Wat Si Mongkhon or Wat Na Sai
Wat Si Mongkhon or Wat Na Sai is located at Mu 3, Ban Na Sai, Wang Ban Sub-district on the Wang Ban Intersection – Cho Wo Route. It is an ancient temple of Phetchabun. The interesting point of this temple is its mural paintings inside the Ubosot, depicting the Jataka stories, the Heaven and Hell, and those reflecting the local lifestyles in the past such as occupations and junk trade.
To get there Take the Lom Kao – Wang Ban Route for 3 kilometres from Lom Kao District. There will be a 1-kilometre path into Na Sai village.
Namtok Than Thip Forest Park
Namtok Than Thip Forest Park is in Bung Namtao Sub-district and Bung Khla Sub-district, covering an area of Khao Plok Lon National Forest Reserve and Pa Khao Pa Ko – Wang Chomphu National Forest Reserve. It is a source of tributaries flowing into the Pa Sak River. It is a high mountain range with abundant plants. Fauna that can be seen include jungle fowls, bamboo rats, jungle cats, and butterflies. The overall area of the park is approximately 8,750 rai.
Interesting attractions within the forest park are as follows:
Exhibition Centre is a venue providing basic information and knowledge, located at the Office of Namtok Than Thip Forest Park.
Kaeng Nam Wing is the first spot that tourists can experience the beauty of the forest. At this rapids, water will flow against and erode the rocks, while visitors can swim.
Kaeng Maduea stands a large number of Maduea or fig trees, with rocks rising up in the middle of the vigorous stream.
Tat Chomphu is a venue for relaxation with a large stone terrace and a big basin, appropriate for swimming.
Kaeng Pha Iang is similar to a cliff bending backward with a large terrace. It can be swum in the current flowing against the rocks.
Namtok Than Thip is 1,400 metres from the Office of the Park. It is a beautiful and large 1-tier waterfall with a height of 26 metres, a width of 30 metres and water running throughout the year, suitable for relaxation.
Wang Nam Rin ’s shape is similar to the head of an elephant. It is the source of various kinds of ferns such as Bird’s Nest ferns and Adiantum or Maiden hair ferns. It is located near the viewpoint spot where the scenery of the upper part of Namtok Than Thip can be seen clearly.
The park has organised interesting activities for tourists such as the Nature Study Route. Many kinds of birds and butterflies can be seen along the route of 3 kilometres. It takes approximately 3 hours to walk the route.
Accommodation The park does not provide any accommodation, but a camping site and tents for tourists. A tent can serve 2 persons. Otherwise, visitors can bring their own tents. Contact for further information on how to get there and accommodation at Tel. 0 5671 8705, 08 9080 0111.
To Get There From Mueang Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21, Phetchabun – Lom Sak Route for approximately 28 kilometres. At Km. 250 turn to the Ban Bung Namtao Intersection, turn left along the Ban Bung Namtao – Thung Samo Route, Khao Kho District, for 4 kilometres until reaching Mo Phan 28 T-junction. Turn left for 25 metres into Highway No. 2302, Ban Bung Namtao – Thung Samo Route. Then, turn left again for around 1 kilometre and turn to the Office of Namtok Than Thip Forest Park for 1.5 kilometres to the waterfall.
Tham Ruesi Sombat
Tham Ruesi Sombat is situated at Ban Tham Sombat, Bung Namtao Sub-district, 36 kilometres from Phetchabun. During the period when Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsongkram was Prime Minister, the government acclaimed the Regulations on the Administration of the Phetchabun Municipality B.E. 2487 and established the Ministry of Treasury at Tham Ruesi Sombat, which was used as a place to collect the treasures of the country during that period. At present, the buildings cannot be seen except the cave where some traces of construction can be noticed. To get there: From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21, from Km. 251-252, there will be a direction sign to the entrance of the cave at the junction opposite the entrance to the Phetchabun Airport, and go further for 6.5 kilometres.
