Home Destinations Phitsanulok 🧭 Plan Your Trip 🔎 Search About
Home › Thailand › Phitsanulok › Phitsanulok–Phetchabun Phu Hin Rong Kla, then Khao Kho–Phu Thap Boek
⛰️ Cross-Province Plan

Phitsanulok–Phetchabun
Phu Hin Rong Kla, then Khao Kho–Phu Thap Boek

This trip strings three mountains into one line. Start in Phitsanulok and climb Phu Hin Rong Kla via Nakhon Thai district, then curl down into the Phetchabun side to see Khao Kho, before closing out with a sea-of-fog night up on Phu Thap Boek. It's a loop that people who love road-tripping the lower north do again and again, because you get forest, big views, and cabbage terraces all in one go. We've laid it out as 3 days and 2 nights so it never feels rushed — easy driving the whole way.

⛰️ Three mountains in one trip🌫️ Sea of fog at Phu Thap Boek🚗 Self-drive road trip
Phitsanulok–Phetchabun Phu Hin Rong Kla, then Khao Kho–Phu Thap Boek

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Phu Hin Rong Kla, Khao Kho, and Phu Thap Boek sit on the border of three provinces — Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Loei — so they thread neatly into a single trip. Most people start from Phitsanulok because it has both an airport and a train station, climbing Phu Hin Rong Kla via Nakhon Thai district first, then drifting down into the Phetchabun side to finish Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek on the way back. That way you never have to drive the same road twice.

This trip suits people who like driving themselves. The mountain roads at all three spots are winding and steep in places, so if you're not confident on mountain roads, consider hiring a car with a driver out of Phitsanulok or Phetchabun. The prettiest window is late rains into early cool season, roughly November to January, when the fog rolls in thick and the air genuinely turns cold.

Route and Rough Distances

The big picture goes: Phitsanulok → Phu Hin Rong Kla (climbing via Nakhon Thai district) → down to Khao Kho → up Phu Thap Boek → back down through Lom Kao/Lom Sak, then loop back to Phitsanulok or carry on to Bangkok. The numbers below are the approximate distances people who actually drive this route run into.

  • Phitsanulok → Phu Hin Rong Kla — around 120–130 km via Nakhon Thai district, with the climb at the end; figure 2.5–3 hr including a rest stop
  • Phu Hin Rong Kla → Khao Kho — around 100–120 km, descending the Nakhon Thai side then skirting over toward Khao Kho; roughly 2.5–3 hr
  • Khao Kho → Phu Thap Boek — around 40–50 km, but very steep, so it takes nearly 1.5–2 hr; the final climb up Phu Thap Boek is the steepest of the whole trip
  • Phu Thap Boek → Lom Sak → Phitsanulok — around 130–150 km, dropping down the Lom Kao side then running the highway back

Pick your way up Phu Thap Boek carefully

There are two main routes up Phu Thap Boek. The one through Lom Kao district is steeper and narrower but shorter, while the Ban Thap Boek route on the Lom Sak side is a touch more gradual. If you're in a sedan or still getting used to mountain roads, drive up during the day while visibility is good, and check your brakes and low gear before you start the climb.

🎟️

Book the activities in your Phitsanulok 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.

🎟️ Top tours in PhitsanulokHighlights, guided Klook 🎟️ Phitsanulok attractions & ticketsSkip-the-line entry tickets Klook 🚐 Day trips from PhitsanulokOut and back in a day Klook 🌎 Phitsanulok activities (GetYourGuide)Global tour marketplace GetYourGuide
🎟️ See all Phitsanulok tours & activities (Klook)

Day 1 — Phitsanulok up to Phu Hin Rong Kla

Give the first day over to the drive up and to seeing Phu Hin Rong Kla without rushing, since the park's sights are spread out and involve some walking. Set off from downtown Phitsanulok early, and you can pay respects to Phra Phuttha Chinnarat at Wat Yai before you leave — a fittingly local way to kick off the trip.

