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Guide to Khao Kho: Here’s why you must visit this mountain escape!
- Best Time to Visit Khao Kho
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Khao Kho
- Where to Stay in Khao Kho
- The Blue Sky Resort Khao Kho
- Stratus1 Resort
- The Sense Resort Khao Kho
- Where to Eat in Khao Kho
- Tanrak Talaymok Restaurant
- Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe
- Italia Gusto Pizza
- What to See and Do in Khao Kho
- Admire Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew’s five sitting Buddha images
- Feast your eyes on Khao Kho Viewpoint’s sea of mists
- Tour Khao Kho Wind Farm
- Set up camp at the Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint
- Check out Khao Kho National Park
- Ride a boat to Bang Rachan Islet
- Conquer Phukaew Resort’s Adventure Park
- FAQs about Khao Kho
If you’re looking for a serene escape that’s within Bangkok’s reach, visiting Khao Kho mountains is the way to go! It’s a mere 6-hour drive from the capital and not that well-known to foreign tourists.
While you may not find the best hotels or the most glitzy places to shop here, it’s still an awesome place for a mini-vacation. One thing I won’t forget is the “sea of clouds” high above the mountains that’s so relaxing, I wanted to stay there forever!
But the best part is the excitement in Khao Kho doesn’t stop there. In this guide, I will spill the beans on everything you need to know to make this off-the-beaten destination the break you so deserve. Let’s get started!
Best Time to Visit Khao Kho
The best time to visit Khao Kho is between November and February while it enjoys its peak season. During this time, rain is less likely to fall and the weather is cool and dry, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
With this, you can enjoy exploring the district from morning to night. But keep in mind you can also visit during the monsoon season, particularly for more impressive clouds of mist every morning.
Things to Know
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Khao Kho District, Phetchabun, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Phitsanulok Airport (123 km)
How to Get to Khao Kho
Bus: The best and cheapest way to get to Khao Kho from Bangkok is to catch a Phitsanulok Tour bus at the Mochit Bus Terminal. This bus will take you directly to Khao Kho District and only takes approximately 6 hours.
Phitsanulok Tour buses only depart twice daily so be sure to book a ticket ahead of time.
Taxi: Another way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Kho District is to ride a taxi. You can hail them from the capital city’s streets or book them via taxi-booking apps like Bolt and Grab.
This option is convenient but it’s also the most expensive. Also, this should take you approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Rental Car: You can also self-drive to Khao Kho from Bangkok if you have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit. You must drive approximately 400 kilometers so it will take around 5 hours and 30 minutes to get there.
Start by driving north via Sirat Expressway and Udon Ratthaya Expressway, turn right to Highway 9, and keep heading north via Highway 1. Switch to Highway 21 at the Phu Khae Junction and drive until you reach Wat Phet Aisuan in Phetchabun Town.
From there, turn left to Highway 2196 and keep going until you arrive at Khao Kho District.
Where to Stay in Khao Kho
The Blue Sky Resort Khao Kho
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Address: 96 Moo 5, Campson Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 81 355 0500
Website: https://www.theblueskyresort.com/
Pricing: ฿฿
The Blue Sky Resort Khao Kho is a tranquil hideaway surrounded by hills and lush greenery. Its 4-hectare garden with vibrant flowerbeds, statues, romantic cabanas, and a labyrinth are a must-see.
Their large private villas and luxury chateaus are perfect for vacationing families or small groups of friends.
These accommodations provide comfortable accommodations and complete amenities. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows will let you soak in the surrounding scenery!
They also have standard garden-view rooms for couples or solo travelers looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Stratus1 Resort
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Address: 328 Moo 12
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 99 000 3955
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068830565394
Pricing: ฿฿
If you’re a big glamping fan, Stratus1 Resort is an excellent option. They offer dome-shaped glamping tents with modern and cozy amenities like air conditioning, soft mattress beds, massage chairs, and outdoor tubs.
This gives you the best chance to enjoy camping vibes without sacrificing comfort. Moreover, their glamping tents have transparent windows so you can enjoy a stunning hillside view and sea of mists every morning.
A grilled pork set is also included in every room booking, so you can enjoy an outdoor hotpot dinner while you’re here.
The Sense Resort Khao Kho
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Address: 180 Moo 12
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 86 177 3566
Website: http://www.thesensekhaokho.com/
Pricing: ฿฿
The Sense Resort Khao Kho is a gorgeous hillside property known for its stylish rustic villas with floor-to-ceiling windows, private decks, and superb valley views. Their private decks, in particular, are great for morning yoga, afternoon tea, sunsets, and stargazing.
But if you want a more intimate experience, we recommend their Romantic Sense Jacuzzi room. It has a hillside balcony with a nice view of the morning mist and a semi-outdoor jacuzzi, perfect for couples who want to enjoy the scenery together.
You can also enjoy this excellent view from their open-air restaurant and bar.
Where to Eat in Khao Kho
Tanrak Talaymok Restaurant
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Address: 143 Moo 12
Operating Hours: 24/7
Contact Number: +66 87 020 7014
Website: http://www.facebook.com/tanraktalaymokresort/
Pricing: ฿฿
Tanrak Talaymok Restaurant is a well-known food spot in Khao Kho. Locals and tourists frequent this place for its wide selection of Thai dishes, Western-style food, desserts, and coffee.
Plus, the colorful flowerbeds and photo spots surrounding it mean you can watch beautiful scenery during your meal. Our favorite is their seafood tom yum. It has a rich, slightly sweet coconut-based broth and the spiciness can be modified to your liking.