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park (Nong Mae Na)
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, Office 1 (Nong Mae Na) is at Nong Mae Na Sub-district, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun. It is an affiliate office under the headquarters at Km. 80. The park covers the area of Mueang District, Khao Kho District, Lom Sak District, Chon Daen District, Phetchabun, and Wang Thong District, as well as, Nakhon Thai District in Phitsanulok, being an overall area of 789,000 rai. It was acclaimed a national park on 27 May, 1975. Geographically, it is similar to a turtle’s back with an undulating surface. It is a limestone mountain range stretching as a long line. The highest point is at Khao Khae which is the source of many rivers such as Huai Khek Yai and Khlong Wang Thong. The rainy season is from July to October, while winter is from November to February. During winter, it will be very cold and suitable for traveling. Important plants include Pinus merkusii, Mangifera spp., Burma Padauk and a grass field covering a large plain of pine trees and flowers.
Interesting attractions within the national park are as follows:
Hanging Bridge (สะพานแขวน) is 3 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. On both sides and along the path is forest. It is very shady and suitable for relaxation.
Kaeng Wang Nam Yen (แก่งวังน้ำเย็น) is 7 kilometres from the National Park Office at Nong Mae Na, the similar route to Thung Non Son. Along its way, the forest is continuously changing from a grass field into deciduous dipterocarp forest, mixed with pine forest and mixed deciduous forest. Within the moist evergreen forest by the brook flowing from a waterfall, there is a variety of big trees with many strange kinds of undergrowth such as various types of ferns and caladiums.
Tung Salaeng Luang (ทุ่งแสลงหลวง) is 25 kilometres from the National Park Office at Nong Mae Na. It is a large open savanna grass field, covering an area of 16 square kilometres. Along the route cutting through a mixed deciduous forest, visitors will discover wildlife searching for food and various kinds of flowers. Moreover, there are savanna grass fields mixed with the forests of the Pinus merkusii; namely, Thungya Mueang Len and Thung Non Son.
Tung Nang Phaya (ทุ่งนางพญา) is 15 kilometres to the south of the Office of the National Park at Nong Mae Na. It is a savanna grass field, surrounded by mountain pine forest and hill evergreen forest. On the branches of the pine trees appear wild plants difficult to be seen such as Dendobrium senile and Dendrobium Trigonopus – kinds of orchids.
Tung Non Son (ทุ่งโนนสน) is a savanna grass field mixed with mountain pine forest, located in the middle of the National Park at the summit of Khao Khok Son. It is similar to Thung Salaeng Luang and Thung Nang Phaya. From the end of the rainy season to the beginning of winter are various kinds of flowers that bloom such as Utricularia delphinioides, Doritis pulcherrima, Eriocaulon henryanum, Arudina graminifolia, and Nepenthes. This field is appropriate for trekking and is 31 kilometres from the Office of the National Park at Nong Mae Na. It is open to the public during October – November of every year. Tents can be rented, costing 400-500 Baht for a tent of 3-5 persons. In the case visitors bring their own tents, a fee of 30 Baht a night is required for the camping area.
Moreover, the national park has organised the Pho Ko Kho Rice Field Nature Study Route (เส้นทางเดินศึกษาธรรมชาติทุ่งนา ผกค.), 4 kilometres from the Nong Mae Na Office. At the starting point, 30-40 rai of rice fields will be seen. This rice field is a duplicate one of the Pho Ko Kho - communist insurgents – by the national park. A small brook from the high mountain plateau created by the Pho Ko Kho in the past is utilised in supplying the rice field. Throughout the field bloom Krachieo – curcuma - flowers in various colours. A nature study trip can be done within the 4 kilometres around the area.
Entrance fee for an adult is 400 Baht and 200 Baht for a child.
Accommodation The park provides accommodation for tourists at the Office at Km. 80, comprising 8 bungalows, costing 1,000 – 3,000 Baht. Moreover, tents for rent are also provided, costing 150-300 Baht for 3-5 persons. In the case visitors bring their own tents, a camping site is also provided for 30 Baht/ person / night. Furthermore, within the area of Nong Mae Na Office, on the way to the Khao Kho Palace, Khao Kho District, there are 8 bungalows, costing 2,000 – 5,000 Baht and rental tents for 3-5 persons, costing 150-300 Baht. In the case visitors bring their own tents, a camping site is provided for 30 Baht/ person / night. For further information, contact the Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, P.O. Box 64, Mueang District, Phitsanulok 65120, Tel. 0 5526 8019, or Department of the National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.
