Choose your personal strawberries, camp atop mountains and soak in waterfalls in Khao Kho, which locals name the Thailand Alps.
A respite from all of the buying and consuming completed in Bangkok, Khao Kho is the proper escape to chill alpine air and scenic mountainous hikes. This vacation spot is sort of standard with the Thais however nonetheless very a lot unknown to the common vacationer.
Absorb mountain views on high of Phu Thap Boek Mountain, and catch probably the most lovely dawn from exterior your tent whilst you camp out. Or marvel on the 5 million mosaic tiles at Wat Prathat Phasornkaew, adopted by a hike within the Phu Hin Rong Kla Nationwide Park.
This 5D4N Khao Kho itinerary brings you a singular, top-of-the-world expertise within the “Thai Alps” with out having to journey midway the world over!
In the event you’re serious about extra day journeys out of Bangkok so that you’ll by no means be thai-ered, take a look at what else we’ve found in Khao Yai, one other gorgeous getaway embedded in nature.
Pre-trip Necessities
Finest time to go to: Between mid-Nov to Jan when seasonal strawberry farms open and fields of lavender-like verbena flowers (pictured) are in full bloom. En path to Khao Kho, at Lopburi city, sunflower fields can even be in full bloom.
Connectivity: The DTAC SIM Card permits limitless 4G information utilization (~S$10 for eight days) and will be collected upon arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (there aren’t any direct flights to Khao Kho).
Money available: ATMs are arduous to seek out in Khao Kho, and most lodging and meals institutions solely settle for money!
Attending to and round Khao Kho
The mountain roads from Bangkok to Khao Kho are winding and slender, and it’s most likely not excellent to embark by yourself 5 to six-hour drive. We had been in for a very good time and a very long time, so we left the lengthy drive to a skilled automobile constitution.
How the highway journey goes: after leaving Bangkok, you’ll arrive at Lopburi city (standard amongst locals and travellers heading in direction of Khao Kho/Chiang Mai) after three hours, a preferred pitstop to interrupt the lengthy journey into two. Discover the realm for a day, earlier than the ultimate leg to Khao Kho.
Day 1: Pitstop at Lopburi
Saraburi Sunflower Fields
Holland’s tulips? We’d say the sunflowers on the Muak Lek Sunflower Fields of Saraburi — the most important sunflower discipline in Thailand — are simply as candy, and also you don’t have to play Katrina & The Waves to really feel such as you’re strolling on sunshine. Flowering season’s between Nov and Feb!
Converse to the locals to find out about all the pieces sunflower-related — oil, seeds, honey and cookies, all of that are freshly produced from their harvests.
Entrance Charge: ฿10
Opening Hours: Varies, however usually within the day time
Tips on how to get there: From Lopburi Outdated City, drive 20 minutes into the Muak Lek District at Saraburi 18180, Thailand.
*Professional-tip: There are a lot of sunflower fields lining Saraburi, however head additional as much as Muak Lek for the most important discipline (pictured above).
Wat Phra Buddha Badh
The Wat Phra Buddha Badh is likely one of the most revered temples by locals for pilgrimages, and is also called the temple of the Buddha’s footprint. Take the steps to the highest and also you’ll know why — there lies a 150cm-long and 52cm-wide statue of the footprint, sheltered by a golden mondop (shrine) and coated with cash and notes that locals throw in for blessings.
Entrance Charge: ฿30
Opening Hours: Morning until 5PM
Handle: Tambon Khun Khlon, Amphoe Phra Phutthabat, Phra Phutthabat 18120, Thailand
Peacock Temple
By no means managed to seek out a type of elusive Sentosa peacocks? Get a very good have a look at them at the Peacock Temple the place they run freely on the temple grounds — no less than 50 of them!
Climb 436 steps to the highest of the temple to go to the white Buddha statue, and luxuriate in a hen’s eye view of the encircling valleys and Sub Lek Reservoir — some nature that contrasts with Bangkok’s metropolis skyline.
Entrance Charge: Free
Opening Hours: Varies
Handle: Nikhom Sang Ton Eng, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi 15000, Thailand. Drive by way of the ‘mouth’ entrance and also you’ll see the temple.
Sub Lek Reservoir
Sub Lek Reservoir (Ang Sub Lek) is the place the locals sit back on a scorching afternoon, slurping native noodles (฿60) at boardwalk eating places overlooking the reservoir. Sofa potatoes can lease a stilt hut to take a seat in for (฿50 – 70), whereas the adventurous can head out for ATV and jet-ski actions.
