Across Phetchabun Mountain Range From Khao Kho to Thung Salaeng Luang and Phu Hin Rong Kla

From the Miracle Slope, drive further for about 8.5 kilometers to reach “Agricultural Bazaar” with stalls selling fresh produce and open halls as rest places where fresh brewed Arabica coffee is served. The view of Khao Kho Palace in the beautiful natural surrounding is clearly seen from this pleasant spot. During November to April, fresh fruits such as orange, logan, sweet tamarind, passion fruit, and various vegetables are on sale in abundance.
Not far from the Bazaar, one finds a three-way intersection. Take the left turn and continue for about 1 kilometer to find the two-way roads. Follow the way up to Khao Kho Palace, a delightful royal residence built during 1984-1985 at an elevation of about 1,100 meters above mean sea level. The palace is open to visitors when the royal family is not in residence. Camping can be put up in the complex with prior permission. Sleeping bags and blankets should be prepared as the mercury could dip to 5 or 6 degree Celsius in the night.
From Khao Kho Palace, turn back into Highway No.2196 to visit the memorials of Khao Kho, the former battlefield of Phetchabun Mountains. The route of about 2 kilometers is rather rough and special caution must be taken. In the area, one finds the Khao Kho International Library, the Weaponry Museum, or Itthi Base, formerly a cannon base, and the monument to those who sacrificed their lives at Khao Kho, as a marble diagonal bar.11 meters at the base, and 24 meters in height signifying the year 2511 when the conflict started, and 2524 when it ended.
Coming down from Khao Kho, turn into Highway No.2258 and take the right turn into Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, distinctive with the massive green pine forest known as the “Savannah of Thailand”, passing Than Tawan Village to Nang Mae Na Village, where provision can be stocked up for the camping in Thung Salaeng Luang. Contact the National Park Office in the neighborhood. The path in the park is in laterite and can be slippery in the rainy season. Only 4 wheel drive cars are recommended.

Thung Salaeng Luang is a favored camping site, with the green savannah that turns into gold in early winter, from September to November. The site to view the wondrous landscape of the savannah with Khao Pu as the backdrop is on the route Thung Salaeng Luang-Thung Nang Phaya.
Added activities at Thung Salaeng Luang include mountain bike riding and bird watching. Most visitors, however, enjoy the natural surroundings and watch stars in the clear sky at night.
Another famous site in Thung Salaeng Luang towards year-end, about October to December, is Thung Non Son, the site of wondrous flowerbeds, including pink garland, silver button, dripper of dew. From the camping site, one can travel by car for about 17 kilometers, and trek further for 15 kilometers to view the natural wonders. ThOse with limited time can visit “Kaeng Wang Nam Yen”, on the same route, about 7 kilometers from the park office, turning right about 500 meters. Water cascades down the huge rocks. 40-50 meters in width, hundreds of meters in distance.
From Thung Salaeng Luang, one turns back to Highway No.2325 from Nong Mae Na Village intersection, turning right passing Ratchaphruek Village for about 5.5 kilometers a signboard to the left indicates the entrance to “Sidit Waterfall, about 1 kilometer inside. The one-tier waterfall is quite large in size, especially in the rainy season. A remnant of the Communist base here is the “Hydro-Power Rice Mortar”, an invention worth viewing.
From Sidit Waterfall, take the left turn and continue for about4 kilometers to Khao Kho Open Zoo, (Wildlife Breeding Station), with restaurant, restrooms, accommodation, and camping site on offer, along with rare wildlife of the area and from other places in the confines for study.

From the Open Zoo, use Highway No.2198 northwards to Highway No.12. There are resorts and fruit orchards around here. Taking a left turn about 2 kilometers before reaching Highway No.12., one finds a famous agro-tourism site, B.N.Orchard, open to visitors all year round. Fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables are available as souvenirs. Time permitted, several resorts can be selected for overnight stays, such as Imperial Phu Kaeo, Methanidon, and Khao Kho Thalae Phu, a famous health resort, with charming log-cabin houses built of pine wood, and earthen huts.
From Highway No.12, head west to Nakhon Thai District, where check-ups can be made. From Nakhon Thai District use Highway no.2331 running through Phu Hin Rong Kla to Lorn Kao District, about 31 kilometers. The stretch is challenging, going up steep slopes and winding, but the road is of good condition. Phu Hin Rong Kla was another former battlefield, now a pleasant resort with accommodations and camping sites. Coming down from Phu Hin Rong Kla, follow Hig way No. 2331 to Ban Thap Boek National Park Office, famous as the site to view morning fog in the most beautiful surrounding in the lower northern region, especially in the rainy season and winter.
At Lorn Kao District, it is advisable to taste the famous Lorn Kao rice noodle, especially Auntie Sinrong’s shop, the first rice noodle shop in the District, next to the fresh market. Another famous shop is “Mae Tim’s”. Also on Highway No.203, there are rice noodle shops, especially “Khayum Chae Rae”, opposite Lam Sak District Office.

Category: Phetchabun