To get there: There are 2 routes overall that can be taken. First Route: From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21 to Lom Sak District for 13 kilometres to Ban Na Ngua and turn left. Go further along Highway No. 2258 to Khao Kho, pass the Ban Sado Phong Intersection and Khao Kho Palace, and go straight on until reaching Ban Thang Tawan, turn right for 4 kilometres until reaching Office 1 of the National Park, Thung Salaeng Luang. Second Route: From Phitsanulok, take Highway No. 12, Phitsanulok – Lom Sak Route, for approximately 100 kilometres and turn right into Khao Kho, passing the Office of Khao Kho District until reaching Ban Sado Phong and turn right into Highway No. 2258, passing Khao Kho Palace. Go straight on to Ban Thang Tawan and turn right for 4 kilometres to reach the Office 1 of the National Park, Thung Salaeng Luang (Nong Mae Na).
Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Phetchabun (Khao Kho Open Zoo)
Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Phetchabun (Khao Kho Open Zoo) is a research centre on the breeding of wildlife in Khao Kho (a project under the Royal Initiative), which is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Office, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora in accordance with the Royal Initiative of Their Majesties the King and the Queen influenced by their royal visit to Khao Kho. Moreover, the Wildlife Conservation Division has established a Wildlife Breeding Centre, as well as, the Khao Kho Open Zoo, covering an area of 20 square kilometres in Khao Kho Sub-district, Sado Phong Sub-district and Nong Mae Na Sub-district in Khao Kho District.
Wildlife bred and propagated at the centre can be categorised into 3 types; namely, mammals, birds, as well as, reptiles and amphibians.
There are 3 bungalows provided for tourists at the centre. Each is for 10 persons. For a group visit, a letter requesting a lecturer should be submitted in advance to the Chief, Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270, Tel. 08 6887 7393. For further information, please contact the Wildlife Breeding Centre, Wildlife Conservation Division, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2561 4292 ext: 713, 0 2579 9630. To get there: Take the similar route to Si Dit Waterfall. At Km. 7, turn left and go further for approximately 3.5 kilometres.
Khao Kho Agricultural Industry Co., Ltd. under the Royal Development Project of the Khek River
Khao Kho Agricultural Industry Co., Ltd. under the Royal Development Project of the Khek River is located at Mu 1, Ruen Ruedi Intersection, Sado Phong Sub-district. It covers an area of 35 rai, comprising 3 manufacturing buildings; namely, Building 1, for preserved canned agricultural products, Building 2, a baked dry building with a solar machine for baking, which is a demonstration project on the usage of the solar cell in industry, and Building 3, a tissue culture building for research or the reproduction of quality agricultural produce. Moreover, there is The Plants Experiment and Research Station for Industry. It covers an area of 30 rai, located at Ban Kong Niam. Besides, the Organic Farming School is also constructed to support the production of bio-organic fertilizer. Products for sale are vegetables, fruits, and canned fruit juices such as passionfruit, grapes, tomatoes, tamarind; vegetables, fruit, dried spices and herbs such as basil, lemongrass, fingerroot, and tamarind. Please contact 1 week in advance for a group visit by submitting a letter to the Director, Khao Kho Agricultural Industry Co., Ltd. , Sado Phong Sub-district, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270, Tel. 0 5672 8118-9.
Noen Mahatsachan
Noen Mahatsachan is located at Km. 17.5, Na Ngua – Sado Phong Road on Highway 2258. After driving to this spot, stop the engine, the car will move back up the hill by itself. This happening is from an illusion because when measuring the height of both spots, the hill’s height is lower than that of the path to the hill.
Namtok Si Dit
Namtok Si Dit is a large single-tiered waterfall with water running throughout the year. It was once a stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand. An interesting thing at this place is a rice mortar whose power came from the waterfall constructed by the communist groups. To get there: Take Highway 2196 to Km. 17 and turn right into Highway 2325 for 10 kilometres then turn right into the waterfall.
Phra Tamnak Khao Kho
Phra Tamnak Khao Kho is located on Khao Ya Mountain. The palace was constructed for the King on the occasion of his royal visit to observe the projects from his royal initiatives, as well as, to visit the people in Khao Kho district and the ones nearby. It is a concrete building in a semi-circle shape with 15 rooms overall making it different from other places. Visitors can ask officials for permission to visit the surroundings of the palace.
