Phetchabun MountainsAbout Phetchabun Mountains
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 55% | 0.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.1h |
| February | Ideal | 19° - 33° | 26° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 48% | 1.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.5h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 35° | 29° | 44 mm | some cloud | 49% | 1.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 35° | 31° | 89 mm | some cloud | 55% | 1.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 23° - 33° | 31° | 178 mm | overcast | 71% | 1.3 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 31° | 147 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.0h |
| July | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 30° | 147 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.9h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 226 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 234 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 119 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 25° | 17 mm | some cloud | 74% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 16° - 29° | 23° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.0h |
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.