Phetchabun Mountains
Mountains Thai mountain range with national parks and waterfalls
A mountain range in central‑northern Thailand featuring national parks, waterfalls and cooler upland plateaus; visited for hiking, seasonal wildflowers and rural hill towns.
The Phetchabun Mountains are a central Thai mountain range forming a highland spine in north-central Thailand and separating parts of the northern and central plains. The ranges include multiple plateaus and peaks used for agriculture and seasonal tourism.
The range features forested ridges, pine and mixed deciduous cover, and highland summits that give cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands. Phu Thap Boek is the most frequented summit, known for panoramic viewpoints and local vegetable and flower farming at higher elevations.
These mountains have long been a regional boundary and an agricultural hinterland for nearby provinces. In recent decades higher-elevation areas have developed small-scale tourism and hill-farming communities.
The Phetchabun Mountains run through Phetchabun province and adjacent provinces in north-central Thailand, forming a noticeable upland region between the northern plateau and the central plains.
- Phu Thap Boek: Phu Thap Boek is the most visited peak in the range, popular for viewpoints, cool summers and seasonal flower displays.
What to See #
- Main ridge and plateaus: A high plateau and forested ridges where visitors go for viewpoints and cool-season pine forests; elevations in the range commonly exceed 1,000 metres.
- Phu Thap Boek: Phu Thap Boek - the best-known summit in the range, popular for viewpoints and seasonal flower displays, with an elevation around 1,700-1,800 metres.
How to Get to Phetchabun Mountains #
The Phetchabun range is accessible from the city of Phetchabun and nearby provinces. Buses connect from Bangkok to Phetchabun town (approx. 5-6 hours), and local transport or rental cars reach park areas and viewpoint roads.
Tips for Visiting Phetchabun Mountains #
- Hire a local driver to explore multiple viewpoints-the province's mountain roads are scenic but slow and signed poorly in places.
- Visit Doi Phu Kha (part of the range) for karst landscapes and rare flora instead of trying to see everything in one trip.
- Plan travel between forested park areas and lower towns; distances are longer than they appear on small maps.
Best Time to Visit Phetchabun Mountains #
Late autumn to winter (November-February) is best for clear views and comfortable hikes; avoid heavy monsoon days for trekking.
Weather & Climate near Phetchabun Mountains #
Phetchabun Mountains's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 16°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1229 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 28°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (226 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (234 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.
