How long does it take to drive from Chaiyaphum to Khao Kho?

From Chaiyaphum town to Khao Kho takes about half a day of driving if you stop at Chulabhorn Dam along the way. The main route is Highway 12 (Lom Sak–Chum Phae), passing through Khon San and Lom Sak before the climb up to Khao Kho — which is why this plan sets it aside as a full cross-province day.

Do I need my own car for this trip?

You really should. The sights are spread out beyond the towns and up in the mountains, and public transport doesn't reach the waterfalls, Mo Hin Khao, the dam, or Phu Thap Boek. If you don't have a car, renting one in Chaiyaphum town, or flying into Phitsanulok and renting a car up to Khao Kho, is more convenient.

Can I see the Siam tulips on this trip too?

Usually not in a single trip. The Siam tulip fields at Pa Hin Ngam bloom only from late Jun–mid Aug, peaking in July, and they're in Thep Sathit district at the far south of Chaiyaphum — a different corner from the route up to Khao Kho. If you're set on the flowers, plan a separate trip or add a day, and check the bloom window with the park before you go.

Which time of year is best?

The rainy to late-rainy season (Jun–Oct) gives Tat Ton and Si Dit waterfalls the most water, while the Khao Kho–Phu Thap Boek sea of fog starts in the late-rain, early-cool period and stays good through early in the year. If you want both the waterfalls and the fog, the late-rain, early-cool window is the sweet spot.

Can a sedan make it up Phu Thap Boek?

It can, but be careful. The final stretch is very steep, so use a car with solid brakes and enough power, go up and down in a low gear, fill the tank before the climb, and avoid driving in heavy rain when the surface turns slippery.

Chaiyaphum to Phetchabun 3-Day Road Trip — Waterfalls & Fog

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

This route mainly links the two provinces along Highway 12 (Lom Sak–Chum Phae). The Chaiyaphum side is known for waterfalls and rainforest parks, while the Phetchabun side is high-mountain country with the sea of fog at Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek. We suggest starting in Chaiyaphum and slowly gaining elevation toward Phetchabun, then staying the night up on the mountain so you catch the first light of morning.

This trip is really built around having your own car, since the sights are spread out beyond the towns and public transport doesn't reach them. If you don't have a car, renting one in Chaiyaphum town, or flying into Phitsanulok and renting a car up to Khao Kho, works out more conveniently.

Route overview and the best time to go

Day 1 — Chaiyaphum side: Chaiyaphum town → Tat Ton Waterfall → Mo Hin Khao. Overnight in Chaiyaphum town.
Day 2 — Crossing provinces: Chulabhorn Dam (Khon San district) → up Highway 12 into Phetchabun → Khao Kho. Overnight on Khao Kho.
Day 3 — Phetchabun's sea of fog: Phu Thap Boek at first light → Si Dit Waterfall → head home.
Best window: rainy to late rainy season (Jun–Oct), when the waterfalls run full, and the Khao Kho sea of fog starts rolling in around the late-rain, early-cool period.

Check on the Siam tulips first

The Siam tulip fields at Pa Hin Ngam National Park (Thep Sathit district) only bloom in the rainy season, late Jun–mid Aug, peaking in July. Outside that window there's nothing to see, and Pa Hin Ngam sits in a completely different corner of the province from this route (the far south of Chaiyaphum). If you're set on seeing the flowers, plan it as a separate trip or add a day, and don't expect to swing by it on the way up to Khao Kho.

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Day 1 — Waterfalls and remarkable rocks on the Chaiyaphum side

The first day stays mostly within Mueang Chaiyaphum district. The two main sights lie in different directions from town, but neither is a long drive, so you can take the whole day without rushing.

Day 1