Khao Kho

The Phetchabun Mountain Region lies in the Pa Sak Valley, about 350 km north of Bangkok, flanked by mountain ranges east and west. Higher elevations around Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek are cooler than the lowlands; during the cool season, morning fog often blankets the valleys.The region is especially popular with Thai weekend guests; international visitors are rare. Destinations include the ceramic-clad temple Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, Nam Nao National Park, and in the south, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Si Thep.

The Thung Salaeng Luang National Park spans approximately 1,260 square kilometers across Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces and was designated in 1963 as one of Thailand's first national parks. Its characteristic feature is vast grasslands between pine and mixed forests, a savanna landscape rarely found in Thailand.The open plains, such as Thung Salaeng Luang, covering about 10 square kilometers, and Thung Non Son, with its pines and wildflowers, are the most famous destinations. From October to February, morning fog often blankets the savanna. Well over 100 bird species have been counted.In the north of the park lies the tiered Kaeng Sopha Waterfall near Route 12. You can stay overnight in bungalows or at the park administration's campsites.

Phu Thap Boek, at around 1,770 meters, is the highest point in Phetchabun province and the Phetchabun Mountains. The mountain is located in Lom Kao district near the border with Loei province, surrounded by Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. From the ridge, the view stretches over the surrounding mountain ranges; in the mornings, fog often gathers in the valleys.The slopes are covered with cabbage fields, cultivated by the Hmong families of Ban Thap Boek village. Around these fields, many resorts, campsites, and local eateries have sprung up, some of which are considered illegally built. Many visitors stay overnight here to witness the sunrise.The climate is cool year-round, with December and January being the coldest months. Wild cherry trees also bloom during this time. Warm clothing is advisable even in the dry season.

The Nam Nao National Park straddles the border of Phetchabun and Chaiyaphum provinces. Established in 1972, it covers approximately 970 square kilometers. Its highland terrain features a mix of pine forests, dry and mountain forests, and grasslands, giving the park a distinct character compared to the tropical parks in the south.Among its inhabitants are wild elephants, gaur, bantengs, and Sambar deer, plus around 360 bird species. Trails lead to viewpoints, waterfalls such as Haew Sai, and caves. The highest point is Phu Pha Chit, at 1,271 meters.Route 12, connecting Lom Sak and Chum Phae, passes through the park, ensuring easy access. The park headquarters offers bungalows and a campsite. Nights can get noticeably cool, particularly in December and January.

The Sukhothai Historical Park preserves the remains of the first capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, which flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries. UNESCO inscribed the site, along with the historical cities of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, on the World Heritage List.The site is divided into several zones. In the center, within the old city walls and moats, stands Wat Mahathat with its lotus-bud-shaped chedi; nearby are Wat Si Sawai with three Khmer-style prangs and Wat Sa Si on an island in the pond. To the north, Wat Si Chum houses the mighty seated Buddha Phra Achana within a narrow masonry shaft.As the zones are spread out, most visitors explore the park by *bicycle*; rentals are available at the entrances. Mornings and late afternoons are much more pleasant than the midday heat. The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum on the park's edge historically contextualizes the finds.