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Kaeng Bang Rachan, Phetchabun Located at Ban Nong Mae Na. Kaeng Bang Rachan, the destination for eco-tourists, provides a set for paddling amongst the tranquility nature of Khek River Source. "Rua E-pong" , a traditional paddle boat is used as means of transportation. Trip to Kaeng Bang Rachan is organised anually every dry season (March-May) by the local community. The hilight of the trip is to experience "Freshwater Jellyfish" (Crasapedacusta Sowerby), which is presently found in only few countries of USA, Russia, UK, Japan and Thailand. It would be seen only in sunlight, so as a reason, the appropriate time to visit is between 10.00 - 16.00 hrs. Moreover, there are some species of rare butterfly can be seen here such as Kaiser, Troides helena, Euploea, etc.

Thung Salaeng Luang National Park (Nong ..., Phetchabun Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, Office 1 (Nong Mae Na) is at Nong Mae Na Sub-district, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun. It is an affiliate office under the headquarters at Km. 80. The park covers the area of Mueang District, Khao Kho District, Lom Sak District, Chon Daen District, Phetchabun, and Wang Thong District, as well as, Nakhon Thai District in Phitsanulok, being an overall area of 789,000 rai. It was acclaimed a national park on 27 May, 1975. Geographically, it is similar to a turtle’s back with an undulating surface. It is a limestone mountain range stretching as a long line. The highest point is at Khao Khae which is the source of many rivers such as Huai Khek Yai and Khlong Wang Thong. The rainy season is from July to October, while winter is from November to February. During winter, it will be very cold and suitable for traveling. Important plants include Pinus merkusii, Mangifera spp., Burma Padauk and a grass field covering a large plain of pine trees and flowers. Interesting attractions within the national park are as follows: Hanging Bridge (สะพานแขวน) is 3 kilometres from the Office of the National Park. On both sides and along the path is forest. It is very shady and suitable for relaxation. Kaeng Wang Nam Yen (แก่งวังน้ำเย็น) is 7 kilometres from the National Park Office at Nong Mae Na, the similar route to Thung Non Son. Along its way, the forest is continuously changing from a grass field into deciduous dipterocarp forest, mixed with pine forest and mixed deciduous forest. Within the moist evergreen forest by the brook flowing from a waterfall, there is a variety of big trees with many strange kinds of undergrowth such as various types of ferns and caladiums. Tung Salaeng Luang (ทุ่งแสลงหลวง) is 25 kilometres from the National Park Office at Nong Mae Na. It is a large open savanna grass field, covering an area of 16 square kilometres. Along the route cutting through a mixed deciduous forest, visitors will discover wildlife searching for food and various kinds of flowers. Moreover, there are savanna grass fields mixed with the forests of the Pinus merkusii; namely, Thungya Mueang Len and Thung Non Son. Tung Nang Phaya (ทุ่งนางพญา) is 15 kilometres to the south of the Office of the National Park at Nong Mae Na. It is a savanna grass field, surrounded by mountain pine forest and hill evergreen forest. On the branches of the pine trees appear wild plants difficult to be seen such as Dendobrium senile and Dendrobium Trigonopus – kinds of orchids. Tung Non Son (ทุ่งโนนสน) is a savanna grass field mixed with mountain pine forest, located in the middle of the National Park at the summit of Khao Khok Son. It is similar to Thung Salaeng Luang and Thung Nang Phaya. From the end of the rainy season to the beginning of winter are various kinds of flowers that bloom such as Utricularia delphinioides, Doritis pulcherrima, Eriocaulon henryanum, Arudina graminifolia, and Nepenthes. This field is appropriate for trekking and is 31 kilometres from the Office of the National Park at Nong Mae Na. It is open to the public during October – November of every year. Tents can be rented, costing 400-500 Baht for a tent of 3-5 persons. In the case visitors bring their own tents, a fee of 30 Baht a night is required for the camping area. Moreover, the national park has organised the Pho Ko Kho Rice Field Nature Study Route (เส้นทางเดินศึกษาธรรมชาติทุ่งนา ผกค.), 4 kilometres from the Nong Mae Na Office. At the starting point, 30-40 rai of rice fields will be seen. This rice field is a duplicate one of the Pho Ko Kho - communist insurgents – by the national park. A small brook from the high mountain plateau created by the Pho Ko Kho in the past is utilised in supplying the rice field. Throughout the field bloom Krachieo – curcuma - flowers in various colours. A nature study trip can be done within the 4 kilometres around the area. Entrance fee for an adult is 400 Baht and 200 Baht for a child. Accommodation The park provides accommodation for tourists at the Office at Km. 80, comprising 8 bungalows, costing 1,000 – 3,000 Baht. Moreover, tents for rent are also provided, costing 150-300 Baht for 3-5 persons. In the case visitors bring their own tents, a camping site is also provided for 30 Baht/ person / night. Furthermore, within the area of Nong Mae Na Office, on the way to the Khao Kho Palace, Khao Kho District, there are 8 bungalows, costing 2,000 – 5,000 Baht and rental tents for 3-5 persons, costing 150-300 Baht. In the case visitors bring their own tents, a camping site is provided for 30 Baht/ person / night. For further information, contact the Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, P.O. Box 64, Mueang District, Phitsanulok 65120, Tel. 0 5526 8019, or Department of the National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th. To get there: There are 2 routes overall that can be taken. First Route: From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21 to Lom Sak District for 13 kilometres to Ban Na Ngua and turn left. Go further along Highway No. 2258 to Khao Kho, pass the Ban Sado Phong Intersection and Khao Kho Palace, and go straight on until reaching Ban Thang Tawan, turn right for 4 kilometres until reaching Office 1 of the National Park, Thung Salaeng Luang. Second Route: From Phitsanulok, take Highway No. 12, Phitsanulok – Lom Sak Route, for approximately 100 kilometres and turn right into Khao Kho, passing the Office of Khao Kho District until reaching Ban Sado Phong and turn right into Highway No. 2258, passing Khao Kho Palace. Go straight on to Ban Thang Tawan and turn right for 4 kilometres to reach the Office 1 of the National Park, Thung Salaeng Luang (Nong Mae Na).

Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centr..., Phetchabun Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Phetchabun (Khao Kho Open Zoo) is a research centre on the breeding of wildlife in Khao Kho (a project under the Royal Initiative), which is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Office, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora in accordance with the Royal Initiative of Their Majesties the King and the Queen influenced by their royal visit to Khao Kho. Moreover, the Wildlife Conservation Division has established a Wildlife Breeding Centre, as well as, the Khao Kho Open Zoo, covering an area of 20 square kilometres in Khao Kho Sub-district, Sado Phong Sub-district and Nong Mae Na Sub-district in Khao Kho District. Wildlife bred and propagated at the centre can be categorised into 3 types; namely, mammals, birds, as well as, reptiles and amphibians. There are 3 bungalows provided for tourists at the centre. Each is for 10 persons. For a group visit, a letter requesting a lecturer should be submitted in advance to the Chief, Khao Kho Wildlife Captive Breeding Centre, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270, Tel. 08 6887 7393. For further information, please contact the Wildlife Breeding Centre, Wildlife Conservation Division, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Flora, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2561 4292 ext: 713, 0 2579 9630. To get there: Take the similar route to Si Dit Waterfall. At Km. 7, turn left and go further for approximately 3.5 kilometres.

Namtok Si Dit, Phetchabun Namtok Si Dit is a large single-tiered waterfall with water running throughout the year. It was once a stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand. An interesting thing at this place is a rice mortar whose power came from the waterfall constructed by the communist groups. To get there: Take Highway 2196 to Km. 17 and turn right into Highway 2325 for 10 kilometres then turn right into the waterfall.

Phra Tamnak Khao Kho, Phetchabun Phra Tamnak Khao Kho is located on Khao Ya Mountain. The palace was constructed for the King on the occasion of his royal visit to observe the projects from his royal initiatives, as well as, to visit the people in Khao Kho district and the ones nearby. It is a concrete building in a semi-circle shape with 15 rooms overall making it different from other places. Visitors can ask officials for permission to visit the surroundings of the palace. To get there: Take Highway 2196 until reaching Km. 29, continue for 4 kilometres and turn left to the palace. The route is quite steep, vehicles should be in good condition and possess high engine power. From Phetchabun to Khao Kho, take Highway No. 21, Phetchabun – Lom Sak to the Na Ngua T-junction, a distance of 13 kilometres. Turn left along Highway 2258 for another 30 kilometres. Otherwise, take Highway No. 12, Phitsanulok – Lom Sak to Km. 100. At Ban Camp Son, turn left into Khao Kho along Highway 2196 for 33 kilometres. The transport to Khao Kho should not be a coach because there are many curves along the route. The roads are quite narrow and steep. A pick-up or a van in good condition is more appropriate. Tourists who travel by bus can rent a Song Thaeo at the entrance to Khao Kho in the Camp Son area. At Km. 100, there is a minibus provided from 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Otherwise, a Song Thaeo can be rented at the Municipal Market in Mueang Phetchabun.

