It has been a while since we took our last trip. Wanderlust and travel bug had taken over yet again and there was no cure but to succumb to it. Finally with a long weekend here, we decided to take a spontaneous trip to a new destination in Thailand. After bouncing a few ideas off each other we landed on Phetchabun for some serenity in the mountains.
We had been seeing a lot of locals and Thai bloggers talking about the place so it looked like a good bet.
Saturday morning struck and we got off to a late start than we would have liked. It was 9:30 am (suppose to leave by 7 am) by the time we left home from Bangkok.
Sure enough after 4.5 hours, without much hiccup, we reached the province of Phetchabun. We still had some more driving to do as the place we were visiting – Khao Kho is situated further up North.
Adventure and misadventure
Welcomed with stunningly beautiful scenery, we wind through the mountains. It was a mixture of rolling hills and lush green vegetation set against a lovely blue sky. The colors were simply mesmerizing, so much that it was difficult to focus on the driving.
Swerving and curving up and down, we decide to open the windows and switch off the AC as the temperature drops by almost 10 degrees. Interestingly enough in contrast, further we go up the mountain, the temperature of the car goes up.
That red needle inches towards the H.
Oh no! I shut off the car engine as we park on the side of the narrow road. Why didn’t we check the car before leaving or keep a bottle of water or coolant?
Across the distance, we see a local man. He spots us and we hesitantly wave at him. Luckily he takes it as a sign for help and approaches us. We explain the situation and he is quick to get us water and even replaces the brake oil.
What a wonderful person. He really saved us and we were late to reach our destination as it was.
Worth the wait
Finally at 4:30 pm we reach our hotel – Khao Kor highland resort. All our worries and anxiety quickly went away as soon as we entered. What sight for sore eyes it truly was – an immaculate splendor of stunning beauty.
The property was engrossed with green meadows, serene lake and European-style lodgings – a perfect getaway hideout for couples, family and friends.
We were quite lucky to get a room here since we had made the booking via telephone as the entire province was fully booked for the long weekend.
Wat Pha Sorn Kaew
After checking in, we don’t even bother to unpack and headed straight for a late lunch. It was too late to go see the fog up the mountain so as soon as we finished lunch, we opted to visit the nearest attraction – Wat Pha Sorn Kaew.
It was only a short 15 minutes drive. The way there was beautiful, made even more special by a gorgeous sunset.
In the distance, we could see Wat Pha Sorn Kaew. A breath-taking site and we instantly understood why it is such an icon in this province. Thais from all over come here to pray at this auspicious location ornate with two separate but distinct temples.
One is an unmissable large, multi-face Buddha image and the other is a very intricately-designed temple.
Phu Tubberk
Another iconic must-visit place in Phetchabun is Phu Tubberk, the tallest mountain in the province. It is home to the Hmong tribe and is also known for being an agricultural center. Over the years it has become very popular and touristic, especially for Thais.
The drive up to the summit was a bit challenging but we welcomed it. We had done a similar one going towards Doi Ang Khang. The view especially was spectacular with rolling green hills as far as the eyes could see. The higher we got, it felt we like we were reaching the heavens as the clouds descended upon us. When we got to the top, it was crawling with cars, campers and guesthouse-style resorts.
Thais love going here to spend time with their family and friends to enjoy cool weather, tranquil ambiance and to simply get away from it all. It’s also a great place for overnight camping where you get to witness a sea of fog and mist blanketing the landscape.
We didn’t see much of it, maybe because of the time of day or weather but we hear during winter time (Nov-Jan), it gets very misty and cloudy.
Here Kanika is overlooking the landscape. We really felt like we were in heaven or somewhere close to it.
We actually found this place a bit overwhelming. There were no walking or trek paths or proper parking spots where we could start exploring the site. The locals even warned us not to walk around when we tried to. It also seemed like no lodgings were empty. At this point we were kicking ourselves for
- not booking in advance (usually for long weekends, you have to book weeks in advance)
- not buying a tent so we could camp out at least
- our car was running out of gas also, which made matters worse
So we continued driving around for a bit, taking pictures and videos along the way till we reached the bottom again. Our journey to misty mountain was at an end.
Another trip to Phu Tub Berk is needed and we intend to stay a night. We’ll be back!
WOW. I don’t know another word for that gorgeous sunset. Glad your day could end so well after the car break down! It’s always great to hear how locals are kind and help out 🙂 Your photos proof of a brilliant destination I will definitely consider at my next Thailand visit, however, sorry to hear you had so much trouble the whole trip. But we’re constantly learning, aren’t we – so it’ll be splendid next time for sure 🙂
Yea for sure. I don’t mean to say these misadventures ruined the trip, it only gave us stories to tell and something to learn from. We loved this trip. Although it ended too soon.
This is indeed a great journey, never mind the hiccup on the road, it turned out well in the end. The landscapes are beautiful and the sunset is stunning indeed.
Sounds like a wonderful journey. A little delay here and there is all ok as long as you are greeted by such a wonderful destination..isn’t it
What a beautiful sunset. Seems like a really nice road trip apart from being out of water. There are some lovely people in the world.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
sunset there was amazing indeed. You’re welcome, glad you liked it
Having my car break down in a place I’m unfamiliar with and far from home is one of my worst nightmares! Thank goodness that local man was there to help you! This looks like such a pretty place – I can see why you would want to walk around more. That sunset also looked like it was pretty special!
Now that’s a place off the beaten track! Sorry to hear about the problems with the car (I’ve been there, it really sucks), but glad it all worked out. The destination was surely worth the wait! It’s gorgeous. And that multi-faced Buddha statue is very interesting!
Hope you will visit these places someday. It’s easy to be swept away to the crowded places. We always do because they are popular for a reason. When you slow travel, then you can hit the less-traveled ones easier.
So important to check your car before your Road trip luckily you guys were able to get help.The images are gorgeous.That mist is stunning. Long weekends always mean no bookings.
Yes, next time definitely gotta check the car. Thanks Verushka.
Is it safe to drive on our own? I heard stories that the trip is very dangerous as it is so foggy tbe road is not visible that only seasoned drivers can make it to the top?
Yes it is quite safe to drive there as long as you know how to drive up mountains. I would not call myself a seasoned driver but it was OK. I’ve done 3-4 mountain trips before. A bit challenging sure and you have to be careful/vigilant but yea it was alright. The fog does make it difficult of course but again be aware at all times. It’s when you get to the top where it gets a bit confusing because the roads get a bit tricky. I would suggest not to go early morning when the fog is at its worst. I went in the afternoon when the sun was out and sky clear. To enjoy the fog, just wake up early in the morning.
Hope it helps! You’ll be alright =)