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Everyone knows that going to Thailand means entering the world of food – this is the home of unique cafés and restaurants, with everything from drool-inducing Pad Thai to delicately layered crepe cakes. It’s also the place where the only words we say are “om nom nom” and “take my Baht”!

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Photo via Giphy

But, if you think Bangkok and its Tuk-tuks are all there is to Thailand, you clearly haven’t discovered Khao Yai yet. It’s located in Northeast Thailand, and leads into Khao Yai National Park, one of Thailand’s most beloved parks.

Also read:

14 fairytale hotels in magical Khao Yai you never knew existed

15 things to do in magical Khao Yai you never knew existed

10 Tips/FAQs for all travellers dreaming of going to Khao Yai!

12 magical rainforest resorts in Khao Yai with incredible views

More information about travelling to Khao Yai (Tap to expand)

When to travel to Khao Yai?

The best time to travel to Khao Yai would be during the winter season between November to February.

This is when the weather is absolutely perfect, and waterfalls actually have water in them. If you travel down outside of the winter season, the weather can get almost unbearably hot (not kidding at all)!

Getting to Khao Yai from Bangkok?

1. By car:

– We highly recommend renting a car in Bangkok for your time in Khao Yai. Simply load the directions on GPS (or Google Maps on your phone). The journey is relatively straightforward, and will take up to 3 hours. The best part? Having a car will make exploring Khao Yai that much easier!
– When renting a car, make sure to check your rental car thoroughly – from ensuring that everything is working fine, to when it was last serviced.

2. By bus:

Make your way to Mo Chit Bus Station in Bangkok. There are several buses travelling to Pak Chong every half hour. Bus tickets will cost from USD $5. (Do double check that the bus you take stops at Pak Chong.)

3. By minivan:

The faster alternative, minivans located at Victory Monument travelling directly to Pak Chong leaves every 2 hours and cost from USD $5 per seat. Get to Victory Monument and find minivan companies on the south exit of the BTS skyline station, on the small stretch between Century Plaza and 7-eleven shop.

Resorts can also provide a one-way private minivan to pick you from your hotel in Bangkok for approximately USD $98 for up to 8 people.

4. By train:

The slowest way to get to Khao Yai, take the train from Hua Lampong Train Station in Bangkok Central to Pak Chong. Trains leave Hua Lampong Station for Pak Chong 4 times a day, and will take approximately 4-5 hours to reach. Tickets cost approximately USD $8 (depending on seat class)

While the mountainous scenery won’t fail to make your eyes water with their beauty, today, we’re all about the mouth-watering goodness that Pak Chong (a little town in Khao Yai) has to offer.

Don’t look down on this rural area – it definitely has its fair share of quirky and delicious eating hotspots. After you’ve looked through our list of the most outstanding restaurants in Pak Chong, Khao Yai – we think you’ll be scrambling to change your next holiday destination.

1. Breaking conventions – Dairy Home Farm Shop

This farm shop in Pak Chong is the best shop in the world, we think, if only for the fact that it serves food. We love how rebellious it is: “I’m a shop, not a restaurant!”

The shop also sells organic produce – who says you can’t do marketing and stuff your face at the same time? The sample stalls at Isetan say “yes you can”, and so does the Dairy Home Farm Shop.

This establishment exists in the form of bright red barn buildings and a tree house, which really makes you feel like you’re at a farm.

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Photo via Toon Iekaset, Sawitree.p P
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Photo via Non Stepp, Ppile

Although you might question, since when did farm food taste so amazing? The shop is renowned for its homemade ice cream, and its Kurobuta (black pig) steak is also highly raved about.

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Photo via Seetala Ch, Palmiiezyo
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Photo via Rosaliezp, Mildmind.m, Jub Ch, Heavenly Jobs

Dairy Home Farm Shop

Price: 50 – 200 Baht / approx. SG$2.20 – 8.70
Address: 100/1 Moo 11, Mitraparp Road | Phayayen Subdistrict, Nakhon Ratchasima 30320, Thailand
Contact: +66 81 991 0271
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 9am to 7.30pm; Friday to Sunday from 9am to 8pm

Official Website


2. Visit Neverland in this restaurant by the river – Ban Mai Chay Nam Museum & Restaurant

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Photo via Thekrim,Namon Nanthaphat

Do you get called out for a being a big kid all the time? Well, Ban Mai Chay Nam Museum & Restaurant is a prime example of why there’s nothing wrong with being a little nostalgic.

