A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho - 10 Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & More

A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho

10 Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & More
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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Chiang Mai often gets all the credit when it comes to beautiful mountains, but did you know there are also incredible mountains waiting to be explored in the lesser-traveled lower region of Northern Thailand? One such place is Khao Kho, located in Phetchabun Province, which is what we will focus on in this travel guide.

Thanks to its cooler climate and stunning scenery, Thai people have known about this place for ages and often travel there whenever they get the chance. However, not many foreign tourists know about it, which is exactly why I decided to write this guide. From the best things to do, to where to stay, how to get around, and more, here’s a complete travel guide to Khao Kho with all the information you need to plan the perfect trip. Let’s get started, shall we?

Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and MoreDiscover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More

Khao Kho Things to Do Map

Khao Kho Things to Do Map

10 Best Things to Do in Khao Kho

1. Be Blown Away by Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew

Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew seen from a pagoda in Phetchabun

Have you ever wondered what a Buddhist heaven might look like in real life? Well, Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew will give you a good glimpse of it. This awe-inspiring temple is hard to describe in words. Due to its location and climate, the area is often engulfed in clouds, creating a feeling that you are visiting a temple in heaven above the clouds. This is, hands down, my favorite place in Khao Kho.

The layered Buddha images at Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew in Phetchabun

Out of all the temples I’ve visited in Thailand, this one is probably the most visually stunning. Its massive layered white Buddha statues peek through the clouds, surrounded by unique architecture made from millions of colorful mosaic tiles and pottery pieces, while set against the rolling hills of Phetchabun. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

A shrine made out of tiles at Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew in Phetchabun

There are many structures you can climb to get a stunning view of the temple from above. My favorite is the balcony from a pagoda nearby, which provides a good vantage point over the layered white Buddha statues and all the mountains and clouds surrounding it.

Planning to visit soon?
🛌 Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. บ้านสุขอรุณ เขาค้อ Baan Sook A Roon KhaoKho (Budget)
  2. Sirinati Ban Thung Samo Khao Kho (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
  3. De Capoc Resort (High-End)
🏄 Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
🚘 Renting a car: Discover Cars.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew in Phetchabun seen from above

The temple is free to enter, though you might need to pay for parking if you use the nearby lot. I chose to drive a bit further to this spot, where parking was free, and then walked a short distance to the temple. 😉 That said, the parking fee is quite reasonable, only 30 THB per car, so if you prefer convenience, paying for parking nearby is also a good option.

Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew seen from afar in Phetchabun

Honestly, you’re going to love Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew. I’ve seen tons of temples across Thailand, but none as photogenic as this one. Be sure to include it in your itinerary when you’re in Khao Kho. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. It tends to get crowded on weekends and public holidays, so I recommend visiting on weekdays for a more peaceful experience.

2. Visit Sri Dit Waterfall

Me standing in front of Sri Dit Waterfall

Sri Dit Waterfall is another one of my favorite spots in Khao Kho. It’s a lovely little waterfall with shaded walking paths and a few historical relics scattered along the way. Most of these are preserved military instruments once used to support the army stationed here, from an old watermill to a former barracks.

The path to Sri Dit Waterfall

The trail is easy to follow and takes only about 10 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall. While it’s not a tall waterfall and may appear quite small from the upper viewpoint, its true scale becomes apparent once you're standing at the bottom, looking up.

Me walking on the wooden bridge to Sri Dit Waterfall

Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited due to the strong currents, but the short walk through the dense forest is peaceful and pleasant, with a few museum pieces along the way to keep things interesting until you reach the falls.

Sri Dit Waterfall seen from above

Another unfortunate thing about this place is how expensive it is for foreigners to enter. The entry fee is 400 THB per person, plus 60 THB for a car, which I think is far too expensive for what it is. I really hope that one day the price will be reduced to around 100 THB for foreigners, which I believe would be much more reasonable. The waterfall is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

3. Watch Sunrise at Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint

The view from Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint

If you are looking for an awesome place to watch the sunrise, you can come and visit Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint or even better, camp there overnight and wake up to an epic sunrise right from your tent! The campground is right on the hillside so you will get a 180° view from the tent, which is pretty dope in my opinion.

Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint

The viewpoint is quite easily accessible by road. Although the road is steep and narrow in some parts, it takes you all the way from the main road to the top. There is no entrance fee to access the viewpoint, though camping may incur an additional cost.

A platform at Khao Takhian Ngo Viewpoint

If you want to catch the sea of mist, I highly recommend visiting between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM. Try to avoid weekends and public holidays, as locals often come to camp during those times, and it can get very crowded. I went up around 9 AM on a weekday and had the entire place to myself 😉. It’s also a great spot for sunset, with sweeping 360° views, so be sure to check it out!

4. Visit the Weapon Museum

A helicopter at Weapon Museum in Khao Kho, Phetchabun

If you're interested in history and want to learn about what happened in Thailand during the Cold War, be sure to check out the Weapon Museum. Not many people know about Khao Kho’s fascinating past, which includes bloody conflict, violence, and, ultimately, reconciliation and peace, something I found incredibly compelling for such a calm and peaceful place like Khao Kho. To be honest, even most Thai tourists don’t know much about this place.

Weapons found at Weapon Museum in Khao Kho, Phetchabun

You see, during the Cold War, communist insurgencies spread across Southeast Asia, and Thailand was no exception. Khao Kho became one of the main bases for the communist insurgents in Thailand, and heavy fighting took place here as the government launched military operations to suppress the movement.

A cannon at Weapon Museum in Khao Kho

After years of bloody conflict, the Thai government shifted its strategy in the 1980s from military suppression to reconciliation. They offered amnesty to insurgents who surrendered and reintegrated into society, and many accepted the offer.

History Display at Weapon Museum in Khao Kho

The Communist Party began to lose momentum due to internal divisions, a drop in support from China, and improved rural development efforts by the government. By the mid-1980s, the insurgency had come to an end, and peace returned to Khao Kho.

Weapons at Weapon Museum in Khao Kho

This is why you will see many military personnel up here still, as well as monuments and museums like the Weapon Museum and the Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial, which we will discuss next. These places are built to commemorate the loss of lives and are dedicated to preserving the history of that period. Most Thai people just come here to enjoy the view and weather and completely skip this part, which I think is a shame.

Communist artifacts inside Weapon Museum in Khao Kho, Phetchabun

Many of the weapons on display, particularly those of Chinese and Russian origin, were confiscated from the insurgents, giving you a clear sense of where their support was coming from. It's all incredibly interesting to see up close!

Inside an old airplane at Weapon Museum in Khao Kho

The museum is open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily, and the entrance fee is 10 THB per person, which is very affordable! If you like history or enjoy a good mountain view, be sure to come and check out the Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial and the Weapon Museum.

5. Check Out the View from Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial

Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial in Khao Kho, Phetchabun

As I mentioned earlier, Khao Kho has a rich and fascinating history tied to the communist insurgency and military crackdowns during the Cold War era. Scattered around the area, you'll find several military monuments and museums that reflect this turbulent time. One such site is the Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial, which not only commemorates the struggle and eventual victory over communism but also offers a stunning panoramic view over the vast landscapes of Khao Kho.

Bunkers at Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial in Khao Kho, Phetchabun

The monument is built from white marble and can be seen from across the mountains as it soars into the sky. If you walk a little further, you’ll come across preserved military bunkers and trenches that were once used by the army to subdue the insurgent groups.

The view from Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial in Khao Kho, Phetchabun

From here, you'll get a stunning view over much of Khao Kho, a view that makes it clear why the military chose this strategic location for their defenses. It's a nice little drive along a one-way narrow road which you will have to enter from here as it zig-zags through the mountain.

A bunker at Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial in Khao Kho

The memorial is open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily and entry is free. The place is more than just a marble monument, so be sure to spend some time and walk around here.

6. Visit Khao Kho Flower Terrace

The colorful flowers at Khao Kho Flower Terrace

Khao Kho’s cool climate is perfect for growing colorful flowers, and nowhere is this more evident than at the Khao Kho Flower Terrace. This vast flower field stretches across the side of a hill, featuring beautiful cascading terraces of blooms, stunning viewpoints, and a charming café at the top where you can relax and chill.

