Phetchabun: World Heritage, mountains and a sea of mist

The Ancient Town of Si Thep is a serial UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the Dvaravati culture from the 6th to the 10th century. Khao Klang Nok is the largest surviving Dvaravati monument within the Si Thep area. Another religious testament is Khao Thamorrat Cave, a unique Buddhist cave monastery in the Mahayana tradition, featuring Dvaravati art and sculptures. The path to the ancient monument is steep; check whether access is currently permitted before visiting.

Buddhist architecture and Lom Sak

Wat Phrathat Pha Son Kaeo has a seven-tiered, lotus-shaped stupa called Chedi PhrathatPha Son KaeoSiriratThamnaruemit. The temple also houses the five-storey white statue of the “Five Buddhas.” In Phetbura Buddhist Park in Amphoe Mueang, Phetchabun, stands a large replica of PhraPhutthaMahaThammaracha, cast from pure brass.

The Thai Lom Walking Street is on Ronnakit Road in Amphoe Lom Sak. The historic street has been in use since 2012 and is lined with traditional two-storey wooden houses. The program includes cultural performances and demonstrations of weaving antique Ban Tio textiles and traditional blade forging. Check performance and demonstration times before visiting. Vendors sell local foods on the street, such as Khanom Chin Thai Lom, Ping Kai Khao Buea and Khao Lam; offerings may vary from vendor to vendor.

Mist, peaks and seasonal views

A sea-of-mist phenomenon occurs in Khao Kho almost all year round. Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint offers views of Khao Kho’s flowing mist; whether it is visible depends on the weather. Phu Thap Boek rises 1,768 metres above sea level and is regarded as Phetchabun’s highest viewpoint. Hmong cabbage fields can be seen on the summit each year from July to August and from October to November. Check seasonal access before travelling.

Phu Phaeng Ma is a viewpoint for sunrise, sunset and the sea of mist during the cool season. The cabbage-field periods are therefore different from the seasonal views at Phu Phaeng Ma; for weather-dependent views, visibility is another factor to consider when planning.

Savanna, water and activity

Thung Salaeng Luang in the Nong Mae Na area is a savanna covering about 16 square kilometres. During the transition from the rainy to the cool season, hiking and camping are possible in the savanna; park conditions may affect these activities. Also in Thung Salaeng Luang, a 14-kilometre mountain biking route runs from Nong Mae Na to Thung Nang Phaya. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Namtok Tat Mok, a large, single-tier waterfall cascading down a high cliff, is located in Tat Mok National Park. Its water flow can vary seasonally. The national park is also an important watershed for the Pa Sak and Chi rivers. Kaeng Bang Rachan is home to the freshwater jellyfish species Craspedacusta sowerbyi, considered unique in Thailand and visible once a year. Visibility depends on river conditions.

The Nong Mae Na Forest Community offers tourists the annual “Paddle in the Forest and Look for Freshwater Jellyfish” activity from March to May. Check locally in advance for the current seasonal program.

Planning your stay

Buses on the Chum Phae–Lom Sak route pass the entrance to the Nam Nao National Park administrative center. If you plan to use this service for your journey, check the current timetable locally.

Discover more destinations: Khao Kho, Wat Pa, Nong Phai District, Yang Ngam, Tha Phon, Nai Mueang, Pattani, Nakhon Phanom

For the broader travel overview: Thailand.