Phetchabun Thins to Do
If you ask us, we will definitely recommend visiting Phetchabun to all the trekking and hiking enthusiasts. With splendid mountainous landscapes and breath-taking scenery Phetchabun’s national parks offer a unique experience which cannot be beaten. Adding to the attraction of Phetchabun is the fact that the whole province is rarely visited by Western tourists and you can be sure to see what many of your fellow travellers miss.
Khao Kho National Park
Khao Kho is a national park in the western part of the province, covering a mountainous area bordering with the Phitsanulok province. Often referred to as ‘’Thai little Switzerland’’ because of breathtaking mountain scenery and the cold weather (no snow, stay calm), it offers lots of attractions for nature lovers, such as waterfalls, caves, cliff and terrific viewpoints.
Besides the natural beauty the park has the turbulent past since between 1968 and 1981 it was the field for several battles between the Royal Thai Armed Force and the Communist Party. At the top of the main mountain, at 1146 m high, a memorial stands to commemorate the victims of the battles. The memorial can be reached by car as there is a steep road up to the summit.
Another entrance which is more easily reachable is located 40 km from Phetchabun. Drive north for 12 km on route 21 and then turn left on route 2258 for other 25 km until you get to the park headquarters. Many tourists will choose the longer northern way along route 12 (the same route heads to Wat Pha Sorn Kaew) because the scenery is better and there are a lot of accommodation options close to the park. When you get to Khaem Son, there’s a junction that will lead to Khao Kho. The park is open every day from 6.00am to 6.00pm and the entrance fee is THB200.
Nam Nao National Park
Nam Nao is a national park located in the forested mountainous area in the east of Phetchabun province. Established in 1972, it covers more than 900 square km and it’s one of the best national parks in the country to spot a lot of wildlife. Some of the animals living in the park are elephants, gaurs, Asiatic black bears, sun bears, leopards, golden jackals and deer. Elephants are frequently seen, too; in case you do spot them, be extra careful and keep an adequate distance.
The park is also a great place for bird watching; more than 220 species live in the Nam Nao park and if you are an experienced birdwatcher, you will be rewarded with abundunt opportunities to see the feathered inhabitants of the park.
From the park’s headquarters several hiking trails will take you to the major attractions including waterfalls and caves. There are many paths suitable for all fitness levels and experience.
The highest peak in the park, Phu Pha Chit (1270m), is accessible via a 10 km trail that will take you to the summit in about 6 hours. Close to the headquarters you’ll find campgrounds and restaurants serving exceptional Thai food. Sleeping here is quite an experience since from your tent you’ll more than likely be able to hear the elephants walking nearby; to keep you safe, though, the camping area is protected by an electric fence. Bungalows are available for rent and reservation is recommended especially during weekends and Thai public holidays. You can check the options available and place your booking directly with DNP website. Don’t forget to bring some warmer clothes, especially (but not only) during the cooler months (December and January). At night-time the temperature will drop down and nights when a jumper is needed happen all year round.
To get to Nam Nao national park by car drive north on route 21 towards Lom Sak for 40 km and then turn right on route 12. It’s another 50 km before you get to the park’s headquarters.
Local buses are available from Lom Sak, and Lom Sak is served by public buses from Phetchabun. The buses heading to Nam Nao will stop at the last checkpoint, 1,7 km from the park’s entrance from where you can walk or hitchhike. To get back to the same point ask the park rangers if there is anybody to give you a lift. The park is open every day from 6.00am to 6.00pm and the entrance fee is THB200.
