🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The best driving trips usually aren't one long straight run — they're the ones where the landscape changes in front of you. Phichit–Phetchabun is exactly that kind of route. You leave the flat Nan River plains around Phichit, and the road slowly lifts you into the Phetchabun valleys. By the time you reach Khao Kho, you hit cool air and a sea of fog that's hard to believe sits only half a day's drive from Phichit town.
We planned this for people driving their own car (or a rental), because up on Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek there's almost no public transport to connect with. If you don't have a car, rent one in Phitsanulok or Phichit before heading up. The window when the fog is really pretty and the air genuinely cold is November to February. Come in the rainy season (July to September) and you'll get flower fields and lush green views instead — just pack a rain jacket and watch for slippery roads on the climb up Phu Thap Boek.
Route Overview and Distances
- Day 1 — Explore Phichit town: Bueng Si Fai lake and the Chalawan legend, Wat Tha Luang (Luang Pho Phet), Wat Pho Prathap Chang, then drive into Phetchabun town (Phichit to Phetchabun is about 130 km / 2 hr).
- Day 2 — Up to Khao Kho: Phra Borommathat Chedi Kanchanaphisek, Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, the Khao Kho Memorial, fog viewpoints, and a coffee-farm café (town to Khao Kho is about 30–50 km).
- Day 3 — Phu Thap Boek at dawn for sunrise, then down to Lom Sak for good food and to buy sweet tamarind and souvenirs before driving home.
The Driving Route
From Phichit, take Highway 113 through Chon Daen, then Highway 21 north into Phetchabun. The main roads are good, but the climb up Khao Kho (Highway 12, turning onto 2196) is a winding mountain road. Fill the tank before you head up and make sure your brakes are in good shape.
Book the activities in your Phichit trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Riverside Phichit
Phichit: lakes, old temples, then on to Phetchabun
Why stay in town the first night
The road up Khao Kho is winding and pitch-dark at night. Staying in Phetchabun town the first night and heading up in the morning is much safer — and you get to try the food in town too.
Day 2 — Khao Kho: Sea of Fog and Temples
Climb Khao Kho — temples, views, and a café stop
Khao Kho is easy to explore because the sights are close together and the main roads are good. The real draw is the morning sea of fog and the cool air. If you come in winter, get up a little early and you'll catch the fog drifting through the valleys. And if you're into temple visits, you can pay respects at several relics in a single day.
Day 3 — Phu Thap Boek and Lom Sak
Sunrise on Phu Thap Boek, then down for Lom Sak eats
You can trim it to 2 days, 1 night
If you're short on time, cut the Phichit town day and drive straight up to Khao Kho on day one. Stay one night on the mountain, do Phu Thap Boek the next morning, then head down to Lom Sak — you'll still hit all the mountain highlights.
Where to Stay, Night by Night
First night — Phetchabun town
Staying in town is convenient, close to the evening market and restaurants. It's a good base after a full day exploring Phichit, before heading up the mountain in the morning.
Second night — a resort on Khao Kho
Stay among the pine forest and coffee farms and wake up to mountain views and cool air. Pick somewhere near a viewpoint to make the morning easier.
In winter (December–January), lodging on Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek books up fast and prices climb, so reserve several weeks ahead. Accommodation in Phichit and Phetchabun towns is easier to find and cheaper, which makes it a good base for the first night.
Rough Budget (2 People, 3 Days)
- Lodging, 2 nights — 1 night in town + 1 night on Khao Kho, roughly ฿1,800–4,500 total (depending on season and resort level).
- Fuel — looping around the provinces, roughly ฿1,200–1,800.
- Food — about ฿80–250 per meal per person, roughly ฿1,500–2,500 over the three days.
- Attraction entry — mostly free or a few baht; a few charge, such as the Khao Kho Memorial.
- Souvenirs — sweet tamarind, macadamia, pla som — however much you buy.
What to pack for winter
On Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek in winter, morning temperatures can drop into single digits. Bring a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves, and fill the tank before you head up — there are few gas stations on the mountain.
Want a good place to start the trip from Phichit town?
See the Top 10 Phichit hotels →