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Photo via Brilliant Best

This unique restaurant is filled with all the stuff our childhood dreams are filled with, and they go from new-age hottie Captain America to goofball Inspector Gadget (how long ago was that?!). In any case, it’s clear that this restaurant is one for kids of all ages and sizes.

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Photo via Pearieye-Annlanding
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Photo via Kung Suthi,Orn Oraparn

It helps, too, that the food is probably some of the best that you can get at Nakhon Ratchasima. The restaurant is famed for its authentic Thai taste, so you’ll definitely have to get your hands on the papaya salad, fried fish cakes and green curry.

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Photo via Cherry1616

Play like a child and eat like an adult – here’s where you can get the best of both worlds.

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Photo via Gggiftgiftz-Dixcy66-Dixcy66

Ban Mai Chay Nam Museum & Restaurant

Price: From 150 Baht / approx. SG$6.59
Address: 21 Moo 11, in front of Ban Mai Chai Num Resort, Mittraphab Rd, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Contact: 044312134, 044314236, 0816602826
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm

Official Website

3. Giddy up, cowboy – Buffalo Bill’s Texas Saloon Steakhouse

So somewhere in this list, you might’ve seen all that talk about Game of Thrones that has gotten you thirsty for some flesh – we mean, hungry for some meat.

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Photo via Phiangkamol, Tsukushiiz, Filmjsc

Why not grab a steak at Buffalo Bill’s Texas Saloon Steak House? He’s got to know his way around cows if he’s a buffalo.

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Photo via Mrsthio

Just kidding, but we’re not kidding about how you shouldn’t miss out on the dishes available in this cow-boy themed establishment. Other than a variety of the juiciest steaks ever, Buffalo Bill also serves Thai food.

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Photo via Baanphor Resort.Techhhi

But eating may not be the only thing you want to do here – after all, with the head of a moose sticking out from the wall, you can be sure that this is one place you won’t want to leave without taking a few glory shots.

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Photo via Manisara T

We think this is why the staff are all dressed up as cowboys… and we don’t think they’ll mind meeting a fellow cowboy or two!

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Photo via Domenici8, Ohm 19

Buffalo Bill’s Texas Saloon Steakhouse

Price: 104 – 702 Baht / approx. SG$4.57 – 30.86
Address: 157/3 Mittraphap Road | (Opposite Highway Police Station), Pak Chong 30130, Thailand
Contact: +66 44 312 528
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm

4. Animal therapy – Bunny Coffee

There are plenty of animal cafes out in the world – dogs, cats, owls, llamas… you name it, they have it. But who really wants to eat with a llama sticking its face into their food?

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Photo via Iamrath, Jewie.blogspot.com

Here’s where Bunny Coffee comes in, offering you sweet animal company with no fear that your furry buddy is going to topple over your dish or attempt to share your straw with you.

The bunnies at Bunny Coffee are kept in an enclosed pen, so you can watch them and coo over their cuteness while still maintaining a high level of hygiene in the cafe. The cafe itself is filled with tons of rabbit stuff, including stuffed toys and murals, so even if you don’t like moving rabbits, surely you can’t hate the ones who just stare cutely at you?

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Photo via Forr Frame, Puifai Faiiii, Smile Sunisa
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Bunny Coffee doesn’t really have a very extensive menu, but it does offer simple American breakfast dishes such as garlic bread, ham salad, toast and side dishes like nuggets. So while it won’t do much to soothe your stomach, it’s always good to get some animal therapy after a long and tiring day.

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Photo via Nam1 Pitchaya

Or you could simply really love rabbits, like us.

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Bunny Coffee

Price: 35 – 120 Baht / approx. SG$1.54 – 5.28
Address: 82/13 Nong shift Chong Road – Willow liner, Muang Pak Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Contact: 088-346-3467 , 084-911-0050
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 7am to 5pm; Friday to Sunday from 7am to 8pm

Official Website

5. Work of art – The Mew Cafe

The Mew Cafe is unique for none other than the fact that this cafe’s interior design knocks many of its competitors out of the park.