To get there: Take Highway 2196 until reaching Km. 29, continue for 4 kilometres and turn left to the palace. The route is quite steep, vehicles should be in good condition and possess high engine power. From Phetchabun to Khao Kho, take Highway No. 21, Phetchabun – Lom Sak to the Na Ngua T-junction, a distance of 13 kilometres. Turn left along Highway 2258 for another 30 kilometres. Otherwise, take Highway No. 12, Phitsanulok – Lom Sak to Km. 100. At Ban Camp Son, turn left into Khao Kho along Highway 2196 for 33 kilometres. The transport to Khao Kho should not be a coach because there are many curves along the route. The roads are quite narrow and steep. A pick-up or a van in good condition is more appropriate.
Tourists who travel by bus can rent a Song Thaeo at the entrance to Khao Kho in the Camp Son area. At Km. 100, there is a minibus provided from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Otherwise, a Song Thaeo can be rented at the Municipal Market in Mueang Phetchabun.
Chedi Phra Borommasaririkkathat Khao Kho
Chedi Phra Borommasaririkkathat Khao Kho is located on the summit next to the Khao Kho International Library, Ban Kong Niam, Mu 4, Tambon Khao Kho. At the summit of the chedi contains the relics of the Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka. The chedi was built by the people of Phetchabun as merit making for the King on the auspicious occasion of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne, as well as, to be an object of worship for Buddhists. On significant religious days, tourists and people will come to conduct a religious ceremony at this place such as a candlelight procession around the temple.
Khao Kho International Library
Khao Kho International Library is situated at a similar location as Phra Borommathat Chedi Kanchanaphisek. It is a large library designed into the shape of an upside down diamond. It was constructed with a reflecting mirror. The library collects both Thai and international books. During December of every year, there is an organisation of the festival “The Meeting with the Ambassadors at Khao Kho” by inviting ambassadors from various countries to come and witness the cultural performances of the province.
Phra Borommathat Chedi Kanchanaphisek
Phra Borommathat Chedi Kanchanaphisek is located on the summit of Khao Kho, next to the Witchamai Punyaram monastic residence whose top contains the relic of the Lord Buddha, brought from Sri Lanka. This chedi was constructed by the people of Phetchabun as merit making for the King on the auspicious occasion of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. On important religious occasions such as Makha Puja Day, people will regularly come to conduct a religious ceremony such as a candlelight procession around the temple.
Khao Kho Sacrificial Monument
Khao Kho Sacrificial Monument is on the summit of Khao Kho, 1 kilometre after Than Itthi. It was built to honour the heroic deeds of the civilians, soldiers, policemen and those who sacrificed their lives in the fight to protect the connecting area of the 3 provinces; namely, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Loei during 1968 – 1982. It is made of marble in a triangle shape with a height of 24 metres. It represents the cooperative mission between the civilians, soldiers, and policemen in 1981. The inside wall displays the history of the Memorial and a name list of the people in the event.
To get there: Take Highway 2196 until Km. 28. At the T-junction, turn right to Highway 2323 for 3 kilometres, being a total distance of 31 kilometres.
Ban Phu Toei Hot Spring Park
Ban Phu Toei Hot Spring Park is located at Mu 2, Phu Toei Sub-district, on Highway No. 21 (Saraburi - Lom Sak Road). It is a natural hot spring, emerging to the surface. The area has been developed into a health tourism attraction and a relaxing venue. There are daily services of mineral water bathing, spa, body massage, and foot massage provided from 9.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. For further information, contact Tel. 08 1571 7524, 08 4048 8131.
Wat Wichian Bamrung
Wat Wichian Bamrung is located at Tha Rong Sub-district, near the Wichian Buri District Office by taking Highway No. 21 (Lom Sak – Saraburi Route). Within the compound of the temple is enshrined the biggest Wichian Buri Rattana Mingmongkhon Reclining Buddha Image of the province, with a length of 50 metres and height of 5 metres. The image lies outdoors facing towards the east. It was cast of cement and painted in gold. The image contains the relics of the Lord Buddha’s collarbone. Moreover, this temple is a location of the statues of King Naresuan the Great, Phra Suphan Kanlaya – his sister, and King Ekathotsarot – his brother. Besides, there is a Ruea Mat – a dredger with top cover, which was an engraving piece of a large timber tree dating to the Ayutthaya Kingdom with special characteristics. It was discovered in the Pa Sak River.