Food prices here are on the higher side but they make up for it by serving large portions.
Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe
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Address: 232, 3 Moo 7, Khaem Son
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 32 425 707
Website: http://pinolatte.com/
Pricing: ฿฿
If you prefer a restaurant with a stunning alfresco dining area, Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe is an excellent choice. This place boasts rustic outdoor seats, cutesy high tables, and exquisite mountain views.
There’s also a charming and airy indoor dining area in case all the tables outside are taken. It also has floor-to-ceiling windows so you’re not missing out on the view.
Their extensive menu consists of Thai, Western, and pastry dishes. Our top pick is their boat noodle shabu which includes up to 13 hotpot inclusions!
Italia Gusto Pizza
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Address: 76 Village 2, Thung Samo, Khao Kho District
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 95 306 0009
Website: https://www.facebook.com/italiagusto.khaokho
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Italia Gusto Pizza is arguably the best pizzeria in Khao Kho, and it’s definitely a must-visit for fans of authentic Italian pizza. They only serve four Neapolitan-style pizzas: Margherita, double cheese, salmon, and Napoli.
This is a key factor in their pizza’s quality and consistency. The meat-loving foodies on our team also say it’s the best place for steak, especially Australian Wagyu steak which pairs nicely with their signature sauce.
Or if you’re a fan of variety, they also serve numerous Thai dishes, from som tum to miang kham, fried rice, and more.
What to See and Do in Khao Kho
Admire Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew’s five sitting Buddha images
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Address: 95 Khaem Son, Khao Kho District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 61 272 2485
Website: https://www.facebook.com/watprathatphasonkaew/
Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew is a popular attraction in Khao Kho, and it’s definitely a must-visit because it’s also one of the district’s most picturesque temples. This temple is mostly known for the five large sitting Buddha images on top of its wihan.
These ivory-white statues are arranged by size, with the smallest at the front, which makes them great photo subjects. Plus, the wihan itself is a work of art, adorned with numerous concrete and glass teardrop-shaped motifs.
There’s also a lotus-shaped architecture full of colorful wall mosaics which will blow any art fan’s mind. Also, this temple’s mountaintop location means you can enjoy a dramatic bird’s-eye view of Khaem Son’s village and mountainscapes.
Feast your eyes on Khao Kho Viewpoint’s sea of mists
Address: Khao Kho Sub-district, Khao Kho District
Operating Hours: 24/7
Khao Kho is known for its jaw-dropping sea of mists and this viewpoint is one of the best places to admire them every morning. This tall viewpoint lets you see above the thick mists so you won’t see the village below at all.
You can find local vendors on the opposite side of the viewpoint as well, so you’re covered for snacks and coffee. They also sell fruits, ethnic clothes, accessories, and souvenir items.
The sunset view here is also great, so don’t forget to check it out in the afternoon.
Tour Khao Kho Wind Farm
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Address: Thung Samo District
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 2 652 5245
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081507492378
If you want to take stunning photographs and try various activities, Khao Kho Wind Farm is a solid option.
Here, you can snap photos of massive wind turbines, stroll around colorful flower fields, and check out several fun attractions (archery and then a mini Ferris wheel ride, anyone?).
There’s also a paid shuttle service which makes exploring the various points inside the farm a breeze. You can also rent an ATV buggy for a fun drive through the farm’s dirt tracks.
You’ll also find numerous shops and food stalls inside the farm, so food, drinks, and souvenirs are already covered!
Set up camp at the Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint
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Address: Nong Mae Na Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 24/7
Contact Number: +66 62 251 3749
Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint is perfect for avid campers who want to admire the morning sea of mists in Khao Kho. This viewpoint has a small tent area so you can set up camp for the night.
To make the most out of your visit, we suggest arriving in the afternoon to catch the stunning sunset. Afterward, you can watch the stars at night and wake up to the sea of mists the following day.
They only have bathroom facilities so be sure to pack everything you’ll need during your stay here.
Check out Khao Kho National Park
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Address: 67 Moo 1, Sado Phong Sub-district
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 81 284 5223
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KHAOKHONATIONALPARK
Admission Costs: 100 baht (Adults), 50 baht (Kids)
Khao Kho National Park is a popular nature reserve for hiking and animal spotting activities. The famous Khao Kho mountains are within the park’s borders, so expect to see diverse flora and fauna during your visit.
Plus, these mountains enjoy a consistently cool temperature and lush alpine vegetation, earning it the nickname Alps of Thailand. If you camp here, expect to wake up to beautiful, foggy mornings.
Ride a boat to Bang Rachan Islet
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Address: Nong Mae Na Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 32 562 744
If you’re a nature lover, a trip to Khao Kho won’t be complete without riding a boat to Bang Rachan Islet. Going here gives you the best chance to enjoy the quiet company of nature.
This place is also known for its unique wildlife, particularly freshwater jellyfish which appear between February and April. Plus, you can also spot over 300 species of butterflies which can be seen all year round.
Conquer Phukaew Resort’s Adventure Park
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Address: 75 Moo 14, Phitsanulok-Lom Sak Road, Khaem Son Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 56 705 950
Website: https://phukaewresort.com/adventure/
For fun-loving travelers, the Adventure Park in Phukaew Resort is definitely a must-try. This place offers numerous exciting activities, from bungee jumping to zip lining, treetop climbing, rock climbing, paintball shooting, canoeing, and more!
They have suitable activities for people of all ages which makes it ideal for families. If you book a room at the resort, you can also enjoy special promotions like discounted tickets, unlimited activity passes, and free adventure coupons.