The skywalk at Khao Kho Flower Terrace

Here, you’ll find fields bursting with colorful flowers, from marguerites to hydrangeas and more, creating a rainbow of shades that stretch across the hillside. At the top, there’s a skywalk where you can admire the flower fields from above, as well as a café serving drinks and a limited lunch menu. I loved the view so much that I decided to have lunch here and just sit back and relax for an hour. It was truly that beautiful!

The view from Khao Kho Flower Terrace

The place is open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily, and the entrance fee is 60 THB per person. However, you can reimburse the ticket and get a 20 THB discount on all food and drinks at the cafe, which is awesome. If you are driving around Khao Kho and looking for a place to take a break, be sure to come check out Khao Kho Flower Terrace.

7. Visit Windfarm Field Khao Kho

Windfarm Field Khao Kho seen from afar

Another tourist attraction you might want to check out is the Windfarm Field Khao Kho. Thanks to Khao Kho’s unique climate, with its abundant wind and rainfall, you’ll find several wind farms in the area, which is quite rare in Thailand. To be honest, I’ve only seen them here and in Chaiyaphum Province, which is right next to Phetchabun.

The windmills in Khao Kho

Somehow, they've turned this into an attraction with viewpoints, cafés, and photo spots, not just to capitalize on the cool factor among Thai tourists, but also to spark a bit of curiosity among locals about clean energy. Whether or not that part is working, who knows, but hey, any effort is better than none 😅.

Views from Windfarm Field Khao Kho

As you’d expect, there are plenty of viewpoints, cafés, and markets where you can stop and take in the stunning views of Khao Kho, with wind turbines lined up perfectly, slowly spinning above you. Depending on where you park, there may be a small fee of 30 THB per car.

An ATV shop at Windfarm Field Khao Kho

If you want to explore further, you can hop on the community tram for an additional 60 THB, it’ll take you all the way to the top of the hill where the turbines are located. There's also an ATV shop where you can rent and explore the hills by yourself. It's definitely worth a stop while you are exploring Khao Kho.

8. Rai GB Wind Turbine Farm

Flower fields of Rai GB in Khao Kho

While you’re at the Wind Farm, you might as well check out the Rai GB Wind Turbine Farm, a large flower garden filled with vibrant blooms, a cozy café with pavilions where you can sit and relax, and a stunning view of the wind turbines and the rolling hills of Khao Kho.

Me holding a green tea at Rai GB

To enter, there’s a small entrance fee of 20 THB, but you can use the ticket to get a 20 THB discount at the café inside. They offer the usual iced coffee, green tea, Thai tea, and a selection of pastries. Be sure to visit the farm during strawberry season from November to March in Thailand to see the harvest in action and bring some fresh strawberries home.

The garden at Rai GB in Khao Kho

The farm is open daily from 7 AM to 6 PM, and the entry fee is 20 THB per person, which includes a 20 THB discount at the café. If you're looking for a peaceful spot to take a break surrounded by colorful flowers and panoramic views of the wind turbines, be sure to check out Rai GB.

9. Buy Souvenirs at Ratchamangkla Keelapisek Wayside Park

A Shop at Ratchamangkla Keelapisek Wayside Park

As you drive back down from Khao Kho, consider stopping by the Ratchamangkla Keelapisek Wayside Park, a large community market where you can pick up all sorts of souvenirs to take home, from fresh strawberries straight from the fields to locally brewed wine and more.

More shops at Ratchamangkla Keelapisek Wayside Park

The market has plenty of shops lined up, so you can browse and shop to your heart’s content. There’s also a café with views of the surrounding hills, where you can even spot Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew in the distance, making it a perfect place to take a break from the winding mountain roads.

Ratchamangkla Keelapisek Wayside Park in Khao Kho

The market is open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM, and there's ample parking available. If you're looking for a convenient spot to grab some last-minute souvenirs, this is a great place to stop on your way back down the mountain.

10. Enjoy the Cold At the Top of Phu Thap Buek

View of Phu Thap Buek from my hotel

Another mountain I highly recommend checking out is Phu Thap Buek. Although not technically in Khao Kho, it's located right next to it, and only about an hour's drive away. What's cool about Phu Thap Buek is that it offers a completely different experience to Khao Kho thanks to its higher altitude and stunning cliffside views.

Me driving up Phu Thap Buek

While Khao Kho covers a larger area and consists mostly of rolling hills, Phu Thap Buek is a true mountain with sheer cliffs that become clear as you drive up the winding, zigzag roads snaking to the summit.