Day 1

Phitsanulok → Phu Hin Rong Kla

07:30
Pay respects to Phra Phuttha Chinnarat at Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (Wat Yai)Open the trip with the city's revered Buddha. It opens early and is still quiet, so it's easy to walk around and take photos.
08:30
Set off toward Nakhon Thai districtFill the tank before the climb — petrol stations up on the mountain are few and close early.
11:00
Reach the Phu Hin Rong Kla park area, check in at the officeEntry for Thai adults is 40 THB, children 20 THB. If you plan to sleep in the park, book a cabin or campsite through nps.dnp.go.th in advance.
12:00
Eat at the park welfare canteenThere's a made-to-order kitchen and coffee at fair prices — fill up before you start walking.
13:00
Walk the nature trail: Lan Hin Pum to Pha Chu ThongRound trip is about 2.8 km and not too hard. Pha Chu Thong is a wide-open viewpoint where lots of people stop for photos.
15:00
Stop at Lan Hin Taek and the Political-Military SchoolLan Hin Taek is a strange field of natural rock fissures, while the Political School is a historical site from the era of the Communist Party of Thailand.
16:30
Romklao–Pharadon Waterfall (if you have it in you)It's on the way out, so skip it if you're tired and save your energy for tomorrow.
18:00
Check in, eat dinner, stay in the park or at a resort near Nakhon ThaiNights on Phu Hin Rong Kla are cold and quiet — a good place to sleep early and recharge.

Weather on Phu Hin Rong Kla

In the cool season the temperature can drop into the single digits, so pack a serious cold-weather jacket. In the rainy season the rock-field trails get slippery, so shoes with proper grip are a lot safer.

Day 2 — Down to Khao Kho and Its Check-In Spots

Day two is a longer driving day, since you have to come down off Phu Hin Rong Kla and work your way over toward Khao Kho, but the views are good the whole way. By the time you reach Khao Kho the mood shifts from thick forest to open hillsides, with cafes, viewpoints, and pretty temples to stop at along the way. Tonight you sleep at Khao Kho to save energy for the Phu Thap Boek climb tomorrow.

Day 2

Phu Hin Rong Kla → Khao Kho

08:00
Leave Phu Hin Rong Kla, head for Khao KhoThe descent is winding — use low gear to hold the car back and don't ride the brakes.
11:00
Reach Khao Kho, stop at Wat Phra That Pha Son KaeoA pagoda set with coloured tiles and multicoloured bowls, with wide-open mountain views. Late morning the light is lovely.
12:30
Lunch at a Khao Kho view restaurantAround Khao Kho there are plenty of restaurants and cafes with views — pick one with terrace seating that looks out over the mountains.
14:00
Phra Boromathat Chedi KanchanaphisekA white pagoda on a hilltop blending Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin styles. The viewpoint around it takes in the whole Khao Kho area.
15:30
Khao Kho Wind Turbine FieldA hugely popular photo landmark — rows of white wind turbines lined up along the ridge. Late afternoon, with the sun low, photographs beautifully.
17:00
Find a cafe for coffee in the cool breezeKhao Kho in the late afternoon has lovely air — pick a cafe facing the valley to watch the sunset.
18:30
Check in at Khao Kho, dinnerKhao Kho accommodation runs from million-baht-view resorts to easy-on-the-wallet homestays. Book ahead in the cool season, as it fills up fast.

Day 3 — Up Phu Thap Boek, Closing the Trip with a Sea of Fog

The last day is the highlight of the trip. Phu Thap Boek is the highest peak in Phetchabun, and at first light the fog fills the valley while terraced cabbage fields stretch out below. If you want to soak up this moment fully, you should sleep up on Phu Thap Boek the night before, or leave Khao Kho around 4–5 am to get up in time for the morning fog.

Day 3

Khao Kho → Phu Thap Boek → home

05:00
Leave Khao Kho to climb Phu Thap Boek (or wake up on the mountain if you stayed over)If you didn't stay over, you have to set off before dawn to make the sea of fog. Drive slowly and watch for fog blocking the road.
06:30
Watch the sea of fog and sunrise on Phu Thap BoekThe popular viewpoints are around the campsite and the highest point. The fog comes and goes — be patient and wait for the moment.
08:30
Wander the terraced cabbage fields, sip a hot coffeeThe terraced cabbage fields are the signature image of Phu Thap Boek. The mountaintop coffee shops open early for visitors.
10:00
Pack up, descend via Lom KaoThe descent is steep, so stay in low gear the whole way. You can stop at viewpoints along the route.
12:00
Lunch at Lom SakLom Sak has local eats and several restaurants. Fill up the tank before the long drive.
13:30
Head back to Phitsanulok or carry on to BangkokBack to Phitsanulok is about 2–2.5 hr. For Bangkok, run via Lom Sak–Phetchabun–Saraburi.

