Worth getting out of bed for
The jaw-dropping scenery and wildlife of Khao Yai National Park aren’t to be missed. There are elephants (your best chance of seeing them is on a night safari), deer, Asiatic beers, gibbons, macaques and four varieties of hornbill. There are even tigers, although they are rarely seen. The concierge can organise guided hikes, safaris, mountain biking, bird watching and elephant trekking, either in the park or close by. Other attractions nearby include: the town of Phimai, with its Khmer temple that predates Cambodia's Angkor Wat by a century; the Pakchong Night Market; and Dan Kwian, famous for the rust-hued pottery that has been made here for hundreds of years. If you're feeling sporty, Kirimaya's golf course has a rare single-track layout, making you feel as if you're the only one teeing off. The Maya Spa is the go-to sanctuary for facials, scrubs and wraps.
Local restaurants
Guests at Kirimaya can also eat at sister resort Muthi Maya’s Italian eatery Myth Bar & Restaurant, a five-minute drive away, and charge it to their room. It might be casual but the inspired menu blending Thai and Western cuisines at Khrua Khao Yai (+66 (0)44 297 138) is extraordinarily popular. It’s hard to believe that Thailand has a burgeoning wine industry, but around Khao Yai a couple of wineries exist growing chenin blanc and syrah. Have lunch overlooking the vineyards at PB Valley Winery’s Great Hornbill Grill (+66 (0)36 226 415/416). International and Thai dishes are served either on the terrace or in the air-conditioned restaurant.
Diary
February Chinese New Year on the 14th brings many visitors from Bangkok, so although it doesn’t particularly affect local businesses, you will notice everything is much busier. November The Phimai Festival, in the small town known for its Khmer temple, celebrates the area’s history with music and light shows and a traditional long-boat race. December The region's cooler weather means it’s the best place to catch a Thai music festival. Local pop, ska, reggae and indie music is the focus at events held at Bonanza Khao Yai (it also hosts a big festival in February).
