Nam Nao National Park

Nam Nao National Park is a protected area in the Phetchabun mountain zone of north-central Thailand, noted for pine forest, mixed deciduous woodland, and open grassland plateaus. The park is used for trekking, birdwatching, and seasonal wildflower displays.

Trail networks and viewpoints take visitors through pine stands and grassland that produce cool-season mist and open vistas; wildlife includes a variety of woodland birds and mammals typical of the highland forest zone. Visitor facilities include basic camping and marked routes rather than large resort infrastructure.

The area has been managed as a national park for conservation and recreation; its habitats form part of the broader Phetchabun mountain ecosystem and connect with other protected areas in the region.

Nam Nao lies in the Phetchabun mountain range in north-central Thailand, occupying upland terrain that bridges lower plains and higher ridgelines; access is by road from nearby provincial towns.

• Best season: The park’s cooler months from November to February are generally the best time for walking and wildlife viewing, when temperatures are lower and visibility is good.

Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres within the Phetchabun mountain range, Nam Nao spans both Chaiyaphum and Phetchabun provinces. Its loftiest peak is Phu Pha Jit at 1,271 metres, set among a lush topography of evergreen forest and meandering streams.

The park is densely wooded with dipterocarp, evergreen, deciduous, hill-evergreen and pine forest, and its salt licks, grasslands and thick forest support a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, banteng, deer, Asiatic black bears, wild pigs and gaur. More than 200 bird species inhabit the park, among them parrots, warblers, hornbills, babblers and Siamese firebacks, while around 340 butterfly species add further colour.

The mix of mountains and forest gives the park a cool climate, particularly at night and early morning; the cool season can turn very cold, occasionally frosty with temperatures dipping below zero. Among the main attractions are Sai Thong Waterfall, Heaw Sai Waterfall, Phu Khor Viewpoint and the Tam Yai Nam Nao cave.

Nearest towns with road access include Phetchabun and Lom Sak. From Bangkok, public buses or private transfers to Phetchabun followed by local roads to park entrances are the usual routes; driving is common for flexibility.

• Hire a local guide for trail navigation - the park's plateaus and grasslands can be deceptively uniform and easy to lose track on.
• Visit during the cool season (November-February) for easier hiking and clearer visibility.
• If planning a multi-day trek, prepare for limited resupply points and pack insect protection for lowland areas.