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Photo via Fernsuev

The minimalist and modern cafe is clad in grey tones, clean lines and pleasing wooden furniture. This really is the first time we’ve wished that our house looked like a cafe.

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Photo via Bean Beans, Anne Suthida
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Photo via Padee Studio

But The Mew Cafe get props for not stopping at the decor – just as much effort has been put into their dishes, and everything from the salad to dessert is exquisitely arranged.

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Photo via Princess Mink

Going to this cafe isn’t just a feast for your stomach, but a feast for your eyes as well. Don’t forget to try out their amazing breakfast menu; the Eggs Benedict (and basically any dessert) is simply unforgettable.

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Photo via Noon Ratta, Giftrunaway

The Mew Cafe

Price: From 85 Baht / approx. SG$3.74
Address: 139 Moo 15 Thanarat Tambon Moosi, Amphoe Pak Chong Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30130 Thailand
Contact: +66 98 382 5433
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday from 10am to 9.30pm (Closed Monday to Thursday)

Official Website

6. Ready-to-eat walls – Tomang O Vintage Resort

Tomang O Vintage Resort is a European-style accommodation located to the south of Pak Chong, on the outskirts of the village of Nakhon Nayok.

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Photo via Jojosung 77

Featuring a series of vibrantly-coloured huts that look just like what you’ll find on a Christmas log cake, we think the resort itself looks good enough to take a bite into.

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Photo via Pani.za, Zamurai Aun

Hmm… it’s almost as if the owners worry about visitors potentially sinking their teeth into their property – but there also happens to be an on-site cafe available to satisfy all your hunger pangs.

The café itself is situated in a bright canary yellow hut which is impossible to miss, and there’s even a giant duck standing at the door, and Spiderman waiting to welcome you in!

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Photo via Tanit 45 – Selapoom Ake

The quirky decorations are not the only things that will knock your socks off though. The café serves a series of crunchy desserts, ranging from honey toast to homemade ice cream.

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Photo via Peeradazl, Mamuayz, Vieweatamare, Sirilak Mukzill, Amonrattuck

Tomang O Vintage Resort

Price: 80 Baht / approx. SG$3.50
Address: 28 Nakhon Nayok, road up to the waterfall, opposite Newcastle Indochina
Contact: 089-8132956, 089-8928733
Opening hours: N.A.

Official Website

7. Exquisite Thai-French fusion in a gorgeous garden restaurant – Lookkai Khao Yai

This stately garden restaurant in Khao Yai features two distinctly different types of dishes – French and Thai. We don’t know about you, but we sure haven’t heard about something like that.

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Photo via Lookkai Khaoyai
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Photo via Sasiwan06

If your tastebuds’ preferences lean towards “upper class” food, you’re gonna love this place, because it both tastes good and looks good. Yes, you get to enjoy fine dining and show off on Instagram afterwards.

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Photo via Gift Run Away

Thai food lovers will dig fried rice with a seafood soup, while French cuisine connoisseurs will enjoy the juicy angus beef steak. For the rest of us, there’s always dessert – don’t forget to order one of those savoury crepe cakes at the end of your meal!

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Photo via Aoiivarn
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Photo via Lookkai Khaoyai

Lookkai Khao Yai

Price: From 70 Baht / approx. SG$3
Address: 888/8 moo8 Thanaratch Rd. Nongnumdaeng Pakchong Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Contact: +66 90 624 1656
Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 9pm

Official Website

8. Dig into family-style dinner at our personal favourite restaurant – Krua Kampan

After all the adventure in the park, spend more quality time with your family at Kua Kampan!

Photo via Kew Surakit

Using local ingredients from the surrounding waters and nearby farms, we personally guarantee that this restaurant serves up truly delectable Thai dishes in a blissful dining setting.

Photo via mananpas
Photos via vapavan, phoomsan, nantapornsuebsuk

PS: Do try the stir-fried sunflower seedlings! (It’s a chinese-style vegetable dish that’s deeeelicious.)