King Naresuan the Great Shrine
King Naresuan the Great Shrine is situated at Tha Rong Sub-district. It is the enshrining venue of King Naresuan the Great statue, constructed by the people of Wichian Buri to commemorate the king’s honour in leading the troops to fight against the Khmer in this city. Their Majesties the King and the Queen also participated in the worshipping ceremony of King Naresuan the Great on 25 July, 1975. Every year, the District Office will organise a ceremony to celebrate the establishment of this shrine on the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day during 24-26 January.
To get there:
Take Highway No. 21 (Lom Sak –Saraburi Road) for 5 kilometres from the Wichian Buri District Office.
Bueng Sam Phan
Bueng Sam Phan is located at Sap Samo Thot Sub-district, 5 kilometres from Bueng Sam Phan District Office, covering an area of 323 rai. It is a 3 kilometre-long canal with clear water throughout the year. It is a pond for agricultural purposes and for fish breeding. By the pond lie restaurants. Every year during November, Bueng Sam Phan District will organise a long-tailed boat race competing for the HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Cup.
To get there:
From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21, passing Ban Wang Chomphu and Nong Phai District into Bueng Sam Phan District at the intersection at Km. 340-341. There will be a direction sign pointing to Bueng Sam Phan for 3 kilometres.
Sap Chomphu Arboretum
Sap Chomphu Arboretum is situated at Ban Sap Chomphu, Mu 8, Ban Phot Sub-district within a national forest reserve, covering an area of 180 rai. It is a source of botanical knowledge where there are mixed deciduous forests and various kinds of herbal plants. The inside of the arboretum is nicely decorated with flowers and decorative plants, with 3 waterfalls; namely, Namtok Hin Ngam, Namtok Sai Ngam and Namtok Than Ngam.
To get there:
From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21, passing Ban Wang Chomphu to Nong Phai District. At Km. 156 to Nong Phai District, turn into the Ban Phot – Wang Pla Road for 7 kilometres. For further information, contact the Phetchabun Forest Office Tel. 0 5671 1446.
Wat Chang Phueak
Wat Chang Phueak is a location where Phrakhru Phatcharachan or Luangpho Thop’s body in a glass coffin is housed. The body does not decay and is highly respected among the people of Phetchabun. In March, there is an annual commemorative event of his death. To get there: From Mueang Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21 to Wang Chomphu T-junction and turn left toward Nong Phai District. At Km. 118 before Ban Na Yom T-junction, there will be a direction sign to the temple which is located 700 metres further.
Nong Nari Arboretum
Nong Nari Arboretum or Pha Mueang Arboretum is on Nari Phatthana Road, Mu 5, Sadiang Sub-district near the Phetchabun Municipal Stadium, 2 kilometres from Mueang Phetchabun. Inside the arboretum lies a large lotus pond suitable for relaxation due to its shady atmosphere. Visitors can drive around the pond. There are also restaurants provided.
Khao Rang
It is a viewpoint where the panoramic scenery can be admired. It is on the Phetchabun – Taphan Hin route. This road was constructed during World War II, and could be considered as a way to access Phetchabun. During the construction period, there were difficulties. Many of the workers passed away due to malaria.
Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo is situated at Nai Mueang Sub-district. Originally, there were three temples lining up; namely, Wat Phra Sing in the north, Wat Phra Kaeo in the middle, and Wat Phra Suea in the south. Interesting monuments are the chedi in Wat Phra Sing and the stupa in the shape of a carambola in Wat Phra Kaeo. Moreover, there was a discovery of a Buddha image whose age was assumed to be more than 700 years by the Fine Arts Department. Besides, a treasure cell, containing earthen jars, Buddha images, and other important things such as pottery, Buddha images cast in bronze and silver, gold sheets, as well as, votive tablets made of baked clay in the Sukhothai style were found.
The Nakhonban Phetchabun Cultural Hall
The Nakhonban Phetchabun Cultural Hall is a large auditorium hall for the study concerning the history of Phetchabun. It can be divided into 2 parts. The first part is an exhibition of some ancient pictures and antiques from the Fine Arts Department in the various periods of the Phetchabun history. The second part is a stage for performances and presentations on history, traditions, and cultures of Phetchabun.
