Khao Kho Phetchabun - 10 Things to Do

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About 400 kilometers north of Bangkok lies Khao Kho in Phetchabun. The province is often overlooked by Western tourists but offers something different in Thailand. Instead of beaches and palm trees, there are mountains, strawberry fields, and above all, cooler temperatures.

Our Khao Kho Tips for Thailand’s Popular Mountains

What you can experience on-site in Khao Kho Phetchabun and the tips we have for you are summarized in this article. We also tried the popular glamping in Khao Kho, where you can sleep in very comfortable and almost luxurious tents right in the middle of the mountains. If you’re looking for a destination off the beaten tourist track in Thailand, then Khao Kho would definitely be an alternative.

How to Get to Khao Kho Phetchabun

Getting to Khao Kho in Phetchabun can be a bit more time-consuming because there is no airport nearby. If you want to fly, the nearest airport would be in Phitsanulok. You can find flights there, for example, on Skyscanner.

You can travel to Phetchabun by bus from various corners of the country. Buses run from Khon Kaen in the northeast, from Chiang Mai in the north, or even from the capital Bangkok to Phetchabun. The onward journey then includes a ride by taxi or local buses to Khao Kho. An overview of the connections can be found at 12go.

The easiest way is to drive by car, which you can rent in Thailand. In this way, you can, for example, be in Khao Kho from Bangkok in 5-6 hours via Highway 1 and Highway 12. The last stretch goes through the picturesque mountains, which already offer great views.

Accommodation in Khao Kho Phetchabun – Our Hotel Tip

The Papa Garden is located amidst the mountains and offers beautiful views of the surroundings. Many accommodations, like the Papa Garden, offer very special overnight stays in tents. However, they are really well-equipped with comfortable mattresses and pillows, fans, Wi-Fi, and free water.

Next to the tent, there is a dining area where a Thai breakfast is also served in the morning. In the evening, the Papa Garden offers its guests Moo Kata, the Thai hot pot. You also have a private bathroom on-site, which is outside the tent, though. We were very pleasantly surprised and, we would recommend this experience to anyone who wants to stay in Khao Kho.

You can find more hotels in the area and other places in the Khao Kho mountains in this overview.

1. Wat Pha Sorn Kaew

Wat Pha Sorn Kaew with the 5-headed white Buddha is a truly impressive Buddhist temple in Khao Kho. It impresses with its colorful design and extraordinary architecture. The temple itself is located on a hill and also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

A highlight is the many mosaic decorations throughout the temple complex and, of course, the aforementioned 5-headed Buddha statue. It is by far the most famous photo motif in the area. The temple attracts visitors from all regions of Thailand but is still relatively rarely visited by Western tourists. Learn more about a visit in our detailed article on Wat Pha Sorn Kaew.

2. Camping – Waking Up in the Clouds

For many travelers, Khao Kho in Phetchabun is especially popular for camping or glamping, the more comfortable way. As you can see at the beginning in our hotel tip, we also slept in a tent. Of course, it’s not like sleeping on a sleeping mat, as you might remember from your childhood – it’s quite different. There are comfortable mattresses, lights, a fan, sometimes Wi-Fi, and there’s also a toilet nearby that’s private for each tent.

It was a really great experience to spend the night in Thailand’s mountains. If you come to Khao Kho at the right time of year, you can admire the cloud-covered mountains in the morning and take dreamlike photos. There are countless options for this in Khao Kho. We can recommend the Papa Garden Resort because it really has a great view, but there are many other accommodations as well.

3. Amazing Dinosaur Park

A special highlight if you’re traveling with children is the Amazing Dinosaur Park in Khao Kho Phetchabun. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and costs an entrance fee of 120 Baht per person. There are a few different thematic areas – from ancient Egypt at the beginning, a mirror maze, to many dinosaur statues that even make roaring sounds. You can also see King Kong here.

At the end, there’s a final room that’s a bit dark. Here, dinosaur statues painted with neon colors create another little highlight when illuminated by black light. A nice ending for a family outing. With children, you can comfortably walk through the well-maintained park for a good half-hour to an hour and discover quite a bit.

4. Kanchanapisek Pagoda

Along Highway 2169, through the mountains of Khao Kho lies the Kanchanapisek Pagoda. It combines architectural styles from the Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin eras. It was built in 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the former King Bhumibol’s reign.

