I visited Khao Yai National Park for the first time in 7 years.
Just so happened it was on a Sunday.
What used to be one of the best nature experiences in all of Thailand, has been ruined by local over-tourism, and I expect most are coming from Bangkok.
Where you use to be able to see 100’s of animals, we saw 1 monkey only.
Traffic is backed up in the national park, bumper to bumper.
Noisy tourists only caring about getting that selfie for social media.
There was a motorcyclist killed in a traffic area near a popular look-out spot.
Almost 40 minutes later, we saw an Ambulance coming from Pak Chong, which would have no chance getting through the bumper to bumper traffic, on the single lane mountain road, to get to the victim.
What was once a pristine nature experience, has been ruined with bumper to bumper traffic and noise.
The animals have all retreated deep into the jungle, with none to actually see.
The unnerving thing is these people are not there for the nature, they are ruining the place for a selfie.
Motorbikes everywhere with high selfie sticks attached.
The viewpoints crowded and noisy beyond belief.
What use to be one of my favorite experiences has been totally ruined.
A coffee shop has been built at the main viewpoint.
In a Unesco World Heritage sight?
I am still in shock at what has happened at Khao Yai.
Locals said it is not so bad during the week, however, we were passing through on Monday morning and still a lack of animals anywhere.
We saw only 2 monkeys at 7 AM
It is so sad, to see this place destroyed.
So sad about the motorcyclist and the fact that one of your favorite spot to visit has been ruined.