Si Thep Historical Park
Some 130 kilometres south of Phetchabun on Highway No. 21, and with another 9 kilometres after a left turn, is the Si Thep Historical Park. Si Thep is an ancient town where many architectural structures still remain indicative of its past prosperity during the 11th-18th Buddhist Centuries. It was once the centre of contact between the Dvaravati kingdom in the Central Plain basin and the Khmer kingdom in the Northeast. A twin-city, there were over one hundred ancient sites all built with bricks and laterite, most of which have crumbled. There are also remains of several ponds spread out all over the area. Most of the ancient relics recovered are parts of architectural nature such as elaborate lintels, plastered designs and Sema stone (used to mark out limits of Buddhist temples) and human skeletons still adorned with ornamental pieces.
Wat Trai Phum
Wat Trai Phum on Phetcharat Road features a Buddha statue called Phra Buddha Mahadhamaracha cast in the ornamental Lop Buri style. The ritual bathing of the Buddha image or the traditional Um Phra Dam Nam ceremony is held during September each year.
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is located on Nikon Bamrung Road in town. The temple houses a number of ancient chedis of Sukhothai style.
Tat Mok National Park
The Tat Mok National Park has a huge waterfall fed by streams flowing down cracks and crevices of the mountains creating a beautiful 12-level fall. On both sides of the trails leading up to it are large, shady trees providing a pleasant surrounding. To reach the park, take off from town past the town hall to the east for some 15 kilometres to Ban Chaliang Lap. Then take a right turn onto Highway No. 2275. After just 300 metres is a left fork leading to an access on to steep slope for a distance of 20 kilometres. From here another 1.8 kilometres on foot to arrive at the waterfall.
Huai Pa Daeng Reservoir
The Huai Pa Daeng Reservoir was created by the dam constructed to block the waterway to the west of town for irrigation purposes. Some 8 kilometres from town on Highway No. 2006, it is a pleasant place for recreation and picnic with scenic natural views in the background, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
City Pillar Shrine
Phetchabun's City Pillar Shrine has been brought over from the ancient town of Si Thep and is considered the oldest such structure in Thailand.
Phu Hin Rong Kla
Lom Sak District is the starting point to go to Phu Hin Rong Kla to the west. As the route is quite steep, extreme care should be exercised in driving. Phu Hin Rong Kla is a popular destination located along the Phitsanulok and Phetchabun borders and offers exotic scenery. It was once the base of communists' resurgents fighting against the government some twenty years ago.
Pho Khun Pha Muang Memorial
The Pho Khun Pha Muang Memorial at Lom Sak district in the north of Phetchabun commemorates this former ruler or the area, which was a contemporary of Sukhothai.
Kaeng Bang Rachan
Located at Ban Nong Mae Na. Kaeng Bang Rachan, the destination for eco-tourists, provides a set for paddling amongst the tranquility nature of Khek River Source. "Rua E-pong" , a traditional paddle boat is used as means of transportation. Trip to Kaeng Bang Rachan is organised anually every dry season (March-May) by the local community. The hilight of the trip is to experience "Freshwater Jellyfish" (Crasapedacusta Sowerby), which is presently found in only few countries of USA, Russia, UK, Japan and Thailand. It would be seen only in sunlight, so as a reason, the appropriate time to visit is between 10.00 - 16.00 hrs. Moreover, there are some species of rare butterfly can be seen here such as Kaiser, Troides helena, Euploea, etc.
Rai B.N.
Rai B.N. is a private agriculture plantation growing cold-climate crops, including various flowers which alternately bloom throughout the year. It is situated on the route to Khao Kho 3 kilometres from Ban Camp Son and fruit-based items for sale.
Khao Kho
Khao Kho is made up of mountain ranges to northwest of town about 1,174 metres above mean sea level covered in the main by deciduous plants. Very cold during November-February, it once was the base room which communist insurgents conducted their struggles against the authorities during 1968-1982. Today it is accessible via two routes; off Highway No. 12 (Phitsanulok - Lom Sak) at Ban Camp Son with a further distance of 30 kilometres of off highway No. 21 at Ban Na Ngua, about 13 kilometres from town with a further distance of 30 kilometres. Both routes wind through considerably steep terrain. Interesting places include various viewing points, remains of communist bases and buildings, war memorial, arms museum, a Chedi containing Holy Relic and the Si Dit waterfall.
Accommodation at Khao Kho: There is a large number of accommodation to be chosen. Most of them will be in Thung Samo Sub-district and Camp Son, approximately 30 kilometres from the attractions on Khao Kho. The nearest one is the Cavalry Guesthouse at Km. 28 on Highway 2196, 28th Cavalry Division and bungalows for accompanying persons near the Khao Kho Palace and Khao Ya. Moreover, there are many resorts by the route ascending to Khao Kho.