The Kanchanapisek Pagoda has historical and cultural significance for the locals because it contains a Buddha relic from Sri Lanka, symbolizing peace. You will also find several Buddha statues inside. They are located in the four large niches of the upper platform and are positioned to face all cardinal directions.

The visit to the pagoda is brief, but if you pass it on your way to other attractions in Khao Kho Phetchabun, you can make a short stop. It is open daily for free from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

5. Khao Kho Viewpoints

The mountains of Khao Kho are known for their spectacular viewpoints, offering you many breathtaking views of the hilly landscape. One of the most famous viewpoints is the Khao Kho Viewpoint, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys – an unforgettable experience, especially at sunrise.

Another popular spot is the Pha Son Kaew Viewpoint, near Wat Pha Sorn Kaew (see point 1), where you can enjoy not only the temple but also the picturesque mountain scenery. The Tanrak Viewpoint also offers impressive views, especially during the cool morning hours when the mist hovers over the hills. You also have a great view at the Khao Kho Post Office, which is worth a stop.

As you can see, there are really many viewpoints in Khao Kho. When you’re on a tour through the mountains, you can stop occasionally and enjoy the view. Or you can take a break in one of the many cafés (see points 8 and 9).

6. Bang Rachan Rapids

The Bang Rachan Islet (or rapids) are especially popular as an excursion destination among Thais. They are part of an ecosystem in the Khek watershed. Here, the provinces of Phetchabun and Phitsanulok are connected. On site, there is a rocky island and a clear river that you can navigate by boat.

Additionally, there are some freshwater springs in the area, and it’s also home to exotic butterfly species. The local community promotes ecotourism and invites visitors to participate in activities and experience life in the homestay village. A visit is particularly recommended after the rainy season to fully enjoy the beauty of this area. An entrance fee of 150 Baht per person applies here.

7. Sri Dit Waterfall

Also located in Khao Kho Phetchabun is the Thung Salaeng Luang National Park. Here you’ll find the popular Sri Dit Waterfall. It has several cascades that fall down and is about 30 meters high overall. There are even natural pools on-site where you can go swimming. But beware – the water can be very cold, especially since it gets a bit cooler in Thailand’s mountains.

The area around the Sri Dit Waterfall is popular for hikes and picnics. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility, immerse yourself in nature, and watch the spectacle of the waterfall. It is a popular excursion destination in Khao Kho and is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There are also some shops that sell food and souvenirs. The entrance fee is very low at 20 Baht per person, so a trip is worthwhile.

8. The Fin Up Café

In Khao Kho, there are many cafés you can find along the roadside. One that we really liked is The Fin Up Café. The menu includes snacks, desserts, and various drinks, from fruit juices to coffee. However, the highlight here for us is the panoramic view of Khao Kho’s hills and valleys.

At certain times of the year, there are also fresh fruits like strawberries grown and harvested in the area. The Fin Up Café is located right by the Wind Farm Field (see point 10), and you can visit it as an alternative when you’re on-site.

9. King Kong Café Khao Kho

A little further on, not far from The Fin Up, you’ll find the King Kong Café in Khao Kho. The owners just renovated it in April 2024. There are viewing platforms, tents for sleeping, swings, and even the namesake King Kong as a kind of statue. You’ll also find some superheroes, a dinosaur, and a bus on-site. These kitschy photo opportunities are very popular, especially among Thai tourists, and one station after another is photographed in various poses.

It is open daily from about 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and an entrance fee of 40 Baht per person applies for the location. If you’re into unusual photo opportunities, you can make a stop here. Of course, there’s also the option to eat and drink something here if you’re looking for a refreshment. However, the view itself is similar to that at The Fin Up Café.

10. Wind Farm Field Khao Kho

In Khao Kho National Park stands the largest wind turbine farm in Thailand. There are 24 turbines, each 110 meters high, which are a special attraction in Khao Kho Phetchabun for many Thais. It is an important place for renewable energy in Thailand. On-site, you can check out the local market, take photos, visit the cafés, or take a tour with the shuttle bus. This takes you very close to the wind turbines and costs 60 Baht per person.

You can also park your vehicle on-site, which costs an additional 30 Baht. The shuttle bus then takes you through the facility and to two viewpoints so you can take photos. At another stop, you can, for example, go ATV riding to explore the area. Additional costs will apply here. It is open daily until sunset.

Have you ever been to Khao Kho Phetchabun? Are the mountains in Thailand interesting for you? Do you have any other tips? We look forward to your comment.