Phae Mueang Phi is best known for a small part of the park: the rock formations created by natural erosion. This landscape of stone pillars (some of which rise nearly 30 meters high) is reminiscent of Cappadocia in Turkey, although on a much smaller scale. The place gets its name from a legend about an old woman who went into the forest to gather bamboo shoots for cooking and got lost. Searching for the way out, she found money and gold. She wanted to take it with her, but couldn't leave the forest because the angel who protects the place prevented her. The more she tried to go forward, the more it seemed as if someone was pushing her back. Finally, she gave up her treasure and left the forest to ask the other people to retrieve the gold and silver she had left behind. But when they arrived, they had vanished. So they named the place Phae Mueang Phi, the Forest of the Ghost Town. In the rest of the park, you can stroll along nature trails among various rare plant species. One small path leads past the stone pillars, another offers a beautiful view of Phra That Cho Hae mountain.

Entry is free, but there is a donation box at the entrance. There is a restaurant in the car park, and it is possible to stay overnight. I haven't tried it myself, but if you are interested, you can call 054-533489 or 054-521118.

The park is located about twelve kilometers from Phrae. There is no public transport to the entrance of Phae Muang Phi Forest Park, but you can hire a songthaew (shared taxi); a round trip costs about 800 THB.

How to get there

How do I get to Phae Muang Phi Forest Park? The park is located about twelve kilometers from Phrae. There is no public transportation to the entrance of Phae Muang Phi Forest Park, but you can hire a songthaew (shared taxi). A round trip costs about 800 THB.