Photos via we_eat_allday, jed_the_great, gingubter, TripCanvas

Krua Kampan

Price: From 200 Baht / approx. SG$8.80
Address: 1 Moo 6, Tambon Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Contact:  044-929949
Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 9pm

Official Website

9. The hipster’s home – 382 Space Coffee & Bakery

Hipsters gotta be hipsters, even when they are overseas, right?

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Get in touch with your hippie side at the 382 Space Coffee & Bakery. The cafe is a hipster in its own right – a quaint little wooden hut situated away from the rest of the world, nestled among calming greenery.

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Photo via Fernsuev

Here, you’re bound to look cool in every single shot that you take, but don’t worry, it’s not you, it’s the environment (okay, maybe a little bit of you too).

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Photo via Jack Friday

This cafe sells a selection of tasty caffeine treats, along with mini pastries, such as matcha cupcakes and and brownies, from its “mum-made” bakery – giving every hipster the taste of home.

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Photo via Piinkiies

382 Space Coffee & Bakery

Price: 45 – 85 Baht / approx. SG$1.98 – 3.74
Address: 382, Thao Sura Soi 3, Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Contact: +66 95 609 3082
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm (Closed on Sundays and Mondays)

Official Website

10. Fairytale comes alive – Coffee House @ Khao Yai

If you believe in romance and still wait for the tooth fairy to come claim that tooth that fell out when you were eight – you’re going to love the fantastical energy that pulses around the Coffee House @ Khao Yai.

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Photo via Joraka

We don’t know if it’s the garden gnomes or the sheer beauty of the landscape that surrounds it, but stepping into the place sure feels like stepping into a fairytale.

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Photo via Tb Kungking, Duenja

Some days, sitting down and enjoying a relaxed time with a friend or two and a cup of coffee in a place that seems out of this world, sure feels like a tempting prospect.

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Photo via Aramis

It helps that you won’t be bored here – not when there are so many desserts to try out! Sweet rolls, crepe cakes with strawberry sauce, and of course some goooood coffee.

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Photo via Dakhobfa

If you’re not a caffeine addict like the rest of us, there are other addictive concoctions such as the high-concentration green tea. Just be prepared to open your heart and your wallet!

Coffee House @ Khao Yai

Price: 100 – 200 Baht / approx. SG$4.40 – 8.80
Address: 99/8 Moo. 8 Rd. Thanarat in. Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. 30130.
Contact: 0878769922
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm (Closed on Mondays)

Official Website

11. Around the world in 80 minutes – Te Amo

Always wanted to travel the world with your significant other? At Te Amo, you can do something like that – although instead of your bodies, your tastebuds will be the ones travelling instead.

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Just one meal at Te Amo will allow you to explore cuisines from China, Thailand and Italy. Better yet, you’ll be enjoying the food in the soft, romantic atmosphere within the European-styled establishment – definitely a bonus for you in your partner’s eyes!

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Just because you’re too busy miming hearts at each other, don’t forget to try out the restaurant’s iconic dishes.

Some of these dishes include the Smoked and Boiled Duck breast and their Spicy Fish stew. Keep in mind that good food is the way to anyone’s heart!

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Photo via Aum Napat
Te Amo

Price: 105 – 250 Baht / approx. SG$4.62-10.99
Address: Km.20 Thanarat road, Musi KhaoYai-Pak chong Amphoe Pak Chong
Contact: 044-297579, 089-9489977
Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 11pm

Official Website

12. Trip back in time – Lan + Lee + Lar Restaurant

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Photo via Ahaben

Lan + Lee + Lar Restaurant is a small, vintage restaurant located in Khao Yai. Decorated in a retro theme, the restaurant’s olden interior takes you back in time, and is perfect for vintage lovers.

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Photo via Fon Ppp
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Photo via Puk Zap, Pukkyz, Kklliimm, Pupeow

In line with its traditional theme, the food served here is also the best of the traditional Thai cuisine, including mouth-watering treats like fried mushrooms and fish, as well as curry shrimp.

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(But what you definitely don’t want to miss out on are the waffles, which are famed for their crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior.)

Take yourself out of the bustling timeline of the present, sit back and chill at a place away from time at the Lan + Lee + Lar restaurant. Trust us, with the feast ahead of you, you definitely won’t regret it.

