Thailand Travel Guide: Trip to Phetchabun Province

The south, the north, the northeast, plus Bangkok and its surrounding central provinces are high on the interest lists of anyone who travels or lives in Thailand. Many though forget that there’s another cluster of provinces located in central northern Thailand that can be a great destination for a weekend wandering.

One such destination, almost completely forgotten by foreign and local tourists, is Phetchabun, a province located 340 kilometers north of Bangkok. A trip to this laidback province will give you the chance to explore ancient towns, religious architecture, mountains covered in forests, and amazing waterfalls.

The history of Phetchabun is blended to that of both the Sukhothai and the Ayutthaya Kingdoms of the 16^th to 17^th centuries. The literal translation of the province’s name from Sanskirt is “perfect diamond,” but it does not refer to the shape of the province but rather to the fact that diamonds are found in its mountains.

The province has a great economical contribution to the Kingdom as its fertile lands and vast resources make it an area bustling with agricultural activities. On top of that, tobacco and tamarind are two cash crops that are also well represented here. There’s even a Sweet Tamarind Festival which takes place every year at harvest time in January.

On your next trip to Phetchabun, make sure you don’t miss these five highlights of what the province has to offer: Si Thep Historical Park, Wat Trai Phum, the Phetchabun City Pillar Shrine, Khao Kho National Park, and Song Nang Waterfall. They will give you the chance to genuinely experience one of the most forgotten destinations in the Kingdom.

1. Si Thep Historical Park

Before you reach the city of Phetchabun proper, you’ll have to pass by Si Thep Historical Park, situated at about 130 km south of the city on Highway 21. The park is actually an “ancient town” full of ruins, allegedly dating back 1000 years to the Khmer Empire. There is plenty to see and explore: redbrick ruins of temples, prangs (tall tower-like spires), wall decorations, Buddha statues, and vast areas of well-maintained grass dotted with numerous ponds. There is very little shade in the park, so don’t forget to wear a sunhat and apply sunblock.

Also, stop at the Archeological Excavation Site, a small building erected over a few archeological pits where human remains have been unearthed. It’s amazing how some of the skeletons are still recognizable as humans! The Information Center provides a few details with regards to the naming and discovery of this ancient city as well as statues of Hindu gods “on loan” from the National Museum in Bangkok.

2. Wat Trai Phum

As you enter Phetchabun City on Highway 21, turn right on Petch Charoen Road and then veer off to your left on Soi Petcha Rat to reach Wat Trai Phum, a simple, white temple built in the Lopburi style. The small compound of the temple looks like it needs a whitewash but the tranquil atmosphere of its garden and the very few people visiting make it the perfect place to take a breather before you move on to your next destination.

The low wooden windows painted in pink are especially striking and make great background for a selfie or a group photo. If you’re lucky enough and the temple doors are open, then you can check out the Buddha statue inside.

3. The Phetchabun City Pillar Shrine

Continue north on Highway 21 and then turn right at the intersection with Highway 2215 and visit the City Pillar Shrine. Lak Mueang, or city pillars, are found in most cities in Thailand and are usually housed in shrines where people can pray to Chao Pho Lak Mueang, or the city spirit deity.

Since this particular pillar was brought over from the ancient town of Si Thep, it is considered to be the oldest city pillar shrine in Thailand. The shrine that houses the pillar in Phetchabun is beautifully painted in maroon with golden ornaments typical to Thai religious architecture. Once inside the shrine, burn some incense and say a prayer.

4. Khao Kho National Park

If your first day in Phetchabun was dedicated to history and religion, on your second day you can visit the great nature that surrounds the province. Back on Highway 21, this time heading back south towards Bangkok, turn right on Highway 2302 and head for Khao Kho National Park, located at about one hour drive northwest of the city.

Also known as “Little Switzerland” for its astounding views and evergreen forests, the park has a lot to offer. Many wild animas found sanctuary in the dense forests of the park, including the Indian elephant, Asian golden cat, and over 100 species of butterflies.

Khao Kho National Park is also historically relevant because it was here where, for almost 20 years between 1968 and 1982, communist insurgents built mountain bases from where they initiated skirmishes against the Thai Army.

5. Song Nang Waterfall

Before you settle in for the journey back to Bangkok, there’s one more stop to make. Visiting Song Nang Waterfall, a 12-level waterfall in Tat Mok National Park, will surely make the detour from Highway 21 onto Highway 2271 worth it. This big waterfall can be reached by taking either of the two trails that slither up the mountain on the waterfall’s two sides. It’s a good idea to go up on one trail and come back down on the other.

Depending on the time of the year, the waterfall can be swift and noisy with several ponds along the way perfect for a quick swim, or it can be a slow and quiet rivulet making its way down boulders. Regardless of when you decide to climb to the top level, make sure you wear proper climbing boots and never undertake the journey alone.

Entry at national parks in Thailand can be a bit pricy for foreigners so, if you have a work permit, show it at the entrance to get a discount.

The easiest way to reach Phetchabun province is by bus from Mochit (Northern) Bus Terminal. The journey takes about four hours and the ticket costs around 300 baht. To move within the city, use the local motorcycle taxis or the motor-trishaws (which are quite fun to travel with). If you drive your own car, get out of Bangkok on Phahonyothin Road (Highway 1) until you’re in Saraburi and then follow Highway 21 until you’ve reached your destination. To find out more about the province, visit Phetchabun’s official website (Thai-English) at phetchabun.go.th.