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Phetchabun – Beauty Beneath the rainy greenery

After a three-day trip to Phetchabun, instead of bringing home sweet mangoes and mango products as souvenirs like every time, this time we returned with stories of the places and people—from Khao Kho, Phu Thap Boek, to the ancient city of Si Thep.

Located in the lower northern region of Thailand, Phetchabun province offers a diverse landscape that change with the seasons. The mountains are striking drawing many visitors in winter for the stunning views of misty seas and refreshing, cool air. However, Phetchabun in the rainy season unveils a new perspective. The rain breathes new life into the forests, returning lushness and greenery to the scenery, and awakens dormant vegetation. After the showers, the lingering moisture creates a mesmerizing sea of mist. Experiencing the unique charm of the rainy season brought a unique beauty that’s sure to leave us spellbound.

Khao Kho: Paradise on Earth

As the rain began to fall, cool mist veiled the winding road ahead. We were heading up to Khao Kho, a route we hadn’t taken in years. Passing by the Khao Kho Post Office, the rain gradually subsided, revealing a clear view ahead. The scenery on both sides of the road was quite inviting — nice resorts, trendy cafes, and newly opened places along the route.

Khao Kho, situated in Phetchabun with a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and intricate mountains. Its climate remains comfortably cool year-round, with pleasantly chilly winter. Despite the passage of time, Khao Kho remains a hub of biodiversity, hosting a variety of plant and animal species. It’s adorned with numerous natural attractions such as waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and misty viewpoints, alongside historical sites.

One notable stop is the Khao Kho Sacrifice Monument, atriangular-shaped memorial crafted from marble. It honors thebravery of soldiers, police officers, and civilians who foughtagainst communism. King Rama IX’s Royal Residence standsas another notable landmark. It used to serve as a temporarylodging for the king and his family during royal visits. We alsopaid respect at Phra Borommathat Chedi Kanchanaphisekwhich houses relics of Lord Buddha brought from Sri Lanka.This site was bestowed by King Rama IX to bless localsfollowing the end of the communist insurgency in Thailand.

Another landmark in Khao Kho worth visiting is the Wind Turbine Farm, a clean energy production site that transformed into a tourist attraction. Thanks to its hilltop location, the expansive fields spread across the summit without any obstruction, allowing 24 wind turbines to spin continuously throughout the year. Surrounding the area are flower fields, strawberry farms, coffee shops, and camping grounds, making it a great spot for scenic views and capturing beautiful moments.

For those in love with misty mornings and the tranquilembrace of a cool breeze, spending a night on Khao Khopromises an unparalleled experience. There is a wide selectionof accommodations, mostly situated around Tung Samo andCamp Son districts. At sunrise, witness a breathtaking sea ofmist blanketing the landscape from observation points suchas the one near Khao Kho Post Office, Itthi Base viewpoint,and Phra Tamnak Khao Kho. We immersed ourselves innature’s embrace as the mist danced through the hills. It wasan unforgettable spectacle, a scene akin to paradise on earth.

The Sea of Mist and Cabbage Fields at Phu Thap Boek

Located about 80 kilometers from Khao Kho,the journey to Phu Thap Boek took nearly two hoursdue to occasional rain showers and 111 windingcurves. If you’re worried about getting car sick,taking medication beforehand can be a lifesaver. PhuThap Boek, in Lom Kao District, is the highest peakin Phetchabun Province at 1,768 meters above sealevel. With cool weather year-round, its highlightsinclude a breathtaking sea of mist, hills covered incabbage fields, and a sky full of stars. We stopped bythe iconic “Pha Hua Sing,” a 360-degree panoramiclookout resembling a lion’s face. Reached by a steepdirt path, it offers stunning views of the mountainranges and mesmerizing mist flows.

A visit to Phu Thap Boek isn’t complete without seeing the expansive cabbage fields, the largest in Thailand. Originally cultivated by the Hmong people, these fields cover thousands of acres. Many field owners allow visitors to take photos, just be careful not to step on the crops. You can also buy cabbage heads directly (2 for 50 baht) from the farm. And don’t miss tasting the famous “Stir-fried Cabbage with Fish Sauce” at its local eateries.

Our unique accommodation at Long Kao Camp was a dome tent perched on the cliffs of the Pha Hua Sing. The atmosphere is serene, with all conveniences provided, including a private balcony offering a breathtaking 180-degree view. We spent evenings gazing at the stars, while mornings brought the magical sight of mist rolling right up to our doorstep, all visible from the comfort of our bed.

On our way back, we bid farewell to Phu Thap Boek at Mong Market, a roadside market offering fresh produce grown locally. Despite the rain hiding the road, more people were heading up to Phu Thap Boek, making it less lonely. It remains a haven for nature lovers, especially during the rainy season, the time when it’s most alive and vibrant.

Ancient City of Sri Thep: Thailand’s New World Heritage Site

The Historical Park of Sri Thep, located in Sri Thep District, became Thailand’s newest World Heritage Site in 2023. Spanning 2,800 acres, it holds significant archaeological importance nationally and globally. It flourished alongside the lands before Sukhothai’s kingdom. Despite its past glory, it eventually became abandoned, leaving behind remnants of its vibrant civilization.

Today, evidence of continuous human settlement since prehistoric times is still visible, featuring over 50 ancient ruins with diverse Buddhist and Hindu beliefs, and showcasing impressive architectural achievements.

Travel Tips

There are two main routes to Khao Kho:

Route 1 (from Phetchabun): Follow Highway 21 (PhetchabunLomsak)untilNang Aew Intersection.TurnleftontoHighway2258and drive30 km further.

Route 2 (from Phitsanulok): Take Highway 12 (PhitsanulokLomsak)tokilometermarker100 (Ban Camp Son). TurnleftontoHighway2196 and drive33 km toreach Khao Kho.

– The road to Phu Thap Boek from Lom Kao is steep and winding,unsuitable for buses. Drive with caution if you’re using a car or van.

– From May to September, the rainy season brings lush cabbagefields, perfect for visiting and taking photos.

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