Khao Kho National Park in Thailand" blocked Khao Kho National Park in Thailand

Khao Ho is a surprisingly commercial park with many villages, hundreds of resorts and other buildings throughout the area. Khao Ho National Park is located in Phetchaburi province, about 6 hours from Bangkok, and is a popular vacation spot among local and foreign tourists.

The park is famous for its cool weather, the morning mist covering the surrounding valleys, the spectacular scenery, the huge wind farm, temples, gardens, waterfalls, and many other attractions.

The main mountain of Khao Khao, after which the national park is named, is 1,143 meters above sea level. Cao Ho is surrounded by other national parks such as Cao Cao in most directions and Thung Salaeng Luang in the west.

The Khao Khao area and the entire mountain range in the south and north to Phu Hin Rong Kl National Park was an ideal place for guerrilla warfare and became a stronghold of the Communist Party of Thailand back in the 1970s. At the top of the park is a memorial to the victims of the conflict between the Communists and the Thai Armed Forces that occurred in 1968-1981. Not far from the memorial site, a military museum has been built to display vehicles and various everyday objects from the war years.

How to get there and settle in

It is impossible to reach Khao Ho from nearby towns by public transportation. The only option is a private transfer, either in your own car or by cab.

It is also impossible to move around Khao Ho without a car due to the fact that the distances between attractions are relatively large.

Khao Ho is usually extremely busy on weekends and holidays. During the winter holidays in December, traffic on major roads can be frustratingly slow.

The nearest airport is in Phitsanulok, about 120 km northwest of Khao Ho, and the road to it goes through the mountainous terrain.

During the cold winter months of November through December, visitors are advised to wear warm clothing, as temperatures can drop quite low at night, early in the morning, and in the evening. During the rest of the seasons, it is a good idea to bring a sweater.

Staying

Along the main roads in Khao Khao there is no shortage of resorts. There are also several campsites for those who want to camp.

Khao Ho Attractions

Khao Khao Peak

The highest point in the Khao Ho area reaches a height of 1,143 meters above sea level. At the top there is a memorial and a military museum, which are 1.3 km from each other. The road to the summit is narrow and winding, with one-way traffic, beginning and ending at Highway 2196. It is entered from the south end. Don't drive in from the north end, as we did when we explored the area!

Itthi Military Base

 The main part of the museum, showing military equipment and other memorabilia, is outdoors, a small part indoors. Outside are several airplanes and helicopters, heavy military equipment and various vehicles used during the war against the Communists from 1968 to 1981. The museum building displays a variety of items such as weapons, uniforms, photographs, and more from both the Royal Thai Army and the Communist movement.

Khao Kho Memorial

A marble memorial erected to honor the civilians and military who died during the war against the communist movement from 1968 to 1981. It is located on the summit of Cao Ho, which is the highest point of the district.

Khao Khao Lookout and Market

A market in the form of market stalls is located along the main road through Khao Khao. There is a good viewing platform facing west.

Khao Khao Wind Farm

A wind farm with 24 of the largest turbines in Thailand, each reaching 110 meters in height, with a total capacity of 60 MW. The wind farm is about 1,020 meters above sea level.

The power plant can be reached from the local market by bus for 40 baht per person. Buses run quite frequently, dropping off passengers at two stops, the first of which is Black Diamond, a cafe with a garden, and the second is another local market.

There are also several observation points on the bus routes.

Black Diamond

Next to the wind farm there is a cafe resort with a small flower garden decorated for children. Here you will find 1.9-2 meter high telepupus dolls and a playground. Buses drop off tourists at Black Diamond as the first stop.

Pino Latte

Pino Latte is one of the most visited attractions in the Khao Ho area, this place is a must-see. The popular café-restaurant at 920 meters above sea level boasts gorgeous views on the east, north, and south sides. To the north is a higher mountain peak of about 1,300 meters, while the other directions present lower mountains and valleys, mostly facing the Lom Sak area of Phetchabun.

The café-restaurant area is quite large and lively even on normal days. Prices for a simple coffee here are quite expensive compared to other cafes in the area, and a simple Americano costs about 80 baht. Pino Latte serves Thai and Western food, ice cream, coffee, tea, drinks and pastries.

Pino Latte can be accessed by taking the rather steep and narrow road north of Highway 12 between Lom Sak district of Phetchabun Province and Phitsanulok.

Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaeo

Wat Phra That Pha Son Kaeo, built in 2004, is an extremely popular monastery and temple. For most people it is the obvious place to visit at the exit of Pino Latte, located only 1.5 km from the latter at 800 meters above sea level.

The main pagoda and the various buildings in the modern design are decorated with about 5 million colorful mosaic tiles and ceramics. There are also five large classical statues of Buddha in white on the temple grounds.

The temple has a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Than Thip Waterfall

The main attraction of Khao Ho National Park is located in the eastern part of the region. It is easy to get to the waterfall by car, then walk about 400 meters from the parking lot, and the trail is not steep. The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 baht.

Blue Sky Resort

Here is the largest and most impressive garden in the region. Although it is a hotel, it is possible to enter its territory for 100 baht per person. The hotel is located on top of a mountain ridge, and the garden extends in the surrounding directions, offering wonderful views from the compound.

The architecture of the hotel is in European style, which is reflected in every detail: in various rooms, garden, walls, etc. The hotel also has a restaurant.

Phukaew Adventure Park

It is a resort and park located about 800 meters above sea level. It offers a variety of activities such as sliding, water activities, including canoeing or rafting, speed karting, climbing, archery, and more. Each activity is billed separately.