A traveller's reflection: 2019 Q8 4ND: 19 Khao Yai

“Be thankful for what you have, you’ll end having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never, ever have enough…”

(Famous for its seasonal flowers and organic produce)

Day 19: 19 Dec 2019 (Thursday)
Route: Khao Yai - Jim Thompson Farm – Khao Yai
Distance: 73km 1:30hrs

Hotel: Juldis J2 Hotel, Khao Yai

07:00 - Had breakfast in the room although the hotel provided complimentary breakfast of toast and coffee for breakfast.

(Nice clear weather in the morning)

(The new elevated highway overlooking Lam Takhong Dam)

07:30 - Drove to Jim Thompson Farm about 111 km away using the highway 2. It took us 2 hours of leisure drive from Khao Yai.
09:30 - Arrived at the farm and paid THB70 each for 'warga emas' half-priced ticket. Spent almost an hour there exploring the farm. There is a few trams circling the farm at intervals to bring tourists to the many attractions. Jim Thompson Farm is a popular agro and eco tourist attraction in Thailand. Jim Thompson is a renowned luxury Thai silk brand started by Jim Thompson, the American architect and businessman who revitalised Thai silk industry.

(A smaller road to Jim Thompson Farm)

(The entrance to the farm)

(A life size water buffalo)

(Having fun in the Pumpkin Yard)

(Golden giant pumpkins)

(The blooming Sunflower Field)

(The sunflower is as big as my face)

(Lavender fields at the farm)

(A flower field of yellow daisies)

(A seasonal flower farm)

(Visiting the Isaan Village)

(Organic rice grown in the farm)

(Stroll along the bamboo path)

(Display of artworks at the lake)

(Pretty lotus flowers on the lake)

(Isaan house used as scenes for filming dramas)

(Silk Production Village)

(Farm products for sale here)

(Visitors queuing to visit the farm)

10:45 - Drove back to Khao Yai retracing the same route.
12:30 - Had lunch at Salasa Hill Halal Restaurant. Lunch was sumptuous Salmon steak and rib-eye steak although a bit pricey.

(The only halal restaurant in Khao Yai)

(Waiting for our orders)

(A bit pricey but both dishes are delicious and tasty)

(Visited the Strawberry Farm after lunch)

13:30 - After lunch drove back to the hotel and rested in the room for a while.
16:30 - In the afternoon drove to Khao Yai National Park West entrance.

(Khao Yai National Park)

(Not enough time to visit the National Park)

17:00 - Drove around Khao Yai and visited a few attractions around the area. There were many hotels and boutique resorts but most were fully booked.

(The buildings are like weaved rattan baskets)

(A small Bullock-cart round about)

(Camper Site for motor-homes and caravan)

(Cowboy City is not in operation at the moment)

(A European style hotel)

(Time-sharing apartments and resorts)

17:15 - Visited Piazza Palio Khao Yai. It is a Tuscan village–themed shopping complex for local crafts & gourmet food products, plus a few fine-dining restaurants.

(An artwork at the entrance)

(The main courtyard of Piazza Palio)

(A unique lifestyle shopping)

(Strolling along the Italian Village)

(A photo with the cockatoos for a small fee)

(Another beautiful courtyard)

(Water fountains in the garden)

(A replica of Piazza Grande)

(A strong influence of Italian deco)

(A place for a romantic couple)

(A famous painting)

(Many rest areas in the plazza)

(The King and I)

(The beautiful Mona Lisa)

(Palio Inn is closed)

(Terracotta coloured buildings with nice garden)

(Holding on to the acrobatic girl)

(We almost forgot where we are)

(A loyal dog waiting for his owner)

(A painting of a white kitten)

18:00 - Visited the Chocolate Factory. A trip to Khao Yai would not be complete without a visit to the Chocolate Factory and tasting the local delicacies.