Lom Sak is a small, charming old city located along the lower part of the Pa Sak River, which runs through the province of Phetchabun in the lower part ofNorthern Thailand. It serves as the gateway to the famous mountainous regions of Phetchabun, such as Khao Kho and Phu Thap Buek, two of the most popular vacation spots among Thai travelers, making it a great place to stop on your way to or from the mountains.
You are probably wondering what there is to do in this town that is worth spending overnight at, well let me tell you all about it here with this travel guide. From visiting the lively walking street to trying some of Lom Sak's finest foods, here are the best things to do in Lom Sak, Phetchabun.
Lom Sak Things to Do Map
8 Best Things to Do in Lom Sak
1. Visit the Lom Sak Walking Street
One of the highlights of visiting Lom Sak is experiencing one of the liveliest walking streets in Phetchabun, the Lom Sak Walking Street. Held every Saturday evening, it’s even busier than the one in Phetchabun City itself.
Lom Sak Walking Street is massive, stretching from the Lom Sak Clock Tower all the way to Lomsak Municipal Health Park. The area is packed with all kinds of shops and stalls, street performances, and entertainment to keep you engaged throughout the evening and into the night.
Here, you can try all sorts of local delicacies like Khanom Chin Lom Kao, white rice noodles served with flavorful stocks such as coconut milk, fish curry, and chili. It’s delicious and very affordable at only 25 THB. You can also enjoy Khao Jee, which is fried sticky rice, tasty Wichian Buri chicken, and much more.
- Rabbit Hotel (Budget)
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The market is always lively and packed, which is pretty funny considering Lom Sak is quite small compared to Phetchabun City. Yet, it feels even more vibrant here than in the city center. 😂 I really enjoyed wandering around, catching the random performances, and trying all kinds of local food at unbeatable prices to my heart's content.
Where to Stay in Lom Sak?
2. Visit Lom Sak Museum
If you want to learn more about Lom Sak and its long, surprisingly rich history, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Lom Sak Museum. This impressive museum is housed in the historic, two-story orange former city hall, located right by the Pa Sak River in the heart of Lom Sak City.
The museum offers a compact yet deeply informative journey into the culture, history, and daily life of Lom Sak Old City, where the Central, Northern, and Isaan regions intersect. It’s divided into 10 sections, each providing a unique window into the local heritage, from the city's founding during the Laotian rebellion, which led to its relocation, to its distinctive cuisine and local delicacies.
This charming little museum is a great stop while you’re visiting the Walking Street. It doesn’t take long to explore, but you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the city and its people. Don’t miss the food section inside, then head out to the street and try the dishes for yourself!
The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and on Saturdays from 5 PM to 9 PM, aligning perfectly with the Walking Street market. It’s closed on Sundays. Best of all, entry is free—so there’s no reason not to visit!
3. Track Down all the cool street arts in Lom Sak
You’ll find plenty of street art created by local artists scattered throughout Lom Sak Old Town, with the highest concentration around this intersection, which I recommend as the starting point for your exploration. These murals were commissioned by the local government to highlight local talent and create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for tourists like us, especially during Walking Street weekends.
From that intersection, once you've explored the surrounding area, head east toward the museum. As you make your way toward the river, you’ll find street art lining both sides, all the way to Lomsak Municipal Health Park. This entire stretch is also part of the Walking Street route, so you can do that when you visit the market.
While you can check it out during the market, it tends to get crowded, so you might not get a clear view of the art. Either way, it’s a fun and lighthearted way to explore Lom Sak on foot, so don’t miss it while you’re here!
4. Check Out Mueang Rat Monument
Located not far from Lom Sak Old Town, you’ll find the Mueang Rat Monument—a large memorial and exhibition site built to honor Pho Khun Pha Mueang, the legendary founder of Mueang Rat, believed to be present-day Lom Sak. You can also learn more about his life and legacy at the Lom Sak Museum I mentioned earlier.
What’s Mueang Rat, you ask? Unless you’re a Thai history buff, chances are you’ve never heard of it—and that’s true even for many locals. Mueang Rat was an ancient city-state active in the late 12th to mid-13th centuries. It played a pivotal role in overthrowing Khmer rule and helping to establish the Sukhothai Kingdom—Thailand’s first kingdom. Many historians believe Mueang Rat was located near present-day Lom Sak, which is why a monument honoring its legendary founder, Pho Khun Pha Mueang, was built here.
At the monument, you’ll also find beautifully landscaped gardens centered around a striking statue of Pho Khun Pha Mueang, which serves as the focal point of the site. Just behind the monument is an exhibition hall showcasing a variety of artifacts, including the noble’s biography, archaeological finds, traditional tools, and insights into early life in Mueang Rat. The monument is open from 6 AM to 5 PM daily and it is free to enter.
5. Eat Delicious Noodles at Bamee Giao Je Nite
If you’re looking for a local and affordable place to eat in Lom Sak Old Town, be sure to check out Bamee Giao Je Nite, a beloved old noodle shop located right in the heart of the city. It’s been around for decades, and locals of all ages still flock here for their delicious egg noodle tom yum.
I highly recommend Tom Yum egg noodle with pork and wonton or "Ba Mee Giao Moo Daeng Tom Yum" in Thai. Just tell them that as I suspect they do not have an English menu on hand, or just give them the photo of the dish I had here. It's delicious, affordable, and should fill you up for lunch as you explore the old town.
The restaurant is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day. They are closed when the Lom Sak Walking Street takes place, so if you want to try them out, I recommend you come during lunchtime.
6. Try Thai Desserts at Pa Vee Shop
To finish off your lunch, you are going to want to have some local dessert to freshen you up and get you ready to continue your exploration, and there is no better place to try Thai dessert here than at Pa Vee Shop, an old roadside shop that's popular among local students.
They serve Nam Kaeng Sai or shaved ice dessert or snow cone in the west, where you can pick 2 - 3 toppings such as fresh fruits, candied fruits, grain, jelly, crackers, cereal, and others. I ordered mine with Lod Chong (cendol or green jelly noodles made from rice flour and pandan) and bread, and it was only 20 THB.
The shop is open during daylight hours, roughly from 8 AM to 4 PM, though I can’t guarantee exact times. I visited around 2 PM and they were still open, so it’s a good spot to stop by after lunchtime. Also, be sure to check out Pa Vee shop nearby if you want to try some delicious Thai desserts!
7. Be Blown Away by Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew
Now, we are moving a little further from Lom Sak into the Khao Kho territory, which I wrote a separate guide for, and I prefer not to wander too far from Lom Sak. However, Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew is definitely something you do not want to miss. The temple is located 30 kms away from Lom Sak, in the rolling hills of Khao Kho, and it will take you about 30 minutes to drive there.
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.
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.
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.
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 Phetchabun. 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.
8. Stay in a Farm at PILA Farm Studio
If you're looking for a unique place to stay in Lom Sak, I highly recommend PILA Farm Studio, a charming little hotel and café set in the middle of a farm just outside Lom Sak. Conveniently located between the city and Khao Kho.
It’s a bit on the pricier side compared to other accommodations in the area, but you truly get your money’s worth. The place offers lovely villas, a peaceful atmosphere, and an included local breakfast. The service is excellent, and each room is its own standalone structure, featuring a beautiful contemporary design that perfectly blends traditional and modern elements.
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay near Lom Sak, this is the perfect spot. You can book a room here. Even if you’re not staying overnight, be sure to check out their café right next door. It’s a charming space that serves delicious local food and coffee.
How to Get to Lom Sak?
By Bus: The cheapest way to get to Lom Sak is by bus. They typically leave from Morchit Bus Terminal, operated by several companies. The price ranges from 350 to 400 THB and takes between 8 - 10 hours, depending on the bus size and traffic. You can find the schedule and book online here.
Note: Make sure you get off at the final stop in Lom Sak City, not at the Lom Sak Bus Terminal, which is located about 4 km south of the city. This way, you won’t need to find a taxi to reach the city center after you arrive. If you’re unsure which ticket to buy, just ask the staff at the Morchit Bus Station before boarding.
If you accidentally get off at the Lom Sak Bus Terminal, don’t worry. While taxis can be hard to find, you might be able to catch one if you wait patiently. Alternatively, you can walk to the main road and flag down a songthaew heading north toward Lom Sak City.
By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Lom Sak. 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 Lom Sak?
By Walk: Lom Sak is an old city, which means that most of the tourist attractions within the city are all concentrated in one walkable area, so you should be able to walk anywhere once you get here.
By Car: For further away places, I highly recommend renting a car and driving yourself. You can rent one from here or if you prefer more reputable companies, it's best to rent one directly from Bangkok Airports and make the journey from there. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.
What to Pack for Lom Sak?
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 Lom Sak, 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.
- 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.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Lom Sak, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- 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.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand
Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Tired of the well-trodden parts of Thailand and looking to really go off the beaten path? How about a road trip around Isaan? My itinerary covers all 20 provinces in the Isaan region, and more, so be sure to check it out: One Month Itinerary for Isaan.
- As the gateway to Isaan, you can't travel to the region without passing through Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat for short. To help guide you through the province, check out 10 Impressive Things to Do in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
- Home to Phanom Rung, one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand, Buriram is an awesome place to visit as you explore Southern Isaan. If you plan to visit Buriram, check out Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More.
- One of the best times to visit Phanom Rung is during the Phanom Rung Festival, where you'll find parades, light and sound shows, and more. Here's a complete guide to visiting the Phanom Rung Festival: Phanom Rung Festival: A Complete Travel Guide
- Passing through Surin and wondering what to do? Check out this travel guide: Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More
- Curious about the coolest things to do in Si Saket? Check out: Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More
- One of the best places to visit in Isaan is Ubon Ratchathani. If you're looking for things to do there, check out: Ubon Ratchathani: 14 Amazing Things to Do and More
- If you're passing through Ubon Ratchathani and only have time to explore the city, be sure to check out: Ubon City Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Planning to cross the land border between Thailand and Cambodia to visit Siem Reap? You might want to stop by Sa Kaeo, a Thai border province full of awesome things to do. For the full guide, check out: Exploring Sa Kaeo: 8 Best Things to Do and More
- Come explore the lesser-known mountainous region of Phetchabun with this travel guide: Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More.
- Tired of the constant heat in Thailand? Escape to the cool mountains of Khao Kho with this guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Khao Kho.
- Want to explore Loei and its mountainous scenery and vibrant culture? Check this out: Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Looking to explore Chiang Khan and its wonderful tourist attractions? You are going to need this travel guide: Chiang Khan Travel Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Want to experience the colorful Phi Ta Khon Festival, where locals wear elaborate costumes and ghost masks? Check out this guide: Phi Ta Khon Festival: A Complete Travel Guide.
- Nong Khai is often overlooked by many travelers traveling between Thailand and Laos, but there's so much to do here. If you are interested to explore more of the frontier province of Nong Khai, check out: Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More.
- Bueng Kan is emerging as Isaan’s new adventure hotspot, known for the famous Naka Cave, Phu Tok mountain, scenic waterfalls, and more. If you're planning a trip to Bueng Kan, don't miss this: Discover Bueng Kan: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- The walking street and riverside views along the Mekong in Nakhon Phanom are absolutely legendary, and a must-visit in Isaan. If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss my full guide here: Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Sleepy Sakon Nakhon is full of surprises—from the colonial French buildings of Tha Rae Village to hidden Khmer temples tucked away in the jungle. Check out this complete travel guide to Sakon Nakhon: Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More.
- Udon Thani is a big city with tons of things to do. If you plan to visit Udon Thani, be sure to check out this travel guide: Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- If you’re driving through Nong Bua Lamphu and wondering if there are any places worth seeing, check out this travel guide: Visit Nong Bua Lamphu: 8 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Khon Kaen is a big province with plenty to do. If you want to visit but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is for you: Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More.
- Kalasin may be a small province in Isaan, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. If you’re passing through, be sure to check this out: Kalasin Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More.
- Mukdahan may not be as popular as other Mekong towns like Chiang Khan or Nakhon Phanom, but it offers a laid-back vibe and chill atmosphere unlike its larger counterparts. Don’t skip Mukdahan! Here’s a complete travel guide to help you explore this lovely province: Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Cool Things to Do & More.
- If you are passing through Amnat Charoen and are wondering what there is to do there, then check out this guide: Visit Amnat Charoen: 9 Best Things to Do & More.
- Yasothon is where the famous Bun Bung Fai Festival or rocket festival takes place, and it's home to some really charming Isaan attractions not many people know about. Here's a complete guide to Yasothon: Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Roi Et is definitely one of my favorite provinces in Isaan, thanks to its beautiful and modern city center, iconic landmarks like the Roi Et Tower, and more. If you’re interested in visiting Roi Et, be sure to check out Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you are wondering what to do in Maha Sarakham, this guide is for you: Visiting Maha Sarakham: 9 Amazing Things to Do & More.
- If you like mountains and are looking for a true hidden gem of Isaan, which is already a hidden gem in itself, you might want to check out Chaiyaphum, all as I called it the land of beautiful cliffs. Here's a complete guide to Chaiyaphum: Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More.
- Interested in learning more about the unique music of Isaan? Check out this guide: The Sounds of Isaan: Thai Psychedelic Music Unknown to Many – A Guide to Mor Lam.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Southern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- Want to travel from Thailand to Vientiane, Laos? Check this guide out: How to Get From Thailand to Vientiane, Laos & Vice Versa.
- Looking to cross the border from Thailand to Pakse in Southern Laos? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse, Laos, and Vice Versa.
- Want to cross the border from Mukdahan to Savannakhet in Laos and vice versa? Check out: How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa.
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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