Khao Yai Car Free Day 2025

Low Carbon Khao Yai for All

Chompunut Nampa

Just as Rome was not built in a day, the restoration of the environment cannot be achieved overnight.

If we compare today’s efforts to heal our increasingly fragile environment to a project, it would be a true mega-project—one that spans our entire lifetimes, powered by the “conscience” of every individual as its driving engine.

With faith in the power of small actions, the Khao Yai Tourism Association, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has designated Car Free Day, September 22 of each year, as a landmark annual event in Khao Yai. Through the activities of walking, running, and cycling into Khao Yai National Park, the event serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment—showing that countless small sparks, when joined together, can ignite meaningful change.

Stargazing at night, then waking up to walk–run–cycle

Light pollution has become a growing concern in major cities around the world. At the same time, stargazing tourism in dark-sky destinations is gaining popularity across many countries.

Khao Yai National Park is one of the certified Dark Sky Parks in Thailand, making it a beloved site for astronomy enthusiasts.

This year, Khao Yai Car Free Day 2025, held on September 20–22, will feature not only the traditional walking, running, and cycling events but also a special new highlight—stargazing activities under the theme “An Unforgettable Magical Night.” The program will transform an ordinary evening into something truly special at Khao Rom Ground in Khao Yai National Park.

The stargazing sessions are organized through the collaboration of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Khao Yai Tourism Association, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), and the Pak Chong Astronomical Club. The activities will take place across two nights, Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Telescopes will be available for public use, and astronomy experts will be on hand to guide visitors with insights into the stars—combining knowledge with fun throughout the evening.

For lovers of the night sky, this is a must-attend experience. Highlights include photo opportunities in a glamping atmosphere beneath the stars of the solar system, along with a special activity where participants can create star-themed wristbands based on zodiac constellations.

Once a Year: Closing the Park for Walk–Run–Cycle

It is not every day that traffic is halted inside Khao Yai National Park, a place where cars usually pass through daily. That’s why Car Free Day is such an extraordinary occasion—when the roads are closed from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM exclusively for walking, running, and cycling activities.

The closure allows participants to truly connect with nature: to immerse themselves in the fresh greenery lining the roadside, to fill their lungs with crisp mountain air, and to reflect on the importance of protecting the environment. It is a rare and special experience, unlike anything found elsewhere.

This year, Car Free Day falls on Monday, September 22. While some may be tied down by work commitments, others see this as an even greater opportunity to enjoy nature in a quieter, less crowded setting.

The day’s activities begin before dawn, with registration opening at 5:00 AM. Before the start, participants are served a simple yet meaningful breakfast of rice porridge—offered in bowls borrowed from local temples. After use, the bowls are washed and returned to the temples along with small donations, helping to reduce waste. At the same time, the community benefits, since all food and seasonal fruits are sourced directly from local farmers.

At 6:00 AM, the start is marked not only by the runners themselves but also by a colorful parade from local schools. Students compete for scholarships while adding vibrancy to the event, alongside a contest for the most creative eco-friendly costumes.

Along the route, water stations are set up with large coolers and paper cups, reducing reliance on single-use plastic.

One of the event’s unique highlights is its commitment to sustainability. Every registered participant in the walk–run–cycle receives a race shirt made from recycled plastic bottles. At the finish line, they are awarded a medal crafted from recycled bottle caps, along with a boxed meal set designed to minimize plastic use.

This year, the core mission is to further cut greenhouse gas emissions. Waste separation stations are installed throughout the park—for food scraps, bottles, and paper—making waste management faster and lighter on the local municipality. At the same time, data collection is conducted through a digital platform developed by Suranaree University of Technology (SUT). The analysis will show how much carbon reduction is achieved during the event, and how these insights can be applied to Khao Yai’s long-term sustainable development.

Even after Car Free Day comes to an end, the mission of the people of Khao Yai continues—the mission of pursuing truly sustainable tourism.

Khao Yai Walk–Run–Cycle: A Model for Sustainable Tourism

Environmental activities in Khao Yai have been going on for more than a decade, made possible by the strong collaboration between local communities, government agencies, and the private sector.

When it comes to Car Free Day, however, credit goes to Pruitti Kerdchoochuen of Dairy Home, who first initiated the idea. The Hug Khao Yai Club embraced it by organizing the very first Car Free Day cycling event in 2015. That year, the Thanarat Road was packed with cyclists as far as the eye could see, sparking what would eventually grow into today’s walk–run–cycle tradition.

The recognition that nature is vital to every life in Khao Yai has kept these environmental activities going year after year. Even the COVID-19 pandemic forced all events to pause, but once restrictions eased in 2022, the walk–run–cycle Car Free Day was reborn—and it has continued to gain momentum.

Most recently, in 2024, the event drew overwhelming participation, as Car Free Day happened to fall on a Sunday morning. More than 1,500 green-hearted participants joined: over a thousand people running or cycling from the main gate, and nearly 100 more cyclists coming in from Prachinburi Province.

This year is particularly special for Khao Yai, marking the 20th anniversary of its UNESCO World Heritage designation. To celebrate, the event will expand into three days and two nights, September 20–22. Participants will enjoy a double treat: nights spent stargazing under the Dark Sky and mornings waking up to walk–run–cycle through Khao Yai National Park—a rare experience that happens only once a year.

It is yet another testament to the persistence of ordinary people who keep working hand in hand to preserve nature for as long as possible. For the truth remains: the day without Khao Yai will also be the day we cannot endure.

Race Categories and Registration Fees

There are four categories to choose from:

Walk–Run: 450 THB (distances of 7 km and 14.5 km)
Cycling: 450 THB (routes of 14.5 km from the Pak Chong checkpoint and 37 km from the Noen Hom checkpoint in Prachinburi)
Walk–Run + Stargazing: 550 THB
Cycling + Stargazing: 550 THB

(Participants in the combined categories can join the stargazing activities on both nights.)

All registrants will receive an eco-friendly race shirt made from recycled plastic materials. Upon crossing the finish line, participants are awarded a unique medal recycled from plastic water bottles and a boxed meal set designed to minimize plastic use.

For more information, please contact:

Facebook Page: Khao Yai Tourism Association
Phone: Khun Yui – +66 94 239 3916

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