Phra Borommathat Chedi Kanchanaphisek, Phetchabun Phra Borommathat Chedi Kanchanaphisek is located on the summit of Khao Kho, next to the Witchamai Punyaram monastic residence whose top contains the relic of the Lord Buddha, brought from Sri Lanka. This chedi was constructed by the people of Phetchabun as merit making for the King on the auspicious occasion of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. On important religious occasions such as Makha Puja Day, people will regularly come to conduct a religious ceremony such as a candlelight procession around the temple.

Khao Kho Sacrificial Monument, Phetchabun Khao Kho Sacrificial Monument is on the summit of Khao Kho, 1 kilometre after Than Itthi. It was built to honour the heroic deeds of the civilians, soldiers, policemen and those who sacrificed their lives in the fight to protect the connecting area of the 3 provinces; namely, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Loei during 1968 – 1982. It is made of marble in a triangle shape with a height of 24 metres. It represents the cooperative mission between the civilians, soldiers, and policemen in 1981. The inside wall displays the history of the Memorial and a name list of the people in the event. To get there: Take Highway 2196 until Km. 28. At the T-junction, turn right to Highway 2323 for 3 kilometres, being a total distance of 31 kilometres.

Wat Wichian Bamrung, Phetchabun Wat Wichian Bamrung is located at Tha Rong Sub-district, near the Wichian Buri District Office by taking Highway No. 21 (Lom Sak – Saraburi Route). Within the compound of the temple is enshrined the biggest Wichian Buri Rattana Mingmongkhon Reclining Buddha Image of the province, with a length of 50 metres and height of 5 metres. The image lies outdoors facing towards the east. It was cast of cement and painted in gold. The image contains the relics of the Lord Buddha’s collarbone. Moreover, this temple is a location of the statues of King Naresuan the Great, Phra Suphan Kanlaya – his sister, and King Ekathotsarot – his brother. Besides, there is a Ruea Mat – a dredger with top cover, which was an engraving piece of a large timber tree dating to the Ayutthaya Kingdom with special characteristics. It was discovered in the Pa Sak River.

King Naresuan the Great Shrine, Phetchabun King Naresuan the Great Shrine is situated at Tha Rong Sub-district. It is the enshrining venue of King Naresuan the Great statue, constructed by the people of Wichian Buri to commemorate the king’s honour in leading the troops to fight against the Khmer in this city. Their Majesties the King and the Queen also participated in the worshipping ceremony of King Naresuan the Great on 25 July, 1975. Every year, the District Office will organise a ceremony to celebrate the establishment of this shrine on the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day during 24-26 January. To get there: Take Highway No. 21 (Lom Sak –Saraburi Road) for 5 kilometres from the Wichian Buri District Office.

Sunflower Blossom on the Mountain at Bue..., Phetchabun Bueng Samphan covers the area of Ban Khao Phluang and Ban Pa Yang, Sa Kaeo Sub-district, where there is sunflower planting on Phukhao Luang, covering an area of more than 10,000 rai. In the morning when the sunflowers are in bloom, this mountain will become a spectacular golden sunflower field. In December, Bueng Sam Phan District will organise the event “Sunflower Blossom on the Mountain at Bueng Sam Phan”. In the event, there will be a contest of the largest sunflower, a sunflower beauty contest, the preservation of sunflower seeds, and sales of agricultural produce. To get there: From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21, passing Nong Phai District until reaching the intersection. At the intersection, turn left into Highway No. 225, the similar way to Chaiyaphum for 18 kilometres. At Sap Bon Intersection, turn left for 14 kilometres to Ban Pa Yang. At Ban Pa Yang, the 10,000 rai of sunflower fields will be seen.

Sap Chomphu Arboretum, Phetchabun Sap Chomphu Arboretum is situated at Ban Sap Chomphu, Mu 8, Ban Phot Sub-district within a national forest reserve, covering an area of 180 rai. It is a source of botanical knowledge where there are mixed deciduous forests and various kinds of herbal plants. The inside of the arboretum is nicely decorated with flowers and decorative plants, with 3 waterfalls; namely, Namtok Hin Ngam, Namtok Sai Ngam and Namtok Than Ngam. To get there: From Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21, passing Ban Wang Chomphu to Nong Phai District. At Km. 156 to Nong Phai District, turn into the Ban Phot – Wang Pla Road for 7 kilometres. For further information, contact the Phetchabun Forest Office Tel. 0 5671 1446.

Wat Chang Phueak, Phetchabun Wat Chang Phueak is a location where Phrakhru Phatcharachan or Luangpho Thop’s body in a glass coffin is housed. The body does not decay and is highly respected among the people of Phetchabun. In March, there is an annual commemorative event of his death. To get there: From Mueang Phetchabun, take Highway No. 21 to Wang Chomphu T-junction and turn left toward Nong Phai District. At Km. 118 before Ban Na Yom T-junction, there will be a direction sign to the temple which is located 700 metres further.

Wat Phra Kaeo, Phetchabun Wat Phra Kaeo is situated at Nai Mueang Sub-district. Originally, there were three temples lining up; namely, Wat Phra Sing in the north, Wat Phra Kaeo in the middle, and Wat Phra Suea in the south. Interesting monuments are the chedi in Wat Phra Sing and the stupa in the shape of a carambola in Wat Phra Kaeo. Moreover, there was a discovery of a Buddha image whose age was assumed to be more than 700 years by the Fine Arts Department. Besides, a treasure cell, containing earthen jars, Buddha images, and other important things such as pottery, Buddha images cast in bronze and silver, gold sheets, as well as, votive tablets made of baked clay in the Sukhothai style were found.

The Nakhonban Phetchabun Cultural Hall, Phetchabun The Nakhonban Phetchabun Cultural Hall is a large auditorium hall for the study concerning the history of Phetchabun. It can be divided into 2 parts. The first part is an exhibition of some ancient pictures and antiques from the Fine Arts Department in the various periods of the Phetchabun history. The second part is a stage for performances and presentations on history, traditions, and cultures of Phetchabun.

Si Thep Historical Park, Phetchabun Some 130 kilometres south of Phetchabun on Highway No. 21, and with another 9 kilometres after a left turn, is the Si Thep Historical Park. Si Thep is an ancient town where many architectural structures still remain indicative of its past prosperity during the 11th-18th Buddhist Centuries. It was once the centre of contact between the Dvaravati kingdom in the Central Plain basin and the Khmer kingdom in the Northeast. A twin-city, there were over one hundred ancient sites all built with bricks and laterite, most of which have crumbled. There are also remains of several ponds spread out all over the area. Most of the ancient relics recovered are parts of architectural nature such as elaborate lintels, plastered designs and Sema stone (used to mark out limits of Buddhist temples) and human skeletons still adorned with ornamental pieces.

Nam Nao National Park, Phetchabun The Nam Nao National Park is an immense tract of forest still in perfect condition. With pineries, grasslands and virgin jungles, it is habitat to large number of animals and more than 100 species of birds. During December-January, the mercury could drop to as low as 2-5 degrees Celsius. The park headquarters is about 50 kilometres to the west of Lom Sak district on Highway No. 12. Points of interest are spread out. Attractions reached by taking Highway No. 12 (Lom Sak-Chum Phae) include:- Tham Pha Hong, 300 meters off the main road at Km.39 to the north. Within the caves are formations of stalactites and stalagmites. It is also a point from which to view the scenery at sunset. Ban Paek Pinery, 5 kilometres by foot off the main road at Km.49. Phu Kum Khao Pinery, 15 kilometres off the main road at Km.53. Dense rolls of pine trees cover an area of about 10 square kilometres. Namtok Heo Sai and Namtok Sai Thong are located on the same route. Both waterfalls can be reached on foot for a distance of 1 kilometre and 1.5 kilometres respectively off the main road at Km. 67. There are also attractions on Highway No. 2216 (Lom Kao - Huai Sanam Sai) such as Pha Lom - Pha Kong cliffs which are 5 kilometres from the main road at Km. 40 and the Tham Yai Nam Nao cave near Km. 60.

Wat Trai Phum, Phetchabun Wat Trai Phum on Phetcharat Road features a Buddha statue called Phra Buddha Mahadhamaracha cast in the ornamental Lop Buri style. The ritual bathing of the Buddha image or the traditional Um Phra Dam Nam ceremony is held during September each year.

Tat Mok National Park, Phetchabun The Tat Mok National Park has a huge waterfall fed by streams flowing down cracks and crevices of the mountains creating a beautiful 12-level fall. On both sides of the trails leading up to it are large, shady trees providing a pleasant surrounding. To reach the park, take off from town past the town hall to the east for some 15 kilometres to Ban Chaliang Lap. Then take a right turn onto Highway No. 2275. After just 300 metres is a left fork leading to an access on to steep slope for a distance of 20 kilometres. From here another 1.8 kilometres on foot to arrive at the waterfall. 1/2 Next