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Photo via Boss Berry Bold
Lan + Lee + Lar Restaurant

Price: 100 – 300 Baht / approx. SG$4.40 – 13.19
Address: 199/9 Moo. Thanarat (km 9), Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima 30130.
Contact: 08-1902-2109, 08-1801-4759
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fridays from 10.30am to 10pm ; Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 10pm (Closed Tuesdays)

Official Website

13. Winter is coming – Midwinter Green

Midwinter Green is a breathtaking restaurant in Pak Chong that looks straight out of a Game of Thrones episode. We don’t know about you, but that feels really epic for us.

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The white-washed buildings are built in the medieval style and kind of look like the remnants of a half-destroyed stronghold.

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Photo via Amjangjie
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Photo via Floraisabelle.com

That doesn’t mean it looks run down, because it doesn’t – this restaurant is majestic, and being there will probably make you feel like you could sit on the Iron Throne.

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Photo via Moeiradio

Sadly, Midwinter Green doesn’t have Innards of My Enemies or Dragon Blood on its menu; what it does have is a delicious offering of international and Thai cuisine, including some really cheesy pizza, gourmet sandwiches, and barbeque. That should be enough to build up your strength for the next great war.

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Midwinter Green

Price: From 200 Baht / approx. SG$8.80
Address: 88/88 Moo 10, Thanarach Road, Nong Nam Daeng, Pak Chong
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Contact: +66 44 365 288
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm; Friday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm

Official Website

14. (Cafe) pageant queen – The Birder’s Lodge Cafe+grill

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Photo via Baifais

The Birder’s Lodge is a relatively new resort in Khao Yai with open concept wooden huts situated high up in the mountains – a dream destination for nature lovers (and hermit crabs).

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Photo via Pumpui_79

The resort has been lauded for its beautiful architecture and to-die-for scenery, and its on-site cafe can’t escape the fate of being too pretty either.

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Photo via Lloukpadl, Rinradah, Yeepun
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The cafe+grill at the lodge features a modern design with a wood theme, and serves some yummy fried fish and green curry with roti.

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Photo via Honey fangs, Preawwann

Barbeque services are also available on Fridays and Saturdays, so if grill is your thing, be sure to pick out the date of your visit carefully!

The Birder’s Lodge Cafe+grill

Price: From 95 Baht / approx. SG$4.18
Address: 282 Moo 10, Tumbol Musi Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Contact: +66 44 300 185, +66 44 002 306
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 8.30am to 6pm; Fridays, Saturdays and holidays from 8.30am to 9pm / For barbeque every Friday, Saturday and holidays, 5pm to 10pm

Official Website

15. Special mention: Reconnect with nature – 22°C Cafe

This cafe, located a short 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Pak Chong, truly lives up to its name: it’s the perfect place to sit and chill on a hot day, which is, well, (almost) everyday in Thailand.

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Photo via Opster, Jjollyj

22°C Cafe has a green theme – not only is it surrounded by nature and greenery, the interior of the cafe is also filled with plants, creating a soothing atmosphere and seamless connection between the cafe and the nature around it.

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Photo via Thenueng,Job Apinn, Dr Joyjoy

What’s better than sitting inside when the sun is determined to kill you with heatstroke? You don’t even miss anything, since the view you get outside, is what you get inside.

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Win win, we say. Besides, you also get to taste some really crispy fried chicken and sweet desserts – all in the comfort of an air-conditioned room. That should spite the sun’s nose off (if it had one).

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Photo via Itsmeviewatm,Boz.ziny

22°C Cafe

Price: From 50 Baht / approx. SG$2.20
Address: Wang Nam Khiao, Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Contact: +66 89 807 0077
Opening hours: Wednesday – Friday, 7.30am to 5pm / Saturday and Sunday, 7.30am to 8pm

Now that we’ve divulged all the yummy secrets that Khao Yai is hiding, all that’s left to do is…

1) Pack your bags

2) Exchange more than enough cash

3) Knock yourself out with the cafe hopping!

Let us know below if we’ve missed any great cafes or restaurants in Khao Yai out, and do say hi if you see us there!

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PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
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