Phu Phan National Park

Introducing Phu Phan National Park

Swathed in forest and tumbling over the pretty Phu Phan mountains, Phu Phan National Park (08 1263 5029, reservations 0 2562 0760; free admission; 24hr) remains relatively undeveloped and isolated – it’s no surprise that the area once provided cover for Thai resistance fighters in WWII and People’s Liberation Army of Thailand (PLAT) guerrillas in the 1970s. Tham Seri Thai (Seri Thai Cave) was used by the Thai Seri (Thai underground resistance; see p35) during WWII as an arsenal and mess hall. As well as being a stomping ground for barking deer, monitor lizards and monkeys, the 645-sq-km park also hosts a few elephants.

There are two main places to visit. Pha Nang Moem is a vista point just 700m from the visitor centre and you can climb down to Lan Sao E plateau just below it. Nam Tok Kam Hom, one of four petite falls along a 600m stretch of stream (the water is only from August to October), is 9km north (near Thailand’s largest kilometre pillar). Seldom-visited Tang Pee Parn natural rockbridge can be reached by 4WD. A park guide is recommended for trekking deep into the gorgeous mountains in the south end of the park; if you want to do it yourself, discuss your plans at the headquarters before setting out. For spending the night, there is a camp site (per person 30B, 3-person tent hire 150B) and eight bungalows (4 people 500B) available.

Both of the principal attractions sit right off Rte 213 and any Kalasin-bound bus (ordinary/air-con 20/25B, 45 minutes, every 40 minutes) from Sakon Nakhon will drop you off or shuttle you between them.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009