Sunflower Blossom on the Mountain at Bueng Sam Phan
Bueng Samphan covers the area of Ban Khao Phluang and Ban Pa Yang, Sa Kaeo Sub-district, where there is sunflower planting on Phukhao Luang, covering an area of more than 10,000 rai. In the morning when the sunflowers are in bloom, this mountain will become a spectacular golden sunflower field. In December, Bueng Sam Phan District will organise the event “Sunflower Blossom on the Mountain at Bueng Sam Phan”. In the event, there will be a contest of the largest sunflower, a sunflower beauty contest, the preservation of sunflower seeds, and sales of agricultural produce.
To get there:
From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21, passing Nong Phai District until reaching the intersection. At the intersection, turn left into Highway No. 225, the similar way to Chaiyaphum for 18 kilometres. At Sap Bon Intersection, turn left for 14 kilometres to Ban Pa Yang. At Ban Pa Yang, the 10,000 rai of sunflower fields will be seen.
Nam Nao National Park
The Nam Nao National Park is an immense tract of forest still in perfect condition. With pineries, grasslands and virgin jungles, it is habitat to large number of animals and more than 100 species of birds. During December-January, the mercury could drop to as low as 2-5 degrees Celsius. The park headquarters is about 50 kilometres to the west of Lom Sak district on Highway No. 12. Points of interest are spread out. Attractions reached by taking Highway No. 12 (Lom Sak-Chum Phae) include:-
Tham Pha Hong, 300 meters off the main road at Km.39 to the north. Within the caves are formations of stalactites and stalagmites. It is also a point from which to view the scenery at sunset.
Ban Paek Pinery, 5 kilometres by foot off the main road at Km.49.
Phu Kum Khao Pinery, 15 kilometres off the main road at Km.53. Dense rolls of pine trees cover an area of about 10 square kilometres.
Namtok Heo Sai and Namtok Sai Thong are located on the same route. Both waterfalls can be reached on foot for a distance of 1 kilometre and 1.5 kilometres respectively off the main road at Km. 67.
There are also attractions on Highway No. 2216 (Lom Kao - Huai Sanam Sai) such as Pha Lom - Pha Kong cliffs which are 5 kilometres from the main road at Km. 40 and the Tham Yai Nam Nao cave near Km. 60.
Thap Boek
Thap Boek is located at Mu 14, Wang Ban Sub-district. It is a Hmong village. Geographically, it lies at the 1,768 meters above sea level claimed as the highest point of Phetchabun Province. It is mountainous from the starting point up to the village with chilly climate throughout the year. It is also a reservation venue for the rain used in the ceremony of casting a spell onto the holy water for the Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 72nd Birthday Anniversary 5th December 1999. At Ban Thap Boek, vegetables, especially cabbage, will be planted with no watering due to 2 seasons; namely, the rainy season and winter. Moreover, when the mountain top is filled with Cherry blossoms from December till January, it is also the best season to travel.
During the rainy season, it is misty during both daytime and nighttime. Therefore, it is sometimes called “the Misty Town”, where the event “Climb up to Thap Boek, Experience the Coolness and Watch the Stars on the Ground” is organised because the night time scenery of Lomsak and Lomkao town as it twinkles from the electric lights like stars on the earth.
Accommodation The Phetchabun Tourism Association has provided bungalows and rental tents for tourists. In the case visitors bring their own tents, a camping site fee will be charged. For further information, contact the Phetchabun Tourism Association, Tel. 0 5670 9026, 08 1680 0223.
To get there From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21 to Lom Sak District for 40 kilometres. At Lom Sak District, take Highway No. 203 for 13 kilometres and turn left into Lom Kao District and proceed further for 5 kilometres, passing Ban Wang Ban. Go straight on until the end of the road, turn left into Highway 1143 for 1 kilometre, and turn right into Highway 2331, passing Huai Nam Rin Village until Km. 18-19, prior to the checkpoint to the park. There will be a direction sign into Thap Boek Village, turn right and go further for 4 kilometres. (Note: The route is very steep and curving. Visitors should travel by a vehicle with high engine power and with special caution.)
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Last Updated ( Monday, 17 March 2008 )
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