Value: Beneath ฿150 (for hut and meals)
Opening Hours: 9AM – after sundown
Handle: Nikhom Rd., Nikhom Sang Ton Eng, Muang Lop Buri, Lobburi, 15000
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat
A Khmer-style temple that stands on the Nan riverbank, Wat Phrasi Rattana Mahathat is likely one of the most essential temples throughout the Ayutthaya period. It’s a smaller temple in comparison with its counterparts throughout Thailand, however nonetheless price strolling the grounds and experiencing Thailand’s non secular aspect.
Entrance Charge: ฿40
Opening Hours: 6:30AM – 6PM
Handle: 92/3 Phutthabucha Alley, Chang Wat Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
9 Pints – The Gastro Home
As one of many few massive institutions in Lopburi, it’s not stunning to see 9 Pints — The Gastro Home packed within the evenings (a lot that you just’ll assume you’re nonetheless in Bangkok) amid crowd chatter and stay music.
Swap it up from the standard Thai delicacies with a hearty dinner of western meals (pastas/steak/grills!). The actual deal is the large number of craft beers on faucet out there, particularly in such a secluded space. Now, thank god for automobile charters!
Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM
Handle: Amphoe Mueang Nakhon Sawan, Chang Wat Nakhon Sawan 60000, Thailand
Transport by automobile constitution (12-hour window)
Set off for first vacation spot: 9AM.
Arrive eventually vacation spot: 8:30PM
Driving length from Bangkok to Lopburi: 2.5 hrs
Lodging in Lopburi: There are standard and reasonably priced backpackers’ hostels like Noom Guesthouse (~S$15/night time), and personal en suite rooms at Windsor Resort (~S$29/night time) which can be extra price it for teams.
Day 2: Drive on to Khao Kho
Prang Sam Yod (Monkey Temple)
Phrang Sam Yod Temple is Lopburi’s oldest and most iconic landmark. One of many few monuments left that dates again to the Khmer period, it’s well-known for internet hosting a lot of monkeys which can be let free to run round freely, however maybe much more so for resembling a mini Angkor Wat from the skin.
As with every place full of monkeys, preserve your belongings near you or the monkeys will steal them!
Entrance Charge: ฿50
Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 5PM
Handle: Tha Hin, Mueang Lop Buri District, Lopburi 15000, Thailand
Talat Boran Ban Si Phan (Classic Market)
Opened by the federal government for Lopburi locals to share their tradition and homegrown companies with travellers, Talat Boran Ban Si Phan is a good stopover to buy native meals, merchandise and artwork. A small market with about 100 outlets housed inside conventional structure, it sits properly as a industrial hub in a nest of historic points of interest.
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM
Handle: Ram Decho, Tha Le Chup Sorn, Amphoe Mueang Lop Buri, Chang Wat Lopburi 15000, Thailand
Wang Kan Lueang Waterfall
Beat the warmth by soaking on the Wang Kan Lueang Waterfall, recognized for its emerald waters. The waterfall’s a small however charming one, and its swimming pools are shallow sufficient for secure swimming (however floating tubes can be found when you’re nonetheless apprehensive).
There are foods and drinks stalls by the aspect, so clean up with a picnic by the falls. In addition they have bathe amenities to clean up earlier than heading again!
Entrance Charge: ฿10
Opening Hours: Early until sundown
Handle: Tha Din Dam, Chai Badan District, Lopburi 15130, Thailand
Kaiyang Buatong (for Snacks)
How about consolation meals after hitting the highway for hours? Kaiyang Buatong serves up a imply Thai-grilled hen (a Northern delicacy) and different native dishes.
Value: ~฿4/pax
Opening Hours: 7AM – 5PM
Handle: 62 Moo 1 Sapradu Subdistrict, Wichian Buri 67130, Thailand
Seafood Dinner at Bannaitoi
We couldn’t resolve what to order amongst the seafood unfold at Bannaitoi Seafood Restaurant, so we advised them to shock us with a price range of ฿1000 (S$40). The scrumptious outcome: fried hen, ruby candy and spicy fish, and tom yum soup.
Value: ฿1000/4pax
Opening Hours: 10AM – 9PM
Handle: 101 Amphoe Khao Kho, Chang Wat Phetchabun 67280 (Close to Freeway 12 at Three Camps Junction, Reverse Camp Wat Son).
Transport by automobile constitution
Set off for first vacation spot: 9AM
Arrive eventually vacation spot: 7:30PM
Driving length from Lopburi to Khao Kho: 4hrs
Lodging in Khao Kho: Tarahill Khao Kho, ~S$75/night time for a spacious double room with a mountain view. We stayed right here for 2 nights!
Day 3: Discover Khao Kho’s Scenic Highlights
Wat Prathat Phasornkaew (Dawn Spot!)
Wat Prathat Phasornkaew might be our favorite temple in Thailand, due to its daring infrastructure, nearly paying homage to a Gaudí Masterpiece made out of over 5 million mosaic tiles. Climb all the best way to the highest for the very best views, and don’t neglect to take a look at the enduring five-buddha statue.
Observe: gown conservatively with shoulders and legs coated, otherwise you gained’t be let in.
Entrance Charge: Free (฿30 for car parking)
Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM
Handle:95, Moo 7, Khaem Son, Khaem Son 67280, Thailand
Brunch at Pino Latte Cafe
With nice meals and even larger mountain views, you’ll most likely keep for an extended, stress-free brunch at Pino Latte Cafe. Attempt their signature Pino Latte (฿80), breakfast units or Eggs Benedict (฿230 together with drink) that’s so standard, it bought out once we arrived at 8:40AM.
Opening Hours: 7AM – 7PM
Handle: Freeway Quantity 12, Khao Kho District
Uncle Neung’s Strawberry Farm
Strawberry farms are throughout Khao Kho, and you may merely ask your driver to take you to 1. We picked our personal strawberries at Uncle Neung’s Strawberry Farm — we may nearly style the sweetness of the strawberries simply by trying on the fields upon fields of the ravishing, plump berries.
Locals on the farm additionally promote strawberry drinks (฿35) and pre-picked strawberries (฿20/field).
Value: Free entrance (Value of selecting strawberries differ)
Opening Hours: Varies
Handle: Khao Kho, Phetchabun 67270
Khao Kho Wind Farm
How’s this for an image good panorama? 24 windmills are peppered throughout the Khao Kho Wind Farm {that a} 10-man shuttle (฿60) can get you up near — it’d take you nearly three hours to discover the entire place.
Look out for the farm’s different star attraction throughout Instagram: purple, verbena flower fields. Hop on the wood swings that face the mountains!
Entrance Charge: Free
Opening Hours: 5AM – 6:30PM
Handle: Thung Samo, Khao Kho District, Phetchabun 67270, Thailand
Dinner at The Sense Resort
Deal with your self to a elaborate steak dinner with a view on the S2 Steak Home, positioned in The Sense Resort, one of the standard resorts in Khao Kho. The extra standard dishes are their Tenderloin Steak and Salmon Grill with Salt.
Value: Varies
Opening Hours: 10AM – 9PM (final order at 8:30PM)
Handle: Khao Kho, Phetchabun 67270, Thailand
Day 4: Camp at Phu Thap Boek Mountain
Boat Trip at Bang Rachan Islet
This two-hour boat trip at the Bang Rachan Islet introduced us down the Khek River previous wildlife, a Buddhist temple, a butterfly-watching website and even freshwater jellyfish of their habitat!
These rides additionally contribute to the locals’ eco-tourism efforts. The locals are incomes from the boat rides whereas sustaining the setting’s pristine situation, and spreading consciousness of the Nong Mae Na space.
Value: ฿200/boat (4 pax)
Opening Hours: 9AM – 4PM. Operates Oct – Might solely.
Handle: Moo 6, Nong Mae Na subdistrict, Khao Kho, Thailand
Camp at Phu Thap Boek Mountain High
On the best way as much as the highest of Phu Thap Boek Mountain, benefit from the cool air as you lastly attain 1,768m above sea degree. It takes about two hours on the shortest path to the highest, so arrive early (5PM) to get a very good tenting spot!
Regardless of being excessive up within the mountains, the amenities weren’t as shabby as we thought. Showers and bogs are pay-per-use (฿20 and 5 respectively), and there are many stalls promoting scorching meals (snacks and full meals), drinks and even recent produce (for that #campinggoals BBQ) at reasonably priced costs. We may even nonetheless visit cyberspace with 3G connection!
After mountain climbing to the highest, first head to the tent rental store to safe a tent — they’re already arrange by the mountain, so that you gained’t should pitch one from scratch. The native guides will then carry you to the tent you chose.
This Khao Kho tenting expertise could be very localised, so likelihood is you’ll be one of many few (if not, the one) foreigners there. You’ll face some language barrier points, however we managed to get round nonetheless with some gesturing and assist from Google Translate. Fortunately, the hospitable locals had been actually affected person with us.
Value: ฿900 (four-man tent), ฿500 baht (two-man tent), inclusive of pillows, mat and blanket. Range and charcoal rented individually (฿220, ฿100 deposit)
Verify-Out Time: 12PM
Tips on how to get there: Head to the centre of the mountain high space, and also you’ll see a store with a inexperienced roof, which is the tent rental
*Professional-tip: Choose a tent close to the mountain edge so you could have your personal accessible personal nook. Plus, you get an uninterrupted view of the dawn!
Mookata Dinner at a Native Store
Nothing beats having fun with steaming scorching Mookata (Thai-style BBQ hotpot) in chilly alpine climate. You’ll be spoilt for selection with the various outlets out there right here so simply hop into any of them for a style of this native expertise.
Choose and select your components, and the Mookata shall be ready for you — not on a traditional electrical range like in Singapore, however on coal hearth, which supposedly makes the broth and meats even tastier. The most effective half is we solely paid S$2.50 per pax! Say what?
Value: ฿60/pax
Opening Hours: 10AM – 9PM
Stargazing out of your Tent
When your tummy’s happy, head again to your tent to spend the night time. On the best way again, discover the realm round and see the locals having fun with the night time by cooking their very own BBQ and enjoying songs on a guitar — principally dwelling the final word chill life. We even went as much as say hey, and the locals shared their bonfire with us.
Oh, we additionally purchased some beers again to sip on as we stargazed 😉
Day 5: Hike Phu Hin Rong Kla Nationwide Park
Dawn at Phu Thap Boek
The solar begins rising throughout the horizon at 5:30AM, so be out of your tents earlier than that! Layer up as a result of there’ll be wind-chill — it was ~11 levels once we had been there. There’ll be different non-camping vacationers who bus in only for the dawn at round 7AM, so benefit from the uninterrupted view whereas it lasts.
After trying out, head for breakfast at any of the native shops. We had the egg hot-dog roll, heat candy potato, condensed milk bread, and when you really feel prefer it, scorching instantaneous noodles — all at solely ~฿20 every and tremendous comforting within the chilly!
Bid farewell to the tenting grounds, after which drive to the Phu Hin Rong Kla Nationwide Park (1.5 hrs away).
Phu Hin Rong Kla Nationwide Park
Full your Khao Kho journey by mountain climbing by way of the Phu Hin Rong Kla Nationwide Park. It’s a simple hike so that you don’t want a information. The hike has many nice viewpoints, with signages concerning the distinctive granite rock formations, and will be accomplished in a single and a half hours.
Be sure you head to the best viewpoint, the Pha Chu Tong Cliff, and pose proper subsequent to a Thai flag (first image). The Lan Hin Pum and Phu Phang Ma viewpoints supply fairly sights too.
This nationwide park has historic significance as properly — it served because the HQ of the Communist Occasion of Thailand and was a battle zone for 15 years between the Communists and Royal Thai Military.
Value: ฿500/pax + ฿40 driver’s payment
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Handle: 2331 Tambon Noen Phoem, Chang Wat Phitsanulok 65120, Thailand
Lunch at Tanrak Talaymok
After finishing your hike, refuel at Tanrak Talaymok — your final probability at eating with a view! Select a balcony seat and luxuriate in your al fresco meal overlooking a mountain valley.
Suggestions embody their Fried Bitter Pork with Garlic (฿160) and Rice with Inexperienced Curry (฿90). Wash it down with ice-blended Thai Milk Tea (฿70)!
Value: From ฿90
Opening Hours: 7AM – 8PM
Handle: Route 2325, Khao Kho, Thailand
Our Highway Journey to Khao Kho
Khao Kho is fairly secluded and away from mainstream tourism, so naturally there’s barely any public transport out there. Most points of interest are inaccessible by foot, which made our automobile constitution further helpful.
For this highway journey, we booked the 5D4N Chartered Tour that took us from Bangkok to Lopburi, Lopburi to Khao Kho, and eventually Khao Kho to Bangkok.
The great factor is that they accommodate to your itinerary, and you can also make as many stops as you want to get pleasure from your Thailand highway journey expertise to the fullest. To not point out, the tremendous comfy seats and onboard WiFi made issues all the higher. This additionally means getting on and off for actions with out lugging round extra baggage — mega comfort!
One other plus level: the English-speaking driver is at all times giving us tips about the very best locations to go, so that you’re in good arms even in a much less explored place like Khao Kho.
Do notice although, that travelling by automobile constitution (really a van) will take longer than self-driving a automobile as vans have stricter pace limits by legislation. Nonetheless, we nonetheless advocate the automobile constitution merely for security and luxury causes.
Time to ebook your journey to Khao Kho!
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