A Slice of Tuscany in Thailand: A Day at Primo Piazza

There are moments while traveling when you suddenly forget where you are. Standing beneath terracotta-colored buildings, surrounded by cobblestone paths and rolling green hills, I genuinely felt transported to a tiny Tuscan village somewhere in rural Italy — except I was actually in the cool mountain air of Khao Yai, Thailand.

Welcome to Primo Piazza, one of Khao Yai’s most charming and photogenic attractions.

Tuscany styled architecture at Primo Piazza

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Inspired by the architecture of centuries-old villages in Tuscany, Primo Piazza combines European-style scenery with relaxed countryside vibes, cafés, flower gardens, and surprisingly adorable alpacas. 

The moment I walked through the grand stone entrance, the atmosphere changed completely. Soft pastel buildings framed the square, ivy climbed across the walls, and fountains trickled quietly in the background. It felt peaceful — slower than Bangkok, softer than the usual tourist attractions, and almost cinematic.

Performers at the square

One of the best things about Primo Piazza is that it doesn’t require a strict itinerary. You simply wander.

I spent most of my time strolling through narrow walkways, stopping every few meters for photos because nearly every corner looked postcard-perfect. The mountain backdrop added a refreshing contrast to the Italian-inspired architecture, making the whole place feel oddly believable. 

Push carts that be seen around the place

Narrow walkways

Of course, the real stars of Primo Piazza are the animals.

Behind the village square sits a small farm area where visitors can feed alpacas, Merino sheep, and donkeys. The alpacas, fluffy and curious, quickly became everyone’s favorite. Children squealed with excitement while adults secretly lined up for selfies with them too. Entrance tickets often include animal feed, turning the visit into a surprisingly interactive experience. 

Crossing the open field towards the farm area

Feeding alpacas

Sheep

Feeding sheep and donkeys

Feeding sheep

The slower pace is what makes this place enjoyable. Unlike large theme parks packed with attractions, Primo Piazza is small and intimate. Some travelers say you only need about an hour or two here, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. It’s not about rushing from one activity to another — it’s about enjoying the scenery, sipping coffee, feeding animals, and pretending for a little while that you’re somewhere in Europe. 

When hunger kicked in, I stopped by Primo Posto Coffee Khao Yai for coffee and desserts. Sitting outdoors with mountain views and cool breezes felt wonderfully relaxing after a morning of walking around. Some visitors also recommend trying the gelato made with local dairy products.

If you’re planning a trip to Khao Yai, Primo Piazza works best as a leisurely half-day stop alongside nearby cafés, vineyards, or scenic resorts. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for softer lighting and cooler temperatures — especially if photography is your priority.

Khao Yai has many attractions, but Primo Piazza stands out because it embraces simplicity. It doesn’t try to overwhelm you. Instead, it invites you to slow down, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy a little pocket of Tuscany hidden in Thailand.

And honestly? That’s exactly why I’d go back again.

View of Primo Piazza from the tower

Feeding Giraffes and Meeting Alpacas: Exploring Bonanza Zoo Khao Yai

Tucked among the rolling hills and cool mountain air of Khao Yai, The Bonanza Exotic Zoo offers a fun and surprisingly intimate wildlife experience that feels more like a countryside adventure than a traditional zoo. Located near the lush landscapes surrounding Khao Yai National Park, this family-friendly attraction has become one of the region’s favorite stops for travelers seeking something playful, relaxing, and memorable.

Bonanza Exotic Zoo

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A Wild Escape in the Heart of Khao Yai

The drive to Bonanza Zoo is part of the charm itself. Winding roads pass scenic farms, flower fields, and mountain views before opening up to the sprawling Bonanza estate. The zoo sits within a peaceful natural setting filled with trees and shaded walkways, making it pleasant even during warm afternoons. Unlike massive city zoos, Bonanza Exotic Zoo feels compact and easy to explore at a relaxed pace.

One of the first things visitors notice is how interactive the experience is. Instead of simply observing animals from afar, guests can feed giraffes, alpacas, deer, rabbits, and colorful birds. Small buckets of carrots and animal treats can be bought onsite, turning the visit into a hands-on adventure that children especially love. 

Alpacas

Feeding Alpacas

Free roaming rabbits enclosure

Feeding Rabbits

Giraffe enclosure

Feeding Giraffe

Up Close with Exotic Animals

The zoo houses more than 50 species of animals, from zebras and ostriches to white lions and exotic birds. The white lion cubs are among the biggest attractions, drawing visitors eager for close-up photos and unforgettable encounters. Alpacas wander calmly in open spaces while parrots and flamingos add bursts of color throughout the park. 

