When I boarded the tram in Si Phet historical park in Thailand's often overlooked province of Phetchabun, I felt almost like a star. Of course, this was also due to my audience: elderly Thai women who probably hadn't seen any face other than their husband's in a long time.

“So handsome,” they said (in English), almost dutifully, before asking me where I was from. When I told them I was American, they showed surprisingly great interest. “What do you think of the invasion of Venezuela?” they asked, as some Thai fighter jets (undoubtedly mobilized because of the conflict with Cambodia) circled overhead.

The aim of this post is to present some of the best things to do in Phetchabun. However, I hope you don't mind if I sprinkle in a few anecdotes here and there.

Getting to Phetchabun (and getting around in Phetchabun)

If you want to travel directly from Bangkok to Phetchabun, the best option is to take a bus from Mo Chit bus station. These buses run several times a day and take about 5–6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Phitsanulok (the nearest airport with scheduled flights), but then you would need to travel onward to Phetchabun province from there.

And this is precisely where the problem lies: once you arrive in Phetchabun, you need to be mobile. Whether you're taking a tour of central Thailand or planning a solo trip, you should either rent your own car or book a car with a driver (probably through your hotel). Alternatively, you can rely on local songthaews or try using Grab – neither of which are truly reliable options.

Things to do in Phetchabun

Prioritize Wat Phra Sorn Kaew

The multifaceted Buddha at Wat Phra Sorn Kaew inspired me to add Phetchabun to my list many years ago. I was definitely not disappointed, although two things surprised me. First, that the Buddha itself was much smaller than expected. And second, that the hillside on which it stands is very, very far outside the city, even off the main road you turn off to get there.

(Even if that means renting a car)

As I mentioned before, a car is essential for any trip to Phetchabun. The province's sights are widely scattered, so you'll need transportation unless you only want to explore the city (more on that later). Of course, you could rent a car and drive from the city to the temple via the so-called ASEAN Junction, but I imagine that would be significantly more expensive than renting one.

Eat Thailand's most colorful Khanom Jeen

Another reason why I'm glad I have my own car? On the way back from Buddha to town, I was able to enjoy Khanom Jeen, the thin (and in Phetchabun, colorful) rice noodles for which this province is famous. I had them with Pu Pad Pong Karee (yellow curry with crab), but there are other options. Embarrassingly, I arrived at the small shop without enough cash; I had to drive to a nearby ATM to withdraw some. Yet another reason why a car is essential!

Don't neglect the city center

Most of the worthwhile activities in Phetchabun aren't located in the town itself, which, while charming, is predominantly residential. One exception is Phetchabun Buddhist Park, which—as the name suggests—features a Buddha statue. It also boasts a large lake and is a popular spot for locals to exercise and relax. I highly recommend visiting at sunset, as it's the best place in town to witness this natural spectacle.

Continue to Lopburi or Sukhothai

I visited Phetchabun as part of my tour of central Thailand, stopping there on my way from Lopburi to Sukhothai. You don't necessarily have to make such an extensive trip, but I think it's the best way to get your money's worth (although my very good sleep in Phetchabun led to one of my strangest nightmares ever: I dreamt that my husband and I were in Tokyo and were separated by the eruption of Mount Fuji. Terrifying!).

Should you stay overnight in Phetchabun?

I was really lucky with my accommodation in Phetchabun. As anyone who's ever traveled through rural Thailand knows, hotels and guesthouses outside the major cities are often a matter of luck. The so-called Monkey Cottage (spoiler alert: there were no monkeys) where I stayed was simply fabulous. It was newly renovated, very well-equipped, and had a large, usually empty parking lot.

How many days you should spend in Phetchabun depends entirely on how extensively you want to explore the area – and where else you're staying. For example, if my trip to Loei in 2025 had taken place outside the rainy season, I could have stopped at Wat Phra Sorn Kaew on my way back north from Chaiyaphum without staying overnight. However, if you're making a separate trip from Bangkok, it would be unwise not to spend at least one night there.

Other frequently asked questions about visiting Phetchabun

Is Phetchabun worth a visit?

Phetchabun is one of the most interesting and least touristy places in Thailand. While it might not be the sole reason for a trip there, especially for a first or second visit to Thailand, I consider this province an absolute must if you want to explore Thailand extensively and get to know the "real Thailand".

What is Phetchabun known for in Thailand?

Phetchabun in Thailand is known for a few things, including tamarind (in Thai: makham), knanom jeen noodles, and the multi-faced Buddha statue at Wat Phra Sorn Kaew. However, it's not a well-known tourist destination (and hardly known even among tourists themselves), which gives it a pleasantly surprising charm.

How much does a visit to Phetchabun cost?

Phetchabun is an inexpensive province with affordable food, budget-friendly accommodation, and low entrance fees for attractions. However, getting there requires either bus or private car, and you'll also need a vehicle for getting around locally. Therefore, it can be surprisingly expensive compared to the prices.

Conclusion

Most of my favorite things to do in Phetchabun are unexpected, which isn't surprising: this central Thai province is unknown to most people, let alone what it has to offer as a travel destination. As in nearby Lopburi, the feeling of truly being off the beaten track (cliché as that phrase may sound) is at least as important as the variety of sights. Or, to use another often overused travel concept: in a place so few foreigners visit, the journey and the destination can easily become one and the same. Need help planning your trip to Phetchabun in Thailand? Get a personalized itinerary today!