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Close to Nature The Only Travel Guide You’ll Need to Explore Phetchabun

Close to Nature: The Only Travel Guide You’ll Need to Explore Phetchabun

| Last Updated: June 2024

The restorative power of nature hits you the moment you step into Phetchabun. It’s a real hidden gem, and also my favorite escape, in Thailand’s central region. 

Here, lush, verdant mountains rise majestically, their slopes carpeted with emerald green cabbage plantations. Imagine waking up to a breathtaking sea of clouds blanketing the peaks – it’s a guaranteed mood booster (no need to meditate or do yoga)!

But Phetchabun offers more than just stunning scenery! Read on to discover my favorite things to see and do in this tranquil escape—where you can truly unwind and leave your worries behind.

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Phetchabun, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Phetchabun Airport, Phitsanulok Airport (174 km)

Best Time to Visit Phetchabun

The best time to visit Phetchabun is during the peak season (November to February). During this season, the province gets the least amount of rainfall which is optimal for sightseeing and exploration.

However, you can still visit during the rainy season, especially if you want to see the vast sea of clouds in the Khao Kho mountains. Also, the consistently low temperature in the province means you can enjoy going out at any time of the day.

How to Get to Phetchabun

Rental Car: The best way to get to Phetchabun from Bangkok is to self-drive a rental car. The province is approximately 355 kilometers from the capital city, so it should be a 5-hour road trip.

From Bangkok, drive north via Sira and Udon Ratthaya Expressway, turn right to Highway 3214, and turn left to Highway 1. Continue through Highway 1 then switch to Highway 21 at the Phu Khae Junction in Saraburi.

Keep driving via Highway 21 until you reach Phetchabun’s city center. Bear in mind that you must have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Bangkok.

Bus: A cheap option to get to Phetchabun from Bangkok is to catch a bus at the Mochit Bus Terminal. The only bus carrier that runs a direct route to Phetchabun is Phetprasert Tour, with 5 buses that depart daily so you have.

Taxi: Another way to get to Phetchabun is to hire a taxi from Bangkok. This option is perfect for travelers without a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit.

Plus, you don’t need to study the route to Phetchabun which means you can focus on sightseeing during the 5-hour ride. It’s worth noting that this is also your most expensive option.

Where to Stay in Phetchabun

The Blue Sky Resort Khao Kho

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Address: 96 Moo 5, Campson Sub-district, Khao Kho District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 81 355 0500

Website: https://www.theblueskyresort.com/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿฿

If you’re in Phetchabun with your family or a small group of friends, this hotel is the perfect choice. They have large family villas and luxurious chateau accommodations that can lodge up to five guests.

Depending on your booked accommodation, you may also get a sizable living room with a convertible sofa bed, shower bathroom, minibar, and a garden-view terrace. If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, there’s also a budget-friendly room with a garden view.

We also like that it has a high ceiling, so the interior is airy and cozy.

De Capoc Resort Khao Kho

Address: 254 Thung Samo, Khao Kho District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 83 285 5528

Website: https://www.facebook.com/decapocresort

Pricing: ฿฿ – ฿฿฿

De Capoc Resort is a stylish hotel offering modern airy rooms with minimalist interiors and large floor-to-ceiling glass windows. That makes it ideal for tourists who want a full dramatic view of the lush countryside.

Since the property is surrounded by a vast grass field and numerous trees, it’s also perfect if you like nature walks. If you’re a fan of nature photography, you’ll also get plenty of opportunities for postcard-perfect shots, especially during sunset and sunrise.

That’s why it’s popular among tourists who want to get the most out of Phetchabun’s stunning scenery.

The Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort

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Address: 99 Campson, Phitsanulok-Lomsak Road, Khao Kho District

Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 56 705 956

Website: http://www.imperialphukaewresort.com/

Pricing: ฿

This resort is a solid pick if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation. Plus, The Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort is tucked away in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood northwest of the city center, which is great if you want a peaceful and private vacation.

The standard rooms here have sitting areas and balconies, so expect a comfortable stay and awe-inspiring views. However, you can also get an upgraded room or suite that has a soaking tub, living room, and a fireplace.

Aside from that, this resort has gardens, jogging trails, an outdoor pool, a BBQ area, a restaurant, and a game room. That gives you plenty of activities to try while staying here.

Where to Eat in Phetchabun

New Bua Tong Restaurant

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Address: 67, 6 Sam Yaek, Wichian Buri District

Operating Hours:  7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Thursday – Tuesday)

Contact Number: +66 99 324 6540

Website: http://www.buatong.com/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

New Bua Tong Restaurant is a local food haunt well-known for its grilled chicken and crispy fried pork. Their grilled chicken, in particular, is a must-try because they only use lean domestic chickens that are ideal for tourists who want to avoid fatty foods.

Just know that it’s smaller than farmed poultry, so you might need to order more if you’re used to bigger chicken portions. Aside from that, they also serve other classic Northern Thai dishes like khao soi, som tum, mok nor mai, and more. 

Meng Bakery & Coffee

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Address: 9/2-5, Nai Mueang, Mueang Phetchabun District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 56 712 670

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

This cafe in Phetchabun is great if you’re looking for affordable Thai and International-style meals. Their menu consists of kra pao, pad Thai, pad cha, steak, and pasta dishes.

We particularly like that they have numerous spaghetti dishes which means there are plenty of options for everyone. Moreover, you can request black noodles which we think pair well with their seafood pasta dishes.

Sometimes, they also have a special promotional menu with an extra set of dishes and discounted prices, and we think they’re definitely worth a try.

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: ฿฿ – ฿฿฿

For fans of Italian cuisine, Italia Gusto Pizza in Phetchabun is the place to go. Our favorites from this restaurant are their Neopolitan pizza and steak offerings which we think are some of the best, if not the best, in the province.

In fact, the foodies on our team swear by their savory Australian Wagyu steak which comes with roasted potatoes, lettuce salad, and their signature sauce. We also like that they serve a wide selection of Thai dishes which is great if you like variety.

This includes som tum, miang kham, fried rice, and numerous stir-fried dishes. 

What to See and Do in Phetchabun

Visit Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew

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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 the most popular attraction in Phetchabun for good reason. It’s a unique mountaintop temple with a line of five seated Buddha images, with the smallest at the front and the largest at the back.

This one-of-a-kind arrangement makes it one of the most picturesque temples in the province. And since it sits on top of a mountain, you also get a stunning bird’s-eye view of Phetchabun City and its surrounding lush hills, mountains, and valleys.

It also has wall mosaics which we think are a must-see for art fans. Just know that you must take off your footwear to get through this holy temple’s entrance, which is why we recommend wearing flip-flops during your visit.

Check out the ruins at Si Thep Historical Park

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Address: 208, Si Thep, Si Thep District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 56 921 322

Website: http://virtualhistoricalpark.finearts.go.th/sithep/index.php/th/

Admission Costs: 100 baht

The place to go for history buffs who want to learn many things about Phetchabun. Here, you’ll find numerous ancient ruins of Buddhist architecture dating back to the Dvaravati Period.

It also has a museum with detailed exhibits of ancient artifacts uncovered from this historical site. You can even see the dig site where archaeologists found some of the artifacts on display.

The park also has a modern Buddhist shrine, so expect to see locals swing by to pray or pay their respects.

Admire the sea of clouds at the Khao Kho Viewpoint

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Address: Khao Kho Sub-district, Khao Kho District

Operating Hours: 24/7

This viewpoint in Phetchabun’s Khao Kho Town is one of the prettiest sights in the province, so we think it’s definitely worth the trip. It offers a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the town center and its surrounding jungles, hills, and mountains.

That’s why it attracts huge foreign and local crowds, especially during the sunset. However, this place has the most breathtaking scenery if you visit it in the morning.

During this time, the surrounding area is swallowed by a vast sea of clouds which we think every tourist must see at least once. It’s more common during the rainy season, so that’s the best time to visit.

Explore Khao Kho National Park

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Address: 67 Moo 1, Sado Phong Sub-district, Khao Kho 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)

If you want to spend your Phetchabun tip with nature’s company, go to Khao Kho National Park. This nature reserve is where you can see the famous Khao Kho mountains, so expect to encounter a wide range of local flora and fauna as well.

Thanks to its consistently cool temperatures all year round, it’s also a great place for campers who like waking up to foggy mornings. In fact, because of its low temperature and abundant alpine vegetation, the locals call it the Alps of Thailand

Aside from that, this park has plenty of exciting jungle trails that we think hikers and birdwatchers will definitely enjoy.

Go on a family trip to Amazing Dinosaur

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Address: 207 Moo 13, Khao Kho Sub-district, Khao Kho District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 87 782 2494

Website: https://www.facebook.com/AmazingDinosaurKhaokho/

Admission Costs: 120 baht (Adults), 60 baht (Kids)

This theme park in Phetchabun is perfect for tourists vacationing with their families. It’s particularly great for families with small kids since the park’s biggest selling point is its numerous dinosaur displays and light exhibits.

Amazing Dinosaur also has displays of ancient Egypt, moai statues, a small zoo, and a small aquarium, so there are plenty of interesting things to see.

Drop by Sri Dit Waterfall

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Address: Nong Mae Na, Khao Kho District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)

Though Sri Dit Waterfall doesn’t have the most impressive cascade, it provides a relaxing atmosphere perfect for picnicking with friends and family. It’s also popular for butterfly-watching since its gentle stream attracts these winged insects.

However, the best thing about this place is its peaceful nature trails. We’re particularly fond of strolling around the waterfall’s surrounding bamboo forest.

We think that watching the lines of bamboo while hearing the waterfall’s soothing cascade is one of the more relaxing experiences you get out of Phetchabun.

Take a trip to Huai Tong Bridge

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Address: Pak Chong, Lom Sak District

Operating Hours: 24/7

This popular attraction is Thailand’s tallest bridge, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in Phetchabun. Huai Tong Bridge is famous among motorists, so expect to see plenty of locals and tourists making a quick stop to enjoy its mountain view.

Due to its popularity, you’ll even find numerous local vendors selling food and drinks along the road. That makes it a great stopover for road trips as well.

Stroll around Wat Phraputthabat Chon Daen

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Address: Chon Daen, Chon Daen District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 56 761 022

If you like Buddhist architecture, your trip to Phetchabun won’t be complete without a visit to Wat Phraputthabat Chon Daen. This temple complex has plenty of interesting structures, from pavilions to prayer halls, shrines, statues, and staircases.

This tree-lined temple also has a large lake, so it’s perfect if you want to go on a pleasant walk or feed fish. Another notable sight in this temple is the giant statue of Luang Pu Thob Thammapanyo which the locals frequent to pay their respects.

FAQs about Phetchabun

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