Price for feeding the lions

White Lion

Lion cub which visitor could feed

Aviary

Feeding Parakeet

Parakeets

Flamingos

For travelers visiting with kids, the atmosphere feels especially welcoming. There are plenty of feeding stations, photo opportunities, and shaded resting areas. The manageable walking distance means families can comfortably spend a few hours exploring without feeling exhausted. 

Pony

Deers

Piglets

Hornbill

Parrot

Squirrel Monkey

Cotton-Top Tamarin

Tortoises

Python

The zoo’s hillside layout also creates beautiful viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside. During the cooler months from November to January, the fresh air and misty mountain scenery make the experience even more enjoyable. Morning visits are often recommended because the animals are more active and the weather is cooler. 

Zebra

Sheep

Meerkats

Grey Crowned Crane

Final Thoughts

A visit to The Bonanza Exotic Zoo is less about rushing through exhibits and more about slowing down to enjoy simple moments — feeding a giraffe, watching alpacas graze quietly, or hearing children laugh as birds flutter overhead. It captures the relaxed spirit of Khao Yai perfectly: scenic, family-friendly, and filled with small surprises around every corner. For travelers looking to add a touch of wildlife adventure to their Khao Yai itinerary, Bonanza Zoo offers an experience that is both entertaining and easy to enjoy.

A Riverside Time Capsule in Khao Yai: Dining at Ban Mai Chay Nam

The road into Khao Yai is already magical — rolling hills, roadside flower fields, cool mountain air, and endless cafés that look pulled from Pinterest boards. But nothing quite prepared me for the wonderfully eccentric world of Ban Mai Chay Nam.

Part restaurant, part vintage museum, part retro wonderland, this riverside hideaway in Pak Chong feels less like a dining destination and more like stepping into someone’s beautifully chaotic childhood memory. 

Ban Mai Chay Nam

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First Impressions: Vintage Everywhere

The moment I entered, I was greeted by an explosion of nostalgia. Old movie posters, antique toys, retro signs, comic book characters, arcade machines, and quirky collectibles filled nearly every corner. One moment I was admiring vintage Thai memorabilia, and the next I spotted Captain America, Ultraman, and even Marilyn Monroe peeking from unexpected corners.

Entrance to the restaurant

It’s impossible not to slow down here. Every wall tells a different story. Every table seems surrounded by decades of pop culture memories. Even if you’re not usually into museums, this place makes wandering around genuinely fun.

Museum-like dining setting

The riverside setting adds another layer of charm. Wooden decks stretch toward the water, and the relaxed atmosphere feels perfectly matched to Khao Yai’s slower pace.

The Food: Comforting Thai Classics

Despite all the visual distractions, the food absolutely holds its own. The menu focuses on traditional Thai cuisine, with dishes designed for sharing. The flavors were rich, comforting, and surprisingly refined for such a playful venue. Reviews consistently praise their crispy fried gourami fish and minced beef curry with coconut milk — dishes that helped the restaurant earn recognition from the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide. 

Pork Satay

I especially loved how the restaurant balances authenticity with accessibility. Whether you’re a hardcore Thai food lover or a casual traveler exploring Khao Yai for the weekend, the menu feels approachable and satisfying.

And honestly, eating spicy Thai food beside a quiet river while surrounded by retro memorabilia? That’s a combination I didn’t know I needed.

More Than a Restaurant

One of the most surprising things about Ban Mai Chay Nam is its scale. Beyond the restaurant and museum, there’s also a resort connected by a suspension bridge crossing the river. 

It gives the entire property the feeling of a hidden compound — somewhere between a roadside attraction, a collector’s dream house, and a countryside retreat.

Families seem to love it here. Couples spend ages taking photos. Kids run around excitedly pointing at cartoon characters and vintage toys. Even travelers who normally café-hop through Khao Yai tend to linger much longer than expected.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

Khao Yai has no shortage of aesthetic cafés and themed restaurants. But many feel curated purely for Instagram. Ban Mai Chay Nam feels different. It has personality. It’s messy in the best way — colorful, nostalgic, slightly eccentric, and deeply memorable. The place doesn’t try too hard to be trendy because it already has character.

If you’re planning a Khao Yai road trip, this is one stop that genuinely deserves a few hours of your itinerary. Not just for the food. Not just for the photos. But for the strange and wonderful experience of dining inside a living vintage collection beside a quiet Thai river.

Intricate miniature display

Before leaving, I took one final walk through the maze of antiques and collectibles. Somewhere between the old movie posters and riverside breeze, I realized this wasn’t just another restaurant stop in Khao Yai.

It was a place you remember long after the trip ends.