The province of Phetchabun, a land of waterfalls, mountain ranges, and rivers, is also home to two impressive national parks. The mist-shrouded heights of Khao Kho National Park provide a habitat for wild elephants, Asiatic golden cats, mouse deer, porcupines, and the magnificent slow loris. The equally captivating Nam Nao National Park is home to tigers, leopards, black bears, and sun bears.

Thais love fog and mist. Many happily undertake a long journey across the country to enjoy the cool temperatures and the early morning sea of ​​fog – a rather unusual sight for foreign visitors. So where can you find this "fog paradise"? Many would suggest Chiang Rai or Mae Hong Son in the far north, but connoisseurs head to the province of Phetchabun, where endless views of mist-shrouded valleys are commonplace. Phetchabun is also highly regarded by Thai foodies – sweet tamarind, locally grown vegetables, grilled chicken Wichian-Buri style, and Lorn Khao rice noodles are the main attractions. More than enough reasons, then, to discover this hidden gem in northern Thailand.

If you're keen to witness a sea of ​​mist, Phu Hin Rong Kia National Park, spanning the provinces of Phetchabun, Loei, and Phitsanulok, is hard to beat. The area boasts stunning and unique natural beauty and is home to numerous historical sites dating back to the communist uprising four or five decades ago. The climate here is pleasantly cool year-round, though it can get quite cold in winter. Than Phayu, at kilometer 32 of the Phu Hin Rong Kia – Lorn Kao road, is the ideal spot to admire the sea of ​​mist and the surrounding mountains in the early morning. Pha Chu Thong, a steep cliff where the communists once raised their flag, offers breathtaking panoramic sunset views. Historical sites within the park include a war museum, a political and military school, a water turbine built by engineering students who joined the Communist Party in 1976, a former headquarters, and a hospital that, in its heyday, performed nearly every type of surgical procedure. Natural attractions include unusual rock formations and several waterfalls, including the 32-tiered Namtok Man Daeng, nestled amidst lush evergreen vegetation. The park offers bungalows for tourists, a campsite, and tents for rent (+66 5523 3527).

The 789,000 rai Thung Salaeng Luang National Park stretches across a long, narrow limestone plateau where cool temperatures prevail from November to February. Like many hills in this province, it was once a stronghold of the Thai communists, and traces of their later battles are still visible today. The park is characterized by mountain pine forests interspersed with wide, flat savannah plains. The savannahs offer excellent trekking opportunities and are home to a variety of wildflowers, ferns, pitcher plants, and caladiums. Bungalows, rental tents, and campsites for personal tents are available at two locations within the park (+66 5526 8019).

Nam Nao National Park is another of Phetchabun's verdant forest jewels and is equally popular with Thai hikers and nature enthusiasts. Spanning Phetchabun and Chaiyaphum, Nam Nao National Park is a complex mountain range where winter temperatures can drop to 2–5°C. Attractions within the expansive park include the two-tiered Tat Phran Ba ​​waterfall, which flows year-round; Pha Hong Cave, with its fascinating stalagmites and stalactites and several surrounding hiking trails; Phu Kho Lookout, which offers a magnificent sunrise in winter; the Ban Paek and Phu Kum Khao pine forests with their extensive mountain pines and savannah grasslands; and Yai Nam Nao Cave (Phu Nam Rin), a large, stalactite-strewn cave in a limestone mountain with flowing water, natural chimneys, and a large bat colony. A great way to explore the national park is by following the organized nature trails, where you can observe elephants, muntjacs, and many bird species. Bungalows are available in the park, tents can be rented, and there is a campsite for those bringing their own equipment (+66 5672 9002).

Phetchabun has so much more to offer visitors. Wat Mahathat, Wat Trai Phum, and the Nakhonban Phetchabun Cultural Hall in the Muang district, as well as the Khao Rang viewpoint on the way to Taphan Hin, are all worth a visit. And don't forget the grilled chicken and sweet tamarind – two outstanding products of this misty province.

Wat Phra That Pha Kaew, one of Phetchabun's hidden gems, is a mountain temple and Dharma retreat, also known as Pha Sorn Kaew. It sits atop an 830-meter peak near the village of Kheam Son in the Khao Kho district. The main pagoda and surrounding buildings are adorned with millions of colorful mosaic tiles that shimmer in the afternoon light. In front of the pagoda is an impressive sculpture of five white Buddha statues seated on lotus buds. Founded in 2004, the temple serves as a place of contemplation, study, and Dharma practice for Buddhist monks and laypeople alike.

Getting there: Phetchabun is located 346 km north of Bangkok and is only accessible by road. Air-conditioned first and second class coaches and local buses run on the Lomsak route from Morchit 2 bus station in Bangkok to Phetchabun (www.transport.co.th). By car, there are two main routes. From Bangkok, take Highway 1 to Saraburi and turn right onto Highway 21. You will pass through the districts of Chai Sadan, Si Thep, and Wichian Buri, continuing for another 221 km to Phetchabun. The journey takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take Highway 1 to the district of Wang Noi and turn onto Highway 32. You will pass through Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and Chai Nat, continuing to Nakhon Sawan. From there, take Highway 117 to Phitsanulok and then Highway 12 to Phetchabun.

For further information, please contact the TAT North Office: Region 3 at +66 5525 2742-3 or +66 5525 9907.