Phu Thap Buek Monument covered in clouds

Phu Thap Buek is best known for its thrilling drive up, cooler climate, and breathtaking cliff views from the top, two of which I got to experience firsthand. Unfortunately, due to its elevation, the weather can be unpredictable, and the summit is often shrouded in clouds and rain. I happened to be there during one of the poorest visibility days 😂. My luck, sometimes! 😅

Clouds and forest seen from Phu Thap Buek

It rained for two days straight, and all I saw up there were clouds, though I did thoroughly enjoy the cooler weather. If you have better luck than I did, you might get to catch the amazing view. If not, it’s still a fun drive, and definitely worth going up.

Campsites at Phu Thap Buek

Just be very careful on the road: although it’s paved, some sections are narrow with many sharp curves and turns. The clouds can also reduce visibility, making it harder to see oncoming cars, so drive extra cautiously when heading up to Phu Thap Buek.

What to Eat and Drink in Khao Kho?

1. Have Coffee with a View at Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe

Me on my laptop from  Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe's balcony

If you enjoyed Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew and its stunning mountainous views, you’ll definitely want to drive a little further up the mountain to visit Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe. This fancy café has one of the best vantage points in the area, with an open-air balcony where you can relax while taking in the panoramic mountain scenery, including a distant view of Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew nestled among the rolling hills.

The view from Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe

The prices of everything here are crazy expensive, but you can just grab a cup of coffee and rake in the rewards and enjoy the view for as long as you like. They also have a hotel up here, so if you want to stay in a fancy hotel near Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, this is a good place to be.

Seats with a view at Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe

The cafe is open approximately from 8 AM to 7 PM daily, and they serve coffees, pastries, and food, although they are on the pricier side of things. If you are looking for a place to relax while you explore Khao Kho, be sure to check out this cafe.

2. Eat Local at Krua Khao Kho

Foods from Krua Khao Kho

If you're craving authentic local food, be sure to check out Krua Khao Kho, a popular local restaurant known for its flavorful dishes. You’ll find classics like grilled chicken with spicy dipping sauce, grilled pork neck with sticky rice, and plenty more to satisfy your appetite.

The entrance of Krua Khao Kho

I stopped by here for dinner and had their delicious grilled chicken and fried rice, and it was really good, especially the grilled chicken. The price is moderately priced, so not expensive but not cheap either. It's good for both solo diners and travelers in groups.

Interior of Krua Khao Kho

The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 9 PM daily. If you are staying overnight in Khao Kho, which you should, and are looking for a local restaurant to try some of Khao Kho delicacies, then this is a great place to be!

How to Get to Khao Kho?

A temple in the mountains in Phetchabun

By Car: The easiest way to get to Khao Kho is to rent a car in Bangkok and drive to Phetchabun, then continue on to Khao Kho from there. While buses may be cheaper, finding a reliable place to rent a motorbike or car in Phetchabun can be difficult. There is one rental place in the area, but it doesn’t have a good reputation, and I don’t recommend taking the risk.

Instead, rent from a reputable company like Hertz or Budget directly at Don Muang International Airport. Trust me, it’ll be much easier and more convenient than trying to find a rental in Phetchabun. The journey should take about 4 - 5 hours depending on the traffic. Much faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Phetchabun?

Me driving on a foggy road in Phetchabun

By Car: Honestly, the best way to get around Khao Kho is by renting a car. Most of its attractions are quite spread out and public transportation up there is nonexistent.

While renting a motorbike is possible, it’s not the most comfortable or safest option, especially since you’ll often be riding on highways, which can be dangerous for inexperienced riders. It’s also difficult to find a reliable rental place in Phetchabun. And riding a motorbike all the way from Bangkok to Khao Kho is definitely not ideal, as it involves a 4-hour journey on busy highways. Unless you’re really into motorbiking, like riding a big bike, I wouldn’t recommend it.

For the most convenient experience, I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself. You can rent one directly from Bangkok Airports and make the journey from there. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.

What to Pack for Khao Kho?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Khao Kho, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand

Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:

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Categories DestinationsThailandNortheastern ThailandSoutheast AsiaAsiaNorthern Thailand

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