Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park spans the provinces of Phitsanulok (Nakhon Thai District) and Loei (Dansai District) in northern Thailand and is also easily accessible from Phetchabun Province. Covering an area of ​​307 square kilometers, it encompasses waterfalls, lush forests, and rocky plateaus. The national park is particularly famous for its rugged rock formations, reminiscent of a turtle shell or a crocodile's back. A beautiful 3.5-kilometer hiking trail leads to the most interesting section of the park, featuring a large, hilly beach and breathtaking views of the plains. Along the way, you cross a small river and pass impressive rock formations like Lan Hin Pum. The hike isn't very strenuous, as my one-and-a-half-year-old daughter walked almost the entire way (except for the slightly rougher sections). After that, she loved walking and is indestructible! ;). Besides its natural beauty, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is also a place steeped in history. From 1967 to 1982, Phu Hin Rong Kla served as the headquarters of the Communist Party of Thailand and was the scene of fierce fighting between the Royal Thai Army and the Party for 15 years. Its mountainous location, offering ideal defensive positions, made Phu Hin Rong Kla a strategically important site. The conflict ended in 1982 with a government amnesty for students who had joined the Communist Party. Visitors can still see some symbolic sites from this period, including an abandoned military camp and Pha Chu Thong, where the red flag commemorating the Communist Party's victory was raised and where a short, 3.5-km hiking trail passes. In 1984, the area was declared a national park. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is a popular destination for Thais, especially during the wild Himalayan cherry blossom season. If there are a few trees in the visitor center parking lot, the ideal spot to enjoy this sea of ​​pink blossoms is Phu Lom Lo – Phu Long Ru in the part of the park belonging to Loei Province (see Google Maps). The flowering season usually extends from December to February. However, it is advisable to check with the park before visiting (see below).

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is located 50 kilometers (1 hour drive) north of Phetchabun and 80 kilometers east of Phitsanulok (1.5 hours drive). The entrance fee is 500 THB per adult and 300 THB per child. It is the most expensive national park in Thailand. Overnight stays are possible at Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park. There are family bungalows (2 bedrooms) for 800 THB per night (well, I tried it). Alternatively, you can rent tents and camping equipment at the visitor center. Bookings can be made by phone, but you must check in and pay by 4:30 PM. Alternatively, you can book online on the official website of the National Parks Administration of Thailand (DNP) (online payment): https://nps.dnp.go.th. Visitor center phone number: 055 356 652 or 081 596 5977 (mobile). Email: [email protected]

There is no public transport to the entrance, and taking a bus from Phistanulok or Loei to Nakhon Thai bus station and then a tuk-tuk seems a bit risky. It's best to arrange transport.

How to get there

How do you get to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park? There's no public transport to the entrance, and taking a bus from Phistanulok or Loei to Nakhon Thai bus station and then a tuk-tuk seems a bit risky. It's best to arrange transport.