times. If possible I recommend that you try to schedule your trip there during the week instead of over the weekend. The park is extremely crowded over the weekends.

[MichaelJohn]

I live not far from Kao Yai and can tell you, having done the journey earlier in the week, that you'll have no difficulty on Route 7 and 2.

In some ways the park is nice when it's wet but I too would advise delaying your trip for a couple of weeks until the worst of the weather has passed and also to go mid-week if possible.

[bluebellpepper]

Just arrived back in Pattaya coming from the North and wanted to avoid the 331 so took Route 2, 9 and 7. Only a bit of flooding near Korat but just stay of the parallel roads where cars got stuck.

On the other side, from Bangkok to Korat there was a HUGE traffic-jam and cars didn't drive at all. I estimate a delay of 4-5 hours! Have fun driving up North.

[jmccarty]

We did the Northbound route on Saturday and it took us 7 hours to get from the last toll booth on the 9 to the U-turn to get off the 2 near the dairy farm! Worse traffic I have ever been in outside of a city. 0-5kmh most of the way!

The Park was great and had no problem in transit back on Tuesday.