Khao Yai Nat'l Park on Jan 3rd - Timing, Base…

Hello, pondering a trip to Khao Yai National Park by rental car from Pattaya. I need a midrange room with private bathroom hopefully below 2000 THB.

• Possible start: Tuesday, January 3

• Possible return: Friday, Jan 6 or Saturday, Jan 7

Interests: independent nature walks, photography with real cam very early morning (getting up 5 a.m. no problem), general outdoor enjoyment, perhaps small talk with Thai tourists (i speak basic Thai), bicycling, nice food (Thai or Italian)

Not interested in: swimming in waterfall, package tours, guided night tours, animal spotting, all sports like ATV, zipline, horseriding, shooting range, golf etc.

Wineries: might want to visit for ambiance, tasting and food; love the sight of grapevine in Siam; but i don't mix well with hi-so and perhaps can't pay the accommodation; no plan to buy wine (been to Village Farm & Winery in Wang Nam Khiao, but that wasn't special at all)

Questions:

1. Where to base oneself? - On the highway to the park or in Pak Chong town (37 kms from park)? Would love to have a minimum of nightlife, if not live music, perhaps an atmospheric rustic wooden restaurant that draws midrange Thais.

2. Hotel? - Must have have decent safe parking (without heavy maneuvering) and ok room below 2000 THB. Bicycle rental, tour tips and general helpfulness very welcome. Don't like to use hotel restaurant, if an alternative is available. Don't need breakfast. Reliable reservation. Any recommendations?

3. Mobile Network? – Do you know if AIS or DTAC work especially well or unwell there?

4. Timing? – Would starting on Tuesday, Jan 3, be a reasonable plan? Or do you foresee masses of visitors and full rooms? (Will book ahead soon.) I *could* perhaps start later on Sunday, Jan 8th, for 3 – 4 nights, but that's not ideal.

Thanks for all real-life experience!