Where Should You Stay?

This trip is two nights, and you can mix it a few ways to suit your style. If you want nature to the fullest, sleep on Phu Hin Rong Kla the first night and at Khao Kho or Phu Thap Boek the second. But if you'd rather keep it easy, you can stay at Khao Kho both after finishing Phu Hin Rong Kla on the first night, then make the pre-dawn climb up Phu Thap Boek on the last day.

Camping/nature

Sleeping in Phu Hin Rong Kla park

Park cabins and campsites with a full forest-and-mountain feel. Book through the nps.dnp.go.th system in advance — it fills up fast in the cool season.

Comfort/family

Khao Kho mountain-view resorts

Khao Kho has loads of view resorts, from upscale valley-view stays to easy-on-the-wallet homestays. A good mid-trip night because the amenities are all there.

Sea of fog

Camping/cabins on Phu Thap Boek

Camping spots and homestays on Phu Thap Boek start at a little over a thousand baht, and some have their own sea-of-fog viewpoint — wake up to fog right outside the tent.

Before You Set Off

  • Check the car — brakes, tyres, and engine oil all ready, since you're driving mountains three days straight
  • Fill up before each climb — petrol stations on the mountain are few and close early; top off at Nakhon Thai, Khao Kho, or Lom Sak
  • Warm clothes — in the cool season Phu Thap Boek and Phu Hin Rong Kla get genuinely cold, so bring a thick jacket, a hat, and gloves
  • Book accommodation ahead — especially in the cool season and on long weekends; both Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek fill up very fast
  • Cash — some shops and mountain campsites take cash only, and the signal is weak in spots

Want a good place to sleep before tackling the mountains? Start in Phitsanulok.

See the Top 10 Phitsanulok hotels →

FAQ

How many days is just right for this Phitsanulok–Phetchabun route?

3 days and 2 nights is about right. You get a full day at Phu Hin Rong Kla, a day at Khao Kho, and the Phu Thap Boek sea of fog on the last morning without rushing. With only 2 days you'd have to cut some sights and drive harder.

Should I do Phu Hin Rong Kla first or Khao Kho first?

Most people starting from Phitsanulok climb Phu Hin Rong Kla via Nakhon Thai district first, then drift down to Khao Kho and Phu Thap Boek on the way back — that way you don't have to drive the same road twice, and you finish the trip with the Phu Thap Boek sea of fog, which is near the route home.

Can a sedan make it up Phu Thap Boek?

Yes, but the road is very steep, especially at the end, so you need low gear and brakes in good shape. If you're not confident on mountain roads, go up during the day when visibility is good, or use a local pickup-truck shuttle service to the top. The road to Phu Lom Lo, though, requires a four-wheel drive only.

When is the prettiest time to do this route?

Late rains into early cool season, roughly November to January, when the fog rolls in thick and the air is genuinely cold — but that's also when it's busy and accommodation fills fast. If you want to dodge the crowds, the green season in the early rains is lush and pretty too; the rock-field trails just get slippery.

Can I do it without driving myself?

You can, but public transport on this route is hard to connect, since the sights are on separate mountains. The easier option is to hire a car with a driver out of Phitsanulok or Phetchabun who knows the mountain roads — it's safer and more flexible than waiting on scheduled buses.

Related

🗺️ Phitsanulok Travel Guide⛰️ Phu Hin Rong Kla: How to See It All🏨 Top 10 Phitsanulok Hotels

Copyright & Image Takedown Policy

Thailandaddict is created to review and share travel experiences. Where an image is sourced from elsewhere, we credit the source. If you are the copyright owner and prefer that your image not appear on this site, please contact us and we will gladly remove the image or correct the information.