Phetchabun is located in the lower part of Northern Thailand, approximately 370 kilometers north of Bangkok on highway 21.
There are not many reviews of Petchabun on the popular tour sites, as it does not appear to be a popular place for foreign tourists, however the local Thais appear to know a few places well worth a visit.
The Pa Sak River runs through the province and creates a broad fertile river valley with the Phetchabun mountain range to the east and west. It has several scenic national parks, some very interesting temples, and some beautiful waterfalls and lakes.
Things to See and Do
National Parks
There are four National Parks in the provence. These are:
Nam Nao National Park – an immense tract of forest still in its original state. Wild elephants and other native animal roam free so take care where you go. We recommend that you take a Thai guide with you or at least get advise on how to stay safe. Read More …
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park borders Phitsanulok Province and is a national park with scenic attractions and historical significance. Read more…
Khao Kho National Park – Than Thip Waterfall which is worth a visit in the correct season. Read more…
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. Be sure to arrive early as it is a walk of about 3 kilometers from the car park to the falls. Escorted tours can be arranged. Read more…
Thung Salaeng Luang National Park borders the Phitsanulok Province. It is also home to the Kaeng Song Waterfall, (or Namtok Kaeng Sopha) which is a three-tiered waterfall of the Wang Thong River. Read more…
Waterfalls
The Than Tip waterfall (in the rainy season) is swift with strong currents. For tourists who love excitement, this is a great opportunity for them. Visitors can go downstream along the rapids called “Long Kang.”
Temples and Shrines
There are hundreds of temples in the area but the following few stand out from the crowd and are definitely worth a visit.
The Phetchabura Buddha Park, or “Black Buddha” as it is commonly referred to. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. Included in our tour. Read more…
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew – a spectacular Buddhist temple adorned with over 7 million colorful mosaic tiles and pottery items and is set in a breathtaking mountain location. Included in our tour. Read more…
Wat Mahathat on Nikon Bamrung Road in town houses a number of ancient chedis of Sukhothai style.
The City Pillar Shrine – has been brought over from the ancient town of Si Thep and is considered the oldest such structure in Thailand. Included in some of our tours. There are actually two City Pillar Shrines in Phetchabun. We will have a quick look at both, just so you don’t get confused when your friends describe the one they went to. Read more…
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 in Phetchabun during September each year.
The Huai Pa Dang Reservoir – was created by the dam constructed to block the waterway to the west of town for irrigation purposes. It is a pleasant place for recreation and picnic with scenic natural views in the background, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
The Pho Khun Pha Mueang Memorial – at Lom Sak district in the north of the provence commemorates this former ruler or the area, which was a contemporary of Sukhothai.
Other Points of Interest
Si Thep Historical Park – an ancient town where many architectural structures still remain indicative of its past prosperity during the 11th-18th Buddhist Centuries. A twin-city, there were over one hundred ancient sites all built with bricks and laterite, most of which have crumbled. Read more..
Districts
The Phetchabun province is subdivided in 11 districts. These are
1 Mueang Phetchabun
2 Chon Daen
3 Lom Sak
4 Lom Kao
5 Wichian Buri
6 Si Thep
7 Nong Phai
8 Bueng Sam Phan
9 Nam Nao
10 Wang Pong
11 Khao Kho
Phetchabun Province Photo Gallery
Below are a few photos from some of the main attractions in the Phetchabun Province. Click on any image to open a cascading light